Prince Ali Lyrics And Translation: A Detailed Look

Nov 15, 2025 by Alex Braham 51 views

Hey guys! Have you ever found yourself humming the catchy tune of "Prince Ali" from Aladdin but wished you knew exactly what you were singing? Or maybe you're just curious about the beautiful meanings hidden in the lyrics? Well, you're in the right place! This article dives deep into the lyrics of "Prince Ali," providing both the original words and their translations, so you can fully appreciate this iconic Disney song. Whether you’re a die-hard Aladdin fan or just discovering this musical gem, get ready to explore the magic behind the music!

Unveiling the Magic: The Story Behind "Prince Ali"

Before we jump into the lyrics and their translations, let's set the stage. "Prince Ali" is a song performed in the 1992 Disney animated film, Aladdin. It’s sung by Genie, voiced by the incredibly talented Robin Williams, as he introduces Aladdin disguised as Prince Ali Ababwa to the people of Agrabah. The song is a grand spectacle, filled with humor, energy, and dazzling imagery, designed to impress Princess Jasmine and the Sultan. The main goal of the song is to convince everyone that Aladdin is worthy of Jasmine's hand in marriage by showcasing his supposed wealth, power, and magnificence. This scene is not just a musical number; it’s a crucial plot point that drives the story forward, adding layers of humor and charm to the narrative. The song's impact lies not only in its catchy melody but also in its clever lyrics and Genie's over-the-top performance, making it a beloved part of Disney's musical legacy. The vibrant animation and the sheer energy of the scene make it a standout moment in the film, capturing the essence of Disney magic. It showcases the Genie's ability to bend reality and create a fantastical illusion, highlighting his immense power and playful nature. Through this song, we see Aladdin's transformation, albeit a temporary one, into someone who appears to be a worthy suitor for Princess Jasmine. Understanding the context of the song enriches our appreciation of the lyrics and their translations, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the world of Aladdin.

The song also serves as a commentary on appearances and deception. Aladdin, despite his humble origins, is presented as a prince with unimaginable riches. This juxtaposition highlights the theme that appearances can be deceiving and that true worth lies beneath the surface. The song's playful tone allows it to explore these themes without being overly serious, making it accessible and enjoyable for audiences of all ages. It's a reminder that judging people based on their external presentation can be misleading and that it's essential to look beyond the facade. As the Genie sings about Prince Ali's extravagant possessions and impressive entourage, the audience is invited to question the value of these material things and to consider what truly makes someone worthy of respect and admiration. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to entertain and provoke thought simultaneously, making it a timeless classic in the Disney canon. So, with all that in mind, let's explore the lyrics and translations, line by line, to uncover all the nuances and hidden gems within this spectacular musical number.

Decoding the Lyrics: "Prince Ali" Line by Line

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty! We're going to break down the lyrics of "Prince Ali" line by line, giving you both the original English lyrics and their meanings. This way, you can sing along with confidence and understand every joke and reference. This is where the real fun begins, so buckle up!

The Grand Entrance

The song starts with a bang, literally!

Original: Make way for Prince Ali!
Translation: Give space for Prince Ali! This line is a command, telling everyone to step aside and make room for the grand arrival of Prince Ali. It sets the stage for the spectacle to come and immediately establishes the importance of the character.
Original: Say hey! It's Prince Ali!
Translation: Say hello! It's Prince Ali! A simple greeting, but it's delivered with such enthusiasm that it's impossible not to get caught up in the excitement. It’s an invitation for everyone to acknowledge and welcome the prince.
Original: Prince Ali! Amighty he!
Translation: Prince Ali! Powerful he! This line emphasizes Prince Ali's strength and influence. The word "amighty" is a bit archaic, but it conveys a sense of great power and importance. It underscores the idea that Prince Ali is not just any prince; he is a force to be reckoned with.
Original: Ali Ababwa
Translation: Ali Ababwa This is simply the prince's name, repeated for emphasis. It has a catchy rhythm that makes it memorable and adds to the song's infectious energy.

Showcasing the Extravagance

Next, Genie starts listing all of Prince Ali's amazing stuff.

