"Into the Unknown" is a song sung by Elsa in the film, Frozen II.
The song has been described as the film's "answer to 'Let It Go'." Songwriter Kristen Anderson-Lopez stated of the song that "For the first time, Elsa gets to say what she wants in the song. And she takes her first step metaphorically and physically into a bigger world. It represents her growing up and taking responsibility."[1]
The song speaks of both Elsa's reluctance and urge to follow the mysterious voice that is calling to her. The artist Aurora provides the singing voice of the strange voice that is calling to Elsa.
Another version of the song performed by Panic! At the Disco is played during the films' end credits.
The chant sung by the voice was inspired by the musical motif "Dies irae" and was inspired by the art of kulning - the idea that Elsa was being called like cattle.[2]
Idina Menzel, as well as Elsa's international voice actresses, performed the song at the 2020 Academy Awards.
Lyrics
Voice:
Ah ah, ah ah
Ah ah, ah ah
Ah ah, ah ah ah ah
Elsa:
I can hear you but I won't
Some look for trouble
While others don't
There's a thousand reasons
I should go about my day
And ignore your whispers
Which I wish would go away, oh oh
Voice:
Ah ah, ah ah
Elsa:
Oh
Voice:
Ah ah ah ah, ah
Elsa:
You're not a voice
You're just a ringing in my ear
And if I heard you, which I don't
I'm spoken for, I fear
Everyone I've ever loved is here within these walls
I'm sorry, secret siren, but I'm blocking out your calls
I've had my adventure, I don't need something new
I'm afraid of what I'm risking if I follow you
Into the unknown
Into the unknown
Into the unknown
Voice:
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Elsa:
Ah
Voice:
Ah ah ah ah, ah, ah
Elsa:
What do you want? 'Cause you've been keeping me awake
Are you here to distract me so I make a big mistake?
Or are you someone out there who's a little bit like me?
Who knows deep down I'm not where I'm meant to be?
Every day's a little harder as I feel my power grow
Don't you know there's part of me that longs to go
Into the unknown?
Into the unknown
Into the unknown
Voice:
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Elsa:
Whoa oh oh
Are you out there?
Do you know me?
Can you feel me?
Can you show me?
Ah ah ah ah
Voice:
Ah ah ah ah
Elsa:
Ah ah ah ah
Voice:
Ah ah ah ah
Elsa and Voice:
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Elsa: (Voice):
Where are you going?
Don't leave me alone
How do I follow you (Ah ah ah ah, ah ah ah ah)
Into the unknown? (Ah, ah, ah!)
Ah ah oh oh oh
Ah ah oh oh oh oh oh oh
Into the unknown
Into the unknown
Into the unknown
Ah ah ah ah ah
I can hear you but I won't
Some look for trouble
While others don't
There's a thousand reasons
I should go about my day
And ignore your whispers
Which I wish would go away, ah ah oh oh
Oh oh
You're not a voice
You're just a ringing in my ear
And if I heard you, which I don't
I'm spoken for I fear
Everyone I've ever loved is here within these walls
I'm sorry, secret siren, but I'm blocking out your calls
I've had my adventure, I don't need something new
I'm afraid of what I'm risking if I follow you
Into the unknown
Into the unknown
Into the unknown
Ah ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah ah oh oh
What do you want? 'Cause you've been keeping me awake
Are you here to distract me so I make a big mistake?
Or are you someone out there who's a little bit like me?
Who knows deep down I'm not where I'm meant to be?
Every day's a little harder as I feel your power grow
Don't you know there's part of me that longs to go
Into the unknown?
Into the unknown
Into the unknown
Ah ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah ah
Oh oh oh
Are you out there?
Do you know me?
Can you feel me?
Can you show me?
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Where are you going?
Don't leave me alone
How do I follow you
Into the unknown?
Whoo!
Videos
Trivia
- Towards the end, Elsa's ice visuals form spectral images of who will come to represent the Elemental Spirits: flames for fire, the Earth Giants for earth, a tornado for air, and the water horse for water.
References
- ↑ Chi, Paul (November 8, 2019). "This Song Is Frozen II’s Answer to “Let It Go”". Vanity Fair. Retrieved on November 9, 2019.
- ↑ Robinson, Joanna (December 5, 2019). "Frozen II Songwriters on the Surprisingly Creepy Inspiration Behind the Movie’s Latest Earworm". Vanity Fair. Retrieved on December 7, 2019.
