Zero to Hero

Album: Hercules Soundtrack (1997)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel wrote this gospel-themed number to celebrate the title character of Disney's Hercules, who is "so hot, he makes steam look cool."
  • Menken had a much different idea in mind for the song. He told Entertainment Weekly: "The directors, Ron Clements and John Musker, really wanted gospel because that's what you sing when you're singing about God - or in this case, the gods. I was reluctant because I wanted to do something very classic and Greek - a Candide approach. But it turned out to be so much fun. David Zippel did the lyrics, and we were such an interesting combination because he's like Cole Porter with his wit. 'He can tell you what's a Grecian urn.' Putting smart lyrics with gospel music really created a very unique blend, and the best example of that was on 'Zero to Hero,' which was just this roller coaster of lyrical cleverness."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Leslie West of Mountain

Leslie West of MountainSongwriter Interviews

From the cowbell on "Mississippi Queen" to recording with The Who when they got the wrong Felix, stories from one of rock's master craftsmen.

Shawn Mullins

Shawn MullinsSongwriter Interviews

"Lullaby" singer Shawn Mullins on "Beautiful Wreck," beating the Devil, and his writing credit on the Zac Brown Band song "Toes."

Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Shaun Morgan of Seether

Shaun Morgan of SeetherSongwriter Interviews

Shaun breaks down the Seether songs, including the one about his brother, the one about Ozzy, and the one that may or may not be about his ex-girlfriend Amy Lee.