Original: He's got seventy-five golden camels
Translation: He owns seventy-five camels made of gold. This is the first example of Prince Ali's incredible wealth. Seventy-five golden camels is an absurdly large number, highlighting the opulence of the supposed prince. The image is intentionally over-the-top, showcasing the Genie's ability to exaggerate and create a fantastical illusion.
Original: Purple peacocks, he's got fifty-three
Translation: He owns fifty-three purple peacocks. Another example of extravagant possessions. Purple peacocks are rare and exotic, further emphasizing Prince Ali's wealth and unique status. The specific number, fifty-three, adds a touch of humor, as it seems like an arbitrary and precise detail.
Original: When it comes to exotic mammals
Translation: When we are talking about unusual animals This line sets up the next series of boasts, indicating that Prince Ali's collection of exotic animals is particularly impressive. It prepares the audience for the even more outlandish claims that are about to follow.
Original: Has he got a zoo? I'm telling you, it's a world-class menagerie!
Translation: Does he have a zoo? I'm telling you, it's an amazing collection of animals! This line confirms that Prince Ali has a massive collection of animals, so impressive that it can be considered a world-class zoo. The term "menagerie" adds a touch of sophistication, emphasizing the quality and diversity of the collection. The Genie's enthusiasm is palpable, making the claim even more convincing.

The Impressive Entourage

It's not just about the stuff; Prince Ali has a whole crew!

Original: Prince Ali! Handsome is he!
Translation: Prince Ali! He is handsome! This line highlights Prince Ali's physical attractiveness, making him even more appealing to Princess Jasmine. It reinforces the idea that he is not only wealthy and powerful but also good-looking. This combination of qualities makes him seem like the perfect suitor.
Original: Ali Ababwa
Translation: Ali Ababwa Again, the name is repeated for emphasis and to keep the song's rhythm going.
Original: That physique! How 'bout that?
Translation: Look at his body! What do you think about that? This line is a playful and suggestive comment on Prince Ali's physique. It adds a touch of humor and reinforces the idea that he is physically attractive. The Genie's delivery of this line is particularly cheeky, making it one of the most memorable moments in the song.
Original: He's got ninety-five white Persian monkeys!
Translation: He owns ninety-five white Persian monkeys! Another example of extravagant possessions, this time focusing on exotic animals. White Persian monkeys are rare and valuable, further emphasizing Prince Ali's wealth and status. The specific number, ninety-five, adds a touch of humor and absurdity.
Original: And to view his parades he has paid them forty fakirs!
Translation: And he has paid forty holy men to watch his parades! This line is a bit more complex. Fakirs are holy men, and the idea that Prince Ali has paid them to watch his parades is both humorous and slightly sacrilegious. It suggests that he is so wealthy and powerful that he can afford to hire religious figures to be entertained by him.

The Grand Finale

The song builds to a climax with even more over-the-top claims.

Original: Prince Ali! Fabulous he!
Translation: Prince Ali! He is amazing! This line emphasizes Prince Ali's overall fabulousness, summing up all of the qualities that have been highlighted throughout the song. It reinforces the idea that he is an extraordinary and impressive individual.
Original: Ali Ababwa
Translation: Ali Ababwa The name is repeated once again for emphasis and rhythm.
Original: He's got servants, he's got flunkies and prouder than he is of all them
Translation: He has servants and assistants, and he is prouder of them than anything else. This line highlights Prince Ali's extensive staff and suggests that he takes great pride in them. It reinforces the idea that he is a powerful and important figure who commands the respect and loyalty of many people. The Genie's delivery of this line is particularly enthusiastic, making it clear that Prince Ali is a man of great influence.
Original: Is the fact that last week I took two cities! (Took two cities!)
Translation: Is the fact that last week I conquered two cities! (Conquered two cities!) This is the most outrageous claim of all, suggesting that Prince Ali is not only wealthy and powerful but also a skilled military leader. The fact that he conquered two cities in a single week is an incredible feat, further emphasizing his greatness. The repetition of "Took two cities!" adds to the humor and absurdity of the claim.
Original: Just to entertain him I'm gonna pull a rabbit out of my hat
Translation: Just to entertain him, I'm going to perform a magic trick. This line brings the focus back to the Genie and his magical abilities. The promise to pull a rabbit out of his hat is a classic magic trick, adding a touch of whimsy to the grand spectacle. It reminds the audience that the entire presentation is a performance, orchestrated by the Genie to impress Princess Jasmine and the Sultan.
Original: I'm gonna make a swan out of a bat
Translation: I'm going to transform a bat into a swan. Another example of the Genie's magical abilities. Transforming a bat into a swan is a more impressive feat than pulling a rabbit out of a hat, further showcasing his power and skill. The image of a bat transforming into a swan is also visually striking, adding to the song's fantastical imagery.
Original: I'm gonna need a volunteer
Translation: I need someone to help me with this trick. This line is a classic magician's trope, inviting someone from the audience to participate in the performance. It adds a touch of interactivity and makes the audience feel more involved in the spectacle. The Genie's playful tone suggests that he is enjoying the performance as much as the audience is.
Original: I'm gonna need a volunteer. Abracadabra, ala-kazam!
Translation: I need someone to help me with this trick. Abracadabra, ala-kazam! The addition of "Abracadabra, ala-kazam!" is a classic magician's incantation, adding to the sense of magic and wonder. It signals that the trick is about to begin and builds anticipation for the grand finale. The nonsensical words add to the humor and whimsy of the performance.
Original: Prince Ali has won your heart
Translation: Prince Ali has captured your affection. This line is a direct appeal to Princess Jasmine, suggesting that Prince Ali has already won her heart. It reinforces the idea that he is the perfect suitor and that she should accept his proposal. The Genie's confident delivery suggests that he is certain of his success.
Original: I can tell by your reaction
Translation: I can see it in your face. This line is a playful acknowledgment of Princess Jasmine's feelings, suggesting that her reaction to Prince Ali is a clear indication of her affection. It adds a touch of humor and reinforces the idea that the Genie is aware of everything that is happening.
Original: Prince Ali! Handsome is he!
Translation: Prince Ali! He is handsome! This line is repeated from earlier in the song, reinforcing the idea that Prince Ali is physically attractive. It serves as a reminder of his desirable qualities and adds to the song's overall message.
Original: Ali Ababwa
Translation: Ali Ababwa The name is repeated one last time for emphasis and to bring the song to a satisfying conclusion.
Original: Prince Ali! Fabulous he!
Translation: Prince Ali! He is amazing! This line is also repeated from earlier in the song, summarizing Prince Ali's overall fabulousness and reinforcing the idea that he is an extraordinary individual.
Original: Ali Ababwa
Translation: Ali Ababwa The final repetition of the name brings the song to a definitive close, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of Prince Ali's greatness.
Original: Prince Ali! (Prince Ali!)
Translation: Prince Ali! (Prince Ali!) This final exclamation emphasizes Prince Ali's importance and leaves a lasting impression.

Why "Prince Ali" Remains a Timeless Classic

So, why does "Prince Ali" continue to resonate with audiences of all ages? It's more than just a catchy tune; it's a masterclass in musical storytelling. The song perfectly blends humor, spectacle, and memorable lyrics to create a truly unforgettable moment in Disney history. The Genie's dynamic performance, coupled with the vibrant animation, makes it a feast for the eyes and ears.

The song's enduring appeal also lies in its universal themes. The idea of transformation and the power of appearances are timeless concepts that continue to be relevant today. While Aladdin's disguise as Prince Ali is ultimately a deception, it allows him to experience a different world and to gain the attention of Princess Jasmine. This highlights the allure of wealth and power, but also underscores the importance of being true to oneself.

Moreover, "Prince Ali" is a testament to the genius of the songwriters, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Their clever lyrics and memorable melodies have made this song a staple in the Disney songbook. The song's structure, with its repetitive chorus and escalating boasts, is perfectly designed to build excitement and create a sense of anticipation. The use of specific numbers and outlandish claims adds to the humor and absurdity, making the song all the more enjoyable.

In conclusion, "Prince Ali" is a complex and multifaceted song that continues to delight audiences with its humor, spectacle, and memorable lyrics. By understanding the lyrics and their translations, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the song's artistry and its place in Disney history. So next time you find yourself singing along to "Prince Ali," remember the magic behind the music and the story it tells. And who knows, maybe you'll even be inspired to pull a rabbit out of your own hat!