When You Wish Upon a Star is a song written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington for Disney’s 1940 animated film, Pinocchio. The song is performed by Cliff Edwards, who provides the voice for the character of Jiminy Cricket, and is accompanied by an orchestral arrangement.
The song features a gentle and dreamy melody, with a slow and deliberate pace. The lyrics of the song encourage listeners to have faith and to believe in the power of their dreams, promising that “anything your heart desires will come to you.”
It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1986 and was named the official anthem of the Walt Disney Company in 2006.
When You Wish Upon a Star has become an iconic and beloved song associated with Disney, and has been featured in numerous Disney films, television shows, and other media. Beyond its roots, the song has