Colors of the Wind - wikipedia Colors of the Wind `` Colors of the Wind '' Song by Judy Kuhn from the album Pocahontas : An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack Released May 30, 1995 Genre Pop Length 3 : 34 Label Walt Disney Songwriter ( s ) Alan Menken Stephen Schwartz Producer ( s ) Alan Menken `` Colors of the Wind '' is a song written by lyricist Stephen Schwartz and composer Alan Menken for Walt Disney Pictures ' 33rd animated feature film Pocahontas ( 1995 ). The film 's theme song, `` Colors of the Wind '' was originally recorded by American singer and actress Judy Kuhn in her role as the singing voice of Pocahontas. American actress and recording artist Vanessa Williams 's cover of the song was released as the lead single from the film 's soundtrack on May 23, 1995. A pop and R&B ballad, produced by Grammy Award - winning producer Keith Thomas, the song 's lyrics speak of respecting nature and living in harmony with the Earth 's creatures. The song is also featured on her third studio album The Sweetest Days. `` Colors of the Wind '' won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 68th Academy Awards in 1995, becoming composer Alan Menken 's fourth win in the category. It also won the Golden Globe in the same category as well as the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Movie. The song poetically presents the Native American viewpoint that the earth is a living entity where humankind is connected to everything in nature. Contents 1 Background 2 Composition 3 Reception 4 Cover versions 4.1 Vanessa Williams version 4.1. 1 Background and composition 4.1. 2 Critical reception 4.2 Other covers 5 Charts and certifications 5.1 Vanessa Williams version 5.1. 1 Weekly charts 5.2 Year - end charts 5.3 Certifications 6 References 7 Furthur reading 8 External links Background The song was inspired by the words of Chief Seattle. Following the death of Howard Ashman, the Walt Disney Company wanted to find another musician to colloborate with Alan Menken on his scores for animated films. Stephen Schwartz, the composer behind the Broadway hits Godspell, Pippin, and The Magic Show, received a call from the company asking if he would like to collaborate with Menken. Schwartz had never considered working in the film industry, but agreed to do so nonetheless. Schwartz did not feel he was well - suited to the job. Schwartz wanted to write a song for the film wherein Pocahontas confronts the Eurocentrism of John Smith. `` Colors of the Wind '' was the first song written for Pocahontas. According to Schwartz, the song `` influence ( d ) the development of the rest of the film. '' Schwartz said that `` a story - board outline was in place before we wrote ( the track ). This is often the process in animation, at least as I 've experienced it, where everybody works from an outline and each succeeding piece of material, whether it is a song or drawings, influences the next. '' The track was inspired by Native American poetry, music and folklore, as well as a famous letter sent to the United States Congress by Chief Seattle regarding humanity 's relationship with nature. Part of the letter reads : `` The wind that gave our grandfather his first breath also received his last sigh. The wind also gives our children the spirit of life. So if we sell our land, you must keep it apart and sacred, as a place where man can go to taste the wind that is sweetened by the meadow flowers. '' This portion of the letter inspired the song 's title, which Schwartz liked because he saw it as paradoxical and thought - provoking. Schwartz also drew inspiration for `` Colors of the Wind '' from the music of Oscar Hammerstein II and Sheldon Harnick, as it deals with issues of prejudice. Menken said that while `` Colors of the Wind '' was `` born out of the modality of Native American music... it quickly moved to its own place, which is hard to define. '' Menken has noted that the song lacks humor, which he and Schwartz attempted to inject into Pocahontas and failed. Initially, the final lines of the song were `` For your life 's an empty hull / till you get it through your skull / you can paint with all the colors of the wind. '' Menken disapproved of these lyrics and asked Schwartz to rewrite them ; Schwartz changed the lines to `` You can own the Earth, and still / all you 'll own is earth until / you can paint with all the colors of the wind. '' Schwartz preferred the altered lyrics. Menken views `` Colors of the Wind '' as one of the most important songs he has written. Schwartz believed that the Walt Disney Company would reject `` Colors of the Wind '' for being philosophical and different from previous Disney songs, but the studio embraced it. Composition `` Colors of the Wind '' has been compared to the writings of transcendentalists Henry David Thoreau ( left ) and Ralph Waldo Emerson ( right ). A thirty - second sample of `` Colors of the Wind '', a pop ballad. `` Colors of the Wind '' is a pop ballad written by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz and performed by Judy Kuhn. It has a length of three minutes and thirty - four seconds. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the song does not resemble Native American music. The song is about animism and having respect for nature. It features lyrics about `` painting with all the colors of the wind '' and listening to `` the voices of the mountains sing. '' Madhurya Gajula of The Odyssey Online opined that the song 's lyrics about nature 's interconnectivity bears similarity to transcendentalism, specifically the philosophy of Henry David Thoreau ; similarly, Justyna Fruzińska wrote in Emerson Goes to the Movies : Individualism in Walt Disney Company 's Post-1989 Animated Films that the lyrics of `` Colors of the Wind '' are reminiscent of the writings of transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson and New Age spirituality. The staff of Billboard likened the lyrics of `` Colors of the Wind '' to a public service announcement. Sonically, Rita Kempley of The Washington Post found `` Colors of the Wind '' akin to music from Busby Berkeley films and The Little Mermaid ( 1989 ). The song also features a mention of a `` blue corn moon '' ; there is no such thing in Native American culture. Responding to a fan inquiry, Schwartz admitted that he coined the phrase after reading a Native American love poem which read : `` I will come to you in the moon of green corn '' ; Native American referred to months as `` moons '' and named them after events that happened seasonally, such as the sprouting of green corn. Schwartz disliked the phrase `` green corn moon '' due to the sound of the word `` green '' and because he felt it might evoke the urban legend that the Moon is made of green cheese. Instead, Schwartz used the phrase `` blue corn moon '' as it reminded him of both blue moons and blue corn tortillas. Schwartz thought that the phrase might evoke the Indigenous peoples of the Southeastern Woodlands rather than the Algonquin people depicted in Pocahontas, but was satisfied with it anyway. Reception Dominick Suzanne - Mayer of Consequence of Sound praised the track for featuring `` surprisingly cutting '' lyrics, `` pointed commentary on racism, and a dynamic, soulful performance from Judy Kuhn all in one place. '' Time 's Raisa Bruner deemed `` Colors of the Wind '' one of the `` powerful, uplifting theme songs '' from the Disney Renaissance and a `` classic ''. Jordan Appugliesi of Mic ranked it the sixth best song from a Disney soundtrack, saying that it is `` a poignant, memorable ballad '' in the vein of `` Reflection '' from Mulan ( 1998 ). Rita Kempler of The Washington Post felt that the `` stirring anthem '' is the song from Pocahontas which `` comes closest to a show - stopper. '' The staff of Billboard called the song `` artistic '' and `` wistful '' and ranked it the ninth best song of the Disney Renaissance. Writing for The Austin Chronicle, Hollis Chacona opined `` Unlike so many film composers of late, Menken knows when to keep quiet and when to let loose his powerful score. That power soars through its centerpiece ( and no doubt Oscar - bound ) song, ' Colors of the Wind, ' performed by Judy Kuhn. '' Dorkys Ramos of Time Out said that the song and `` When You Wish Upon a Star '' from Pinocchio ( 1940 ) are `` at the top of our list when it comes to songs we do n't tire of hearing again and again. '' Spin 's Andrew Unterberger criticized the track 's `` patronizing '' portrayal of Native American beliefs, but said that `` man... Judy Kuhn 's voice soars, with those little trills and sweeping highs. It makes it much easier to get behind what 's ultimately an agreeable message of environmental awareness and acceptance. '' Aylin Zafar of BuzzFeed ranked `` Colors of the Wind '' the ninth best Disney song, commending it for `` encourag ( ing ) people to appreciate the world around them and to seek to understand others before judging them. '' Gregory E. Miller of the New York Post deemed it one of Disney 's best songs and an `` iconic hit '' which is `` flashier '' than another song fron Pocahontas, `` Just Around the Riverbend ''. Screen Rant 's Turner Minton viewed `` Colors of the Wind '' as the tenth best Disney song and `` an anthem about the harmonious nature of the shared world which embraces all races of people. '' Charles Solomon of the Los Angeles Times viewed `` Colors of the Wind '' and `` When She Loved Me '' from Toy Story 2 ( 1999 ) as the only Disney songs released since Howard Ashman 's death which `` approached the standards '' of the music from Beauty and the Beast ( 1991 ) and Aladdin ( 1992 ). The staff of People said that the track is `` performed effectively within the body of the film by Kuhn ''. CollegeHumor 's Willie Muse wrote that `` even though Pocahontas as a whole is completely forgettable, I guarantee everyone reading this knows every single lyric of ( '' Colors of the Wind `` ). Beautiful to listen to and epic in its scope, ' Colors of the Wind ' transcends the movie that birthed it to earn its place as an undeniable classic. '' Janet Maslin of The New York Times deemed the song `` heartfelt '' but less catchy than previous Disney songs. Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly stated that Pocahontas ' `` Alan Menken - Stephen Schwartz songs have all the flavor of uncooked dough ''. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone criticized the song for its political correctness and for `` sermoniz ( ing ) about ecology by using pedestrian conceits ''. Cover versions Vanessa Williams version `` Colors of the Wind '' Single by Vanessa Williams from the album Pocahontas : An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack and The Sweetest Days Released May 23, 1995 Format CD single Recorded 1995 Genre Adult contemporary pop Length 4 : 17 Label Walt Disney, Mercury Songwriter ( s ) Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz Producer ( s ) Keith Thomas Vanessa Williams singles chronology `` The Way That You Love '' ( 1995 ) `` Colors of the Wind '' ( 1995 ) `` You Ca n't Run '' ( 1995 ) `` The Way That You Love '' ( 1995 ) `` Colors of the Wind '' ( 1995 ) `` You Ca n't Run '' ( 1995 ) Background and composition Vanessa Williams was chosen to perform `` Colors of the Wind '' due to the success of her Grammy Award - nominated single `` Save the Best for Last ''. Williams ' cover is an adult contemporary pop song which omits the opening lyrics of the original version of the track. The cover features Bill Miller playing the Native American flute. Scott Mendelson of Forbes wrote `` The practice of having what amounts to a radio - friendly pop version of a given Disney song for a new Disney movie is of course an old tradition going back at least to '' Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson 's cover of the title track of Beauty and the Beast ( 1991 ) ; Mendelson noted that this practice was continued with Williams ' version of `` Colors of the Wind '' and Demi Lovato 's rendition of `` Let It Go '' from Frozen ( 2013 ). According to Mendelson, Williams ' cover `` was considered an ' all is forgiven ' note '' following the removal of Williams ' Miss America title. Critical reception Raisa Bruner of Time said that Williams ' rendition was `` performed flawlessly '', adding that `` The powerful Pocahontas song finds the crystal - clear voice of Vanessa Williams painting a vision of 17th - century Native American life -- and the importance of the environment -- that still resonates with audiences today. '' Bruner said that the cover stood alongside Elton John 's version of `` Can You Feel the Love Tonight '' from The Lion King ( 1994 ) as one of `` the best radio - ready versions of Disney 's finest melodies ''. MTV 's Jessica Norton felt that the cover is `` even more magical '' than the original and `` fitting... for free - spirited ' Nessa to cover. '' The staff of People opined that the song is `` not well served by the former Miss America 's pop diva turn. Indeed, her overblown interpretation seems directly at odds with the song 's message. Stay tuned to Kuhn. '' Other Covers Due to the popularity of the song, many versions of it exist by different artists and in several languages. Actress Vanessa Hudgens covered the song for Disneymania 5 ( 2007 ). Australian soprano Mirusia Louwerse covered `` Colors of the Wind '' for This Time Tomorrow ( 2016 ), her debut solo album. The singer 's arrangement has been described as featuring `` a simple and unobtrusive accompaniment on acoustic guitar. '' Charts and certifications Vanessa Williams version Weekly charts Chart ( 1995 ) Peak position Australian ARIA Singles Chart 16 Irish Singles Chart 16 New Zealand RIANZ Singles Chart 25 UK Singles Chart 21 US Billboard Hot 100 US Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks US Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks 10 US Billboard Hot R&B / Hip - Hop Songs 53 Chart ( 1996 ) Peak position Dutch Top 40 8 Gfk Dutch Charts 9 Flanders Ultratop 50 38 Year - end charts Chart ( 1995 ) Position US Billboard Hot 100 31 Certifications Region Certification Certified units / Sales United States ( RIAA ) Gold 700,000 sales figures based on certification alone References Jump up ^ Shenton, Mark ( October 27, 2016 ). `` Stephen Schwartz : I had no idea how cut - throat and mean theatre was ' ''. The Stage. Retrieved February 12, 2018. ^ Jump up to : Laird 2014, pp. 232 -- 233. ^ Jump up to : `` Stephen Schwartz Comments on Disney 's Pocahontas '' ( PDF ). stephenschwartz.com. 2010. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on September 24, 2015. Retrieved May 24, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Snetiker, Marc ( July 22, 2015 ). `` Alan Menken tells stories behind 7 classic Disney songs ''. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 12, 2018. ^ Jump up to : Mackie, Drew ( December 9, 1992 ). `` Disney 's Pocahontas Has Been Painting with All the Colors of the Wind for 20 Years ''. People. Jump up ^ Laird 2014, pp. 234. Jump up ^ Palm, Matthew J. ( November 7, 2016 ). `` Inside the mind of legendary Broadway, Disney composer Stephen Schwartz ''. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved February 12, 2018. Jump up ^ Strauss, Bob ( June 23, 1996 ). `` Courting Controversy ? Disney 's Newest Animated Feature, ' Hunchback Of Notre Dame, ' Takes On Sensitive Adult Issues ''. The Spokesman - Review. Archived from the original on May 16, 2017. Retrieved February 13, 2018. ^ Jump up to : Gajula, Madhurya ( November 14, 2017 ). `` 10 Transcendentalist Pop Songs Thoreau Would Jam Out To In The Woods By Walden Pond ''. The Odyssey Online. Retrieved February 10, 2018. ^ Jump up to : Appugliesi, Jordan ( April 25, 2017 ). `` The 11 best Disney soundtrack songs of all - time : From ' Pinocchio ' to ' Frozen ' ''. Mic. Retrieved February 10, 2018. ^ Jump up to : `` Colors of the Wind Composed by Alan Menken / Stephen Schwartz ''. AllMusic. Retrieved February 10, 2018. Jump up ^ Boyd, Bentley ( December 9, 1992 ). `` Disney Animators Poised To Portray Pocahontas ''. Orlando Sentinel. ^ Jump up to : Kempley, Rita. `` ' Pocahontas ' : A Hit or Myth Proposition '' The Washington Post. June 23, 1995 ^ Jump up to : Billboard Staff ( March 15, 2017 ). `` Every Song From the Disney Renaissance ( 1989 - ' 99 ), Ranked : Critics ' Take ''. Billboard. Retrieved February 12, 2018. Jump up ^ Fruzińska 2014, pp. 80 - 81. Jump up ^ Shoemaker, Allison ; Dominick, Suzanne - Mayer ( March 15, 2017 ). `` Ranking : Every Disney Song From Worst to Best ''. Consequence of Sound. Retrieved February 13, 2018. ^ Jump up to : Bruner, Raisa ( July 7, 2018 ). `` 11 Classic Disney Songs Performed Flawlessly by Famous Pop Stars ''. Time. Retrieved February 12, 2017. Jump up ^ Chacona, Hollis ( June 23, 1995 ). `` Pocahontas ''. The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved February 13, 2018. Jump up ^ Ramos, Dorkys ( September 26, 2017 ). `` The best Disney songs of all time ''. Time Out. Retrieved February 14, 2018. Jump up ^ Unterberger, Andrew ( February 19, 2015 ). `` Every Oscar Winner for Best Original Song, Ranked ''. Spin. SpinMedia. Retrieved May 27, 2015. Jump up ^ Zafar, Aylin ( April 21, 2014 ). `` The Definitive Ranking Of The 102 Best Animated Disney Songs ''. BuzzFeed. Retrieved February 14, 2018. Jump up ^ Miller, Gregory E. ( March 18, 2014 ). `` The best ( and the most underrated ) Disney songs ''. New York Post. Retrieved February 14, 2018. Jump up ^ Turner, Minton ( March 16, 2017 ). `` The Best Disney Songs Of All Time, Ranked ''. Scree Rant. Retrieved February 14, 2018. Jump up ^ Solomon, Charles ( December 31, 2001 ). `` But It Was Big Enough Already ''. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 13, 2018. Jump up ^ People Staff ( July 24, 1995 ). `` Picks and Pans Review : Pocahontas Soundtrack ''. People. Retrieved February 13, 2018. Jump up ^ Muse, Willie ( November 6, 2017 ). `` The 10 Best Disney Songs of All Time, Objectively ''. CollegeHumor. Retrieved February 13, 2018. Jump up ^ Maslin, Jane ( June 11, 1995 ). `` History as Buckskin - Clad Fairy Tale ''. The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2017. Jump up ^ Gleiberman, Owen ( June 16, 1995 ). `` Pocahontas ''. Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2017. Jump up ^ Travers, Peter ( June 23, 1995 ). `` Pocahontas ''. Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Vanessa Williams comes to Fallsview Casino in August ''. Niagara Falls Review. May 10, 2017. Retrieved February 13, 2018. ^ Jump up to : Mendelson, Scott ( January 26, 2014 ). `` Lana Del Rey Covers ' Once Upon A Dream ' For Angelina Jolie 's ' Maleficent ' ''. Forbes. Retrieved February 13, 2018. Jump up ^ Nerl, Daryl ( January 26, 2014 ). `` Native American singer Bill Miller tells why Bethlehem 's Godfrey Daniels is a favorite club ''. The Morning Call. Retrieved February 13, 2018. Jump up ^ Norton, Jessica ( October 21, 2015 ). `` 17 Times Your Fave Stars Made Disney Songs Even More Magical ''. MTV. Retrieved February 13, 2018. Jump up ^ `` Disney -- Disneymania 5 ''. AllMusic. March 27, 2007. Retrieved March 14, 2018. Jump up ^ `` Mirusia - This Time Tomorrow ''. ABC Shop. Retrieved March 14, 2018. ^ Jump up to : Arkinstall, Meldi ( July 14, 2016 ). `` Mirusia : This Time Tomorrow - Meldi Arkinstall CD Review ''. The Culture Concept Circle. Retrieved March 14, 2018. Jump up ^ `` australian-charts.com ''. Retrieved December 6, 2008. Jump up ^ `` irishcharts.ie search results for Vanessa Williams ''. Archived from the original on February 1, 2010. Retrieved December 6, 2008. Jump up ^ `` charts.org.nz - Vanessa Williams - Colors Of The Wind ''. Retrieved December 6, 2008. Jump up ^ `` everyhit.com search results for Vanessa Williams ''. Archived from the original on July 18, 2007. Retrieved December 6, 2008. ^ Jump up to : `` Allmusic - Vanessa Williams - Billboard Singles ''. Retrieved December 6, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Zoeken naar : Artiest : Vanessa Williams ( in Dutch ) ''. DutchCharts.nl. Retrieved 2011 - 12 - 27. Jump up ^ `` dutchcharts.nl - Vanessa Williams - Colors Of The Wind ''. Retrieved December 6, 2008. Jump up ^ `` ultratop.be - Vanessa Williams - Colors Of The Wind ''. Retrieved December 6, 2008. Jump up ^ `` Billboard Top 100 - 1995 ''. Archived from the original on 2009 - 08 - 15. Retrieved 2010 - 08 - 27. Jump up ^ `` American single certifications -- Williams, Vanessa -- Colors of the Wind ''. Recording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH Jump up ^ `` Best - Selling Records of 1995 ''. Billboard. BPI Communications. 108 ( 3 ) : 56. January 20, 1996. ISSN 0006 - 2510. Retrieved May 5, 2015. Furthur reading Fruzińska, Justyna ( 2014 ). Emerson Goes to the Movies : Individualism in Walt Disney Company 's Post-1989 Animated Films. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. ISBN 978 - 1 - 4438 - 6657 - 6. Laird, Paul ( 2014 ). The Musical Theater of Stephen Schwartz : From Godspell to Wicked and Beyond. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. ISBN 978 - 0810891913. External links Disney Sing - Along on YouTube ( on Disney 's official channel ) Disney 's Pocahontas Pocahontas Films Pocahontas ( 1995 ) Pocahontas II : Journey to a New World ( 1998 ) Video games Disney 's Pocahontas Disney 's Animated Storybook : Pocahontas Music `` Just Around the Riverbend '' `` Colors of the Wind '' `` Savages '' `` If I Never Knew You '' Vanessa Williams singles Discography The Right Stuff `` The Right Stuff '' `` ( He 's Got ) the Look '' `` Dreamin ' '' `` Darlin ' I '' The Comfort Zone `` Running Back to You '' `` The Comfort Zone '' `` Save the Best for Last '' `` Work to Do '' `` Just for Tonight '' Beverly Hills 90210 : The Soundtrack `` Love Is '' The Sweetest Days `` The Sweetest Days '' `` The Way That You Love '' Pocahontas `` Colors of the Wind '' Eraser `` Where Do We Go from Here '' Star Bright `` Do You Hear What I Hear / The Little Drummer Boy '' Next `` Happiness '' `` Oh How the Years Go By '' Silver & Gold `` Merry Christmas Darling '' Everlasting Love `` You Are Everything '' The Real Thing `` The Real Thing '' Academy Award for Best Original Song 1934 -- 1940 `` The Continental '' Music : Con Conrad Lyrics : Herb Magidson ( 1934 ) `` Lullaby of Broadway '' Music : Harry Warren Lyrics : Al Dubin ( 1935 ) `` The Way You Look Tonight '' Music : Jerome Kern Lyrics : Dorothy Fields ( 1936 ) `` Sweet Leilani '' Music and lyrics : Harry Owens ( 1937 ) `` Thanks for the Memory '' Music : Ralph Rainger Lyrics : Leo Robin ( 1938 ) `` Over the Rainbow '' Music : Harold Arlen Lyrics : E.Y. Harburg ( 1939 ) `` When You Wish Upon a Star '' Music : Leigh Harline Lyrics : Ned Washington ( 1940 ) 1941 -- 1950 `` The Last Time I Saw Paris '' Music : Jerome Kern Lyrics : Oscar Hammerstein II ( 1941 ) `` White Christmas '' Music and lyrics : Irving Berlin ( 1942 ) `` You 'll Never Know '' Music : Harry Warren Lyrics : Mack Gordon ( 1943 ) `` Swinging on a Star '' Music : Jimmy Van Heusen Lyrics : Johnny Burke ( 1944 ) `` It Might as Well Be Spring '' Music : Richard Rodgers Lyrics : Oscar Hammerstein II ( 1945 ) `` On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe '' Music : Harry Warren Lyrics : Johnny Mercer ( 1946 ) `` Zip - a-Dee - Doo - Dah '' Music : Allie Wrubel Lyrics : Ray Gilbert ( 1947 ) `` Buttons and Bows '' Music : Jay Livingston Lyrics : Ray Evans ( 1948 ) `` Baby, It 's Cold Outside '' Music and lyrics : Frank Loesser ( 1949 ) `` Mona Lisa '' Music and lyrics : Ray Evans and Jay Livingston ( 1950 ) 1951 -- 1960 `` In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening '' Music : Hoagy Carmichael Lyrics : Johnny Mercer ( 1951 ) `` High Noon ( Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin ' ) '' Music : Dimitri Tiomkin Lyrics : Ned Washington ( 1952 ) `` Secret Love '' Music : Sammy Fain Lyrics : Paul Francis Webster ( 1953 ) `` Three Coins in the Fountain '' Music : Jule Styne Lyrics : Sammy Cahn ( 1954 ) `` Love Is a Many Splendored Thing '' Music : Sammy Fain Lyrics : Paul Francis Webster ( 1955 ) `` Que Sera, Sera ( Whatever Will Be, Will Be ) '' Music and lyrics : Jay Livingston and Ray Evans ( 1956 ) `` All the Way '' Music : Jimmy Van Heusen Lyrics : Sammy Cahn ( 1957 ) `` Gigi '' Music : Frederick Loewe Lyrics : Alan Jay Lerner ( 1958 ) `` High Hopes '' Music : Jimmy Van Heusen Lyrics : Sammy Cahn ( 1959 ) `` Never on Sunday '' Music and lyrics : Manos Hatzidakis ( 1960 ) 1961 -- 1970 `` Moon River '' Music : Henry Mancini Lyrics : Johnny Mercer ( 1961 ) `` Days of Wine and Roses '' Music : Henry Mancini Lyrics : Johnny Mercer ( 1962 ) `` Call Me Irresponsible '' Music : Jimmy Van Heusen Lyrics : Sammy Cahn ( 1963 ) `` Chim Chim Cher - ee '' Music and lyrics : Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman ( 1964 ) `` The Shadow of Your Smile '' Music : Johnny Mandel Lyrics : Paul Francis Webster ( 1965 ) `` Born Free '' Music : John Barry Lyrics : Don Black ( 1966 ) `` Talk to the Animals '' Music and lyrics : Leslie Bricusse ( 1967 ) `` The Windmills of Your Mind '' Music : Michel Legrand Lyrics : Alan and Marilyn Bergman ( 1968 ) `` Raindrops Keep Fallin ' on My Head '' Music : Burt Bacharach Lyrics : Hal David ( 1969 ) `` For All We Know '' Music : Fred Karlin Lyrics : Robb Royer and Jimmy Griffin ( 1970 ) 1971 -- 1980 `` Theme from Shaft '' Music and lyrics : Isaac Hayes ( 1971 ) `` The Morning After '' Music and lyrics : Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn ( 1972 ) `` The Way We Were '' Music : Marvin Hamlisch Lyrics : Alan and Marilyn Bergman ( 1973 ) `` We May Never Love Like This Again '' Music and lyrics : Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn ( 1974 ) `` I 'm Easy '' Music and lyrics : Keith Carradine ( 1975 ) `` Evergreen ( Love Theme from A Star Is Born ) '' Music : Barbra Streisand Lyrics : Paul Williams ( 1976 ) `` You Light Up My Life '' Music and lyrics : Joseph Brooks ( 1977 ) `` Last Dance '' Music and lyrics : Paul Jabara ( 1978 ) `` It Goes Like It Goes '' Music : David Shire Lyrics : Norman Gimbel ( 1979 ) `` Fame '' Music : Michael Gore Lyrics : Dean Pitchford ( 1980 ) 1981 -- 1990 `` Arthur 's Theme ( Best That You Can Do ) '' Music and lyrics : Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, Christopher Cross and Peter Allen ( 1981 ) `` Up Where We Belong '' Music : Jack Nitzsche and Buffy Sainte - Marie Lyrics : Will Jennings ( 1982 ) `` Flashdance... What a Feeling '' Music : Giorgio Moroder Lyrics : Keith Forsey and Irene Cara ( 1983 ) `` I Just Called to Say I Love You '' Music and lyrics : Stevie Wonder ( 1984 ) `` Say You, Say Me '' Music and lyrics : Lionel Richie ( 1985 ) `` Take My Breath Away '' Music : Giorgio Moroder Lyrics : Tom Whitlock ( 1986 ) `` ( I 've Had ) The Time of My Life '' Music : Franke Previte, John DeNicola and Donald Markowitz Lyrics : Franke Previte ( 1987 ) `` Let the River Run '' Music and lyrics : Carly Simon ( 1988 ) `` Under the Sea '' Music : Alan Menken Lyrics : Howard Ashman ( 1989 ) `` Sooner or Later ( I Always Get My Man ) '' Music and lyrics : Stephen Sondheim ( 1990 ) 1991 -- 2000 `` Beauty and the Beast '' Music : Alan Menken Lyrics : Howard Ashman ( 1991 ) `` A Whole New World '' Music : Alan Menken Lyrics : Tim Rice ( 1992 ) `` Streets of Philadelphia '' Music and lyrics : Bruce Springsteen ( 1993 ) `` Can You Feel the Love Tonight '' Music : Elton John Lyrics : Tim Rice ( 1994 ) `` Colors of the Wind '' Music : Alan Menken Lyrics : Stephen Schwartz ( 1995 ) `` You Must Love Me '' Music : Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics : Tim Rice ( 1996 ) `` My Heart Will Go On '' Music : James Horner Lyrics : Will Jennings ( 1997 ) `` When You Believe '' Music and lyrics : Stephen Schwartz ( 1998 ) `` You 'll Be in My Heart '' Music and lyrics : Phil Collins ( 1999 ) `` Things Have Changed '' Music and lyrics : Bob Dylan ( 2000 ) 2001 -- 2010 `` If I Did n't Have You ( Disney song ) '' Music and lyrics : Randy Newman ( 2001 ) `` Lose Yourself '' Music : Eminem, Jeff Bass and Luis Resto Lyrics : Eminem ( 2002 ) `` Into the West '' Music and lyrics : Fran Walsh, Howard Shore and Annie Lennox ( 2003 ) `` Al otro lado del río '' Music and lyrics : Jorge Drexler ( 2004 ) `` It 's Hard out Here for a Pimp '' Music and lyrics : Juicy J, Frayser Boy and DJ Paul ( 2005 ) `` I Need to Wake Up '' Music and lyrics : Melissa Etheridge ( 2006 ) `` Falling Slowly '' Music and lyrics : Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová ( 2007 ) `` Jai Ho '' Music : A.R. Rahman Lyrics : Gulzar ( 2008 ) `` The Weary Kind '' Music and lyrics : Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett ( 2009 ) `` We Belong Together '' Music and lyrics : Randy Newman ( 2010 ) 2011 -- present `` Man or Muppet '' Music and lyrics : Bret McKenzie ( 2011 ) `` Skyfall '' Music and lyrics : Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth ( 2012 ) `` Let It Go '' Music and lyrics : Kristen Anderson - Lopez and Robert Lopez ( 2013 ) `` Glory '' Music and lyrics : John Stephens and Lonnie Lynn ( 2014 ) `` Writing 's on the Wall '' Music and lyrics : James Napier and Sam Smith ( 2015 ) `` City of Stars '' Music : Justin Hurwitz Lyrics : Benj Pasek and Justin Paul ( 2016 ) `` Remember Me '' Music and lyrics : Kristen Anderson - Lopez and Robert Lopez ( 2017 ) Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song 1960s `` Town Without Pity '' Lyrics by Ned Washington, Music by Dimitri Tiomkin ( 1961 ) `` Circus World '' Lyrics by Ned Washington, Music by Dimitri Tiomkin ( 1964 ) `` Forget Domani '' Lyrics by Norman Newell, Music by Riz Ortolani ( 1965 ) `` Strangers in the Night '' Lyrics by Charles Singleton, Eddie Snyder, Music by Bert Kaempfert ( 1966 ) `` If Ever I Would Leave You '' Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, Music by Frederick Loewe ( 1967 ) `` The Windmills of Your Mind '' Lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Music by Michel Legrand ( 1968 ) `` Jean '' Music & Lyrics by Rod McKuen ( 1969 ) 1970s `` Whistling Away the Dark '' Lyrics by Johnny Mercer, Music by Henry Mancini ( 1970 ) `` Life Is What You Make It '' Lyrics by Johnny Mercer, Music by Marvin Hamlisch ( 1971 ) `` Ben '' Lyrics by Don Black, Music by Walter Scharf ( 1972 ) `` The Way We Were '' Lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Music by Marvin Hamlisch ( 1973 ) `` I Feel Love '' Lyrics by Betty Box, Music by Euel Box ( 1974 ) `` I 'm Easy '' Music & Lyrics by Keith Carradine ( 1975 ) `` Evergreen '' Lyrics by Paul Williams, Music by Barbra Streisand ( 1976 ) `` You Light Up My Life '' Music & Lyrics by Joseph Brooks ( 1977 ) `` Last Dance '' Music & Lyrics by Paul Jabara ( 1978 ) `` The Rose '' Music & Lyrics by Amanda McBroom ( 1979 ) 1980s `` Fame '' Lyrics by Dean Pitchford, Music by Michael Gore ( 1980 ) `` Arthur 's Theme ( Best That You Can Do ) '' Music & Lyrics by Peter Allen, Burt Bacharach, Christopher Cross, & Carole Bayer Sager ( 1981 ) `` Up Where We Belong '' Lyrics by Wilbur Jennings, Music by Jack Nitzsche & Buffy Sainte - Marie ( 1982 ) `` Flashdance... What a Feeling '' Lyrics by Irene Cara, Keith Forsey, Music by Giorgio Moroder ( 1983 ) `` I Just Called to Say I Love You '' Music & Lyrics by Stevie Wonder ( 1984 ) `` Say You, Say Me '' Music & Lyrics by Lionel Richie ( 1985 ) `` Take My Breath Away '' Lyrics by Tom Whitlock, Music by Giorgio Moroder ( 1986 ) `` ( I 've Had ) The Time of My Life '' Lyrics by Franke Previte, Music by John DeNicola & Donald Markowitz ( 1987 ) `` Let the River Run '' Music & Lyrics by Carly