No one could have prepared us for “The Scuttlebutt” in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. No one. When the film’s official soundtrack was released ahead of the movie’s premiere, fans went wild for this two-minute rap song in all the worst ways, prematurely labeling Awkwafina’s solo the worst part of the movie. However, “The Scuttlebutt” is now seeing a repetitive story arc I can guarantee no one saw coming. Except maybe the song’s writer, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
On TikTok, you can find dozens upon dozens of Little Mermaid fans jamming out to the rump-shaking, hip-swaying (maybe even a little ear-grating) song. They are claiming it to be not only a banger but — get this — one of the best songs in the film.
Once you get past the silly lyrics, it’s actually… pretty catchy. Especially Daveed Diggs’ part. Go on, try not to at least smile.
Maybe rap isn’t your cup of tea, but Lin-Manuel Miranda has built a bridge for you to dance across with this song. Trust me, if this TikToker can appreciate it, you can too.
Now, I’m not going to deny that if played on repeat, the song would get tiresome. In fact, I feel bad for all the parents stuck listening to it on repeat in their minivans as their kids shout “again” and “again” from the backseat. Let’s pour one out for them, folks.
But if you’re not a parent operating on three hours of sleep and juggling the demands of a young child (or children), you just might find yourself as loosey-goosey as this animated version of Vanessa.
Sure, yes, Awkwafina’s, ahem, distinct voice can be grating at times, but when she really gets into that pocket of rhythm, “The Scuttlebutt” ain’t that bad.
Now, if your complaint is that there was no point to include the song in the first place, well, TikTok user @moviemija would have to respectfully disagree. As a matter of fact, she articulates quite succinctly the value it brings to the film, and why Lin-Manuel Miranda knew exactly what he was doing when he wrote it.
Whether “The Scuttlebutt” fits into that “so bad it’s good” category, or is actually a quality piece of music is a personal preference, to be sure, but it’s done what every song hopes to do, and that’s to become memorable. You might not remember that Ariel sang a new song “For the First Time” or that Prince Eric sang about the “Wild Uncharted Waters,” but you will remember that Scuttle had some juicy Scuttlebutt to share with Sebastian and Ariel. For that reason alone, it did its job.
The Little Mermaid is currently playing in theaters, should you feel ready to feast your ears on “The Scuttlebutt.”