Summary
Lin-Manuel Miranda breaks from tradition with a song he wrote for Big Mouth season 7, showcasing his versatility beyond Disney projects.
Big Mouth's seventh season strays from Miranda's typical wholesome tone, delving into raunchy humor and relatable teenage themes. Demonstrating his aptitude as a lyricist beyond his usual repertoire, Miranda effortlessly created the infectious Spanish-language track "Esperando Pelitos".
Renowned for his Academy Award-nominated songs in Disney movies such as Moana and Encanto, Lin-Manuel Miranda deviates from his usual path with a song penned specifically for the seventh season of the popular show, Big Mouth. After attaining international fame with his Tony-winning sensation Hamilton, Miranda has secured prominent roles in various Disney projects, including an appearance in Mary Poppins Returns and the composition of beloved songs for the animated gem, Moana. Nearly a decade following his breakthrough with Hamilton, Miranda has cemented his status as Hollywood's go-to songwriter, having contributed to projects like Encanto and the upcoming live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid set to release in 2023.
However, Miranda's talents extend beyond the realm of animation. In 2021, his earlier Broadway musical, In the Heights, was adapted into a feature film. Additionally, that same year, the Tony-winning artist also took on the role of director for Tick, Tick... Boom!, a musical biopic starring Andrew Garfield that celebrates the life of Rent writer Jonathan Larson. Needless to say, the majority of Lin-Manuel Miranda's projects embody the wholesome and larger-than-life spirit of Broadway. Often characterized by optimistic themes and catchy, family-friendly lyrics, Miranda's music consistently resonates with audiences of all ages. Nevertheless, the seventh season of Big Mouth challenges this norm and takes Miranda's work in a surprising new direction as it revisits the show's trademark stories and topics.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's Big Mouth Season 7 Song Isn't What He's Traditionally Known For
Prior to the release of Big Mouth season 7, the songwriter found success in creating music for notable projects such as Hamilton, Moana, and Encanto. These works are characterized by their emotional ups and downs, but ultimately convey a sense of triumph. The characters go through personal growth and leave a lasting impact. The stories are framed with a bright-eyed optimism that shines through the music, whether it's the uplifting "Waiting on a Miracle" and "How Far I'll Go," or the more somber yet popular Encanto song, "We Don't Talk About Bruno." Even in the tragic tale of Hamilton, songs like "My Shot" stand out.
However, Big Mouth takes a different approach, challenging Miranda's squeaky-clean image by embracing the show's trademark raunchy humor and the realistic struggles of teenagers. It is rumored that showrunner Nick Kroll approached Miranda to compose a song called "Esperando Pelitos" ("Waiting for Little Hairs"), which is entirely in Spanish, for the seventh season of the series. As the title suggests, the song revolves around a prepubescent teenager who prays for hair growth in hopes of feeling more mature like his relatives. While the song tackles a relatable topic that should not be considered taboo, it represents a significant departure from Miranda's usual "wholesome" style.
Why Lin-Manuel Miranda Wrote “Esperando Pelitos” For Big Mouth Season 7
According to Billboard, Lin-Manuel Miranda quickly came up with the song title "Esperando Pelitos" after being approached by Big Mouth's Kroll. The Tony-winning lyricist found the song to come together effortlessly, making it an enjoyable project for him. Robin DeJesus and PJ Sin Suela perform the verses and hooks of "Esperando Pelitos," continuing the show's tradition of featuring talented celebrity guest stars. While Miranda hasn't provided any explanation for why he agreed to write "Esperando Pelitos," the song is just as captivating as his other creations, despite its topic of pubic hair.