Simon / `` Two Hearts '' Lyrics by Phil Collins, Music by Lamont Dozier ( 1988 ) `` Under the Sea '' Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan Menken ( 1989 ) 1990s `` Blaze of Glory '' Music & Lyrics by Jon Bon Jovi ( 1990 ) `` Beauty and the Beast '' Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan Menken ( 1991 ) `` A Whole New World '' Lyrics by Tim Rice, Music by Alan Menken ( 1992 ) `` Streets of Philadelphia '' Music & Lyrics by Bruce Springsteen ( 1993 ) `` Can You Feel the Love Tonight '' Lyrics by Tim Rice, Music by Elton John ( 1994 ) `` Colors of the Wind '' Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Music by Alan Menken ( 1995 ) `` You Must Love Me '' Lyrics by Tim Rice, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber ( 1996 ) `` My Heart Will Go On '' Lyrics by Wilbur Jennings, Music by James Horner ( 1997 ) `` The Prayer '' Music & Lyrics by David Foster, Tony Renis, Carole Bayer Sager, Alberto Testa ( 1998 ) `` You 'll Be in My Heart '' Music & Lyrics by Phil Collins ( 1999 ) 2000s `` Things Have Changed '' Music and lyrics by Bob Dylan ( 2000 ) `` Until... '' Music and lyrics by Sting ( 2001 ) `` The Hands That Built America '' Music and lyrics by Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge & Larry Mullen Jr. ( 2002 ) `` Into the West '' Music and lyrics by Annie Lennox, Howard Shore & Frances Walsh ( 2003 ) `` Old Habits Die Hard '' Music and lyrics by Mick Jagger & David A. Stewart ( 2004 ) `` A Love That Will Never Grow Old '' Lyrics by Bernie Taupin, Music by Gustavo Santaolalla ( 2005 ) `` The Song of the Heart '' Music and lyrics by Prince Rogers Nelson ( 2006 ) `` Guaranteed '' Music and lyrics by Eddie Vedder ( 2007 ) `` The Wrestler '' Music and lyrics by Bruce Springsteen ( 2008 ) `` The Weary Kind '' Music and lyrics by Ryan Bingham & T Bone Burnett ( 2009 ) 2010s `` You Have n't Seen the Last of Me '' Music & Lyrics by Diane Warren ( 2010 ) `` Masterpiece '' Music & Lyrics by Madonna, Julie Frost and Jimmy Harry ( 2011 ) `` Skyfall '' by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth ( 2012 ) `` Ordinary Love '' by U2 and Danger Mouse ( 2013 ) `` Glory '' by Common and John Legend ( 2014 ) `` Writing 's on the Wall '' by Sam Smith and Jimmy Napes ( 2015 ) `` City of Stars '' by Justin Hurwitz, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul ( 2016 ) `` This Is Me '' by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul ( 2017 ) Complete List ( 1960s ) ( 1970s ) ( 1980s ) ( 1990s ) ( 2000s ) ( 2010s ) Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media `` Somewhere Out There '' ( 1988 ) `` Two Hearts '' ( 1989 ) `` Let the River Run '' ( 1990 ) `` Under the Sea '' ( 1991 ) `` ( Everything I Do ) I Do It For You '' ( 1992 ) `` Beauty and the Beast '' ( 1993 ) `` A Whole New World '' ( 1994 ) `` Streets of Philadelphia '' ( 1995 ) `` Colors of the Wind '' ( 1996 ) `` Because You Loved Me '' ( 1997 ) `` I Believe I Can Fly '' ( 1998 ) `` My Heart Will Go On '' ( 1999 ) `` Beautiful Stranger '' ( 2000 ) `` When She Loved Me '' ( 2001 ) `` Boss of Me '' ( 2002 ) `` If I Did n't Have You '' ( 2003 ) `` A Mighty Wind '' ( 2004 ) `` Into the West '' ( 2005 ) `` Believe '' ( 2006 ) `` Our Town '' ( 2007 ) `` Love You I Do '' ( 2008 ) `` Down to Earth '' ( 2009 ) `` Jai Ho '' ( 2010 ) `` The Weary Kind '' ( 2011 ) `` I See the Light '' ( 2012 ) `` Safe & Sound '' ( 2013 ) `` Skyfall '' ( 2014 ) `` Let It Go '' ( 2015 ) `` Glory '' ( 2016 ) `` Ca n't Stop the Feeling ! '' ( 2017 ) `` How Far I 'll Go '' ( 2018 ) Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Colors_of_the_Wind&oldid=834401771 '' Categories : 1995 songs 1995 singles Songs from Pocahontas ( 1995 film ) Environmental songs Best Original Song Golden Globe winning songs Best Original Song Academy Award - winning songs Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media Walt Disney Records singles Mercury Records singles Pop ballads Songs with music by Alan Menken Songs written by Stephen Schwartz ( composer ) Vanessa Williams songs 1990s ballads Songs against racism and xenophobia Hidden categories : Articles with hAudio microformats Certification Table Entry usages for United States Talk Contents About Wikipedia Deutsch Français Հայերեն Italiano Nederlands Polski Português Русский Simple English Svenska Tiếng Việt 4 more Edit links This page was last edited on 5 April 2018, at 14 : 54. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: who sang colours of the wind in pocahontas
Answer: Judy Kuhn