If you're anything like me and have a strong aversion to things that make you feel feelings, be wary of Pixar's short "Lava." The seven-minute film airs prior to the feature at screenings of the new movie Inside Out, and it's undeniably adorable. "Lava" is the story of a lonely little volcano yearning for love, and his tale is told through a song performed by two talented Hawaiian musicians. As if the premise alone wasn't sweet enough, the music is delightfully similar to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's beautiful version of "Over the Rainbow," and just as emotional. The short is also visually stunning, from the time-lapse animation of the clouds in the sky to the depiction of dolphins diving through waves together as our volcano friend sits there wishing for a companion of his own. It's the lyrics of "Lava", though penned by director James Ford Murphy, which really cement the film's sweetness.
Through song, Murphy effectively tells the love story at the center of the film while simultaneously charming us with a memorable refrain (including the world's cutest lyrical pun). Don't believe me? Check out the lyrics to "Lava" below. Be forewarned, though, that your icy little heart is going to melt as if it were covered in, well, lava when you take a peek.
"Lava"
A long, long time ago
There was a volcano
Living all alone in the middle of the sea
He sat high above his bay Watching all the couples play And wishing that he had someone too And from his lava came This song of hope that he sang out loud Everyday for years and years “I have a dream I hope will come true That you're here with me and I’m here with you I wish that the earth, sea, the sky up above Will send me someone to lava”
Very sweet, but not too sad. I can deal with this.
Years of singing all aloneTurned his lava into stone until He was on the brink of extinction But little did he know That living in the sea below Another volcano was listening to his song Everyday she heard his tune Her lava grew and grew because She believed his song was meant for her Now she was so ready to meet him above the sea As he sang his song of hope for the last time “I have a dream I hope will come true That you're here with me and I'm here with you I wish that the earth, sea, and the sky up above Will send me someone to lava” OoOo, I feel romance brewing. Are we in store for a happy ending?
Rising from the sea below Stood a lovely volcano Looking all around but she could not see him That she was not there alone but with no lava his song was all gone He filled the sea with his tears And watched his dreams disappear as she Remembered what his song meant to her
Oh. Never mind.
“I have a dream I hope will come true That you're here with me and I’m here with you I wish that the earth, sea, and the sky up above Will send me someone to lava”
And there come the tears.
Oh, they were so happy To finally meet above the sea All together now their lava grew and grew No longer are they all alone With Aloha as their new home And when we visit them this is what they sing
They're together! What a rollercoaster, am I right?
“I have a dream I hope will come true That you'll grow old with me And I'll grow old with you We thank the earth, sea, and the sky we thank too I lava you I lava you I lava you”
...Are you crying yet? No? I mean, neither am I. I just have something in both of my eyes.
Images: Walt Disney Studios, sibunashelps/Tumblr, Giphy (5)
