Category: Finance | Title: What Songs Did Lin Manuel Miranda Write for Moana | Tag: Moana | Meta Description: A factual breakdown of the songs Lin Manuel Miranda wrote for Moana, including credits, roles, and release details...
Lin Manuel Miranda's Songwriting Credits for Moana
Lin Manuel Miranda co-wrote the music and lyrics for several songs in the 2016 Disney animated film Moana, working alongside composer Opetaia Foa'i and lyricist Mark Mancina. Miranda contributed to the story development and musical structure while also providing vocals for specific tracks. The film credits list Miranda as a songwriter for multiple songs, reflecting his role in shaping the soundtrack's Polynesian-influenced pop style. Disney, the distributor, released the Moana soundtrack worldwide, and it charted on multiple national album charts. For background on Disney's music operations, see Forbes.
The Moana soundtrack features a mix of traditional Polynesian musical elements and contemporary pop songwriting, with Miranda's lyrics supporting the film's narrative about identity and voyage. The soundtrack includes tracks performed by the film's cast, such as Auli'i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui. Miranda's involvement is documented in the film's end credits and in official Disney press materials released alongside the movie. The soundtrack was distributed by Walt Disney Records, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.
Key Songs Co-Written by Lin Manuel Miranda in Moana
Miranda co-wrote "How Far I'll Go," the film's central anthem performed by Auli'i Cravalho, which appears in the opening and closing sequences. He also contributed to "We Know the Way," a choral and percussive track performed by Opetaia Foa'i and Lin Manuel Miranda, which underscores the oceanic voyage sequences. The soundtrack listing on the official Moana release credits Miranda for these and additional songs, with lyrics and music attributed to the songwriting team. The Moana Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was released in November 2016 and is available on major streaming platforms.
Another song with Miranda's involvement is "You're Welcome," performed by Dwayne Johnson as Maui, though the primary lyric credit for that track goes to Lin Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foa'i, with music by Opetaia Foa'i and Mark Mancina. The soundtrack also includes instrumental and transitional pieces that support the film's pacing, with Miranda's songwriting integrated into the broader narrative structure. The film's music team, including Miranda, worked with Disney Animation to align the songs with the story beats and character arcs. For Disney's reporting on entertainment revenue, see SEC EDGAR.
Release Context and Industry Impact of Moana's Music
The Moana soundtrack was released in November 2016 and became a commercial success, appearing on multiple year-end and weekly charts. The film's songs, including those co-written by Miranda, were promoted through Disney's global marketing channels, including radio, streaming, and live performances. The soundtrack's performance contributed to Disney's music segment revenue, which the company reports as part of its Studio Entertainment division. Industry coverage from Billboard tracks the chart movement of soundtracks like Moana.
Lin Manuel Miranda's work on Moana is part of a broader trend in animated films where high-profile songwriters shape the soundtrack's commercial and cultural reach. The Moana songs have been covered, remixed, and performed in live shows, extending their lifespan beyond the theatrical release. Disney continues to distribute the Moana soundtrack through digital and physical retail channels worldwide. For additional context on animated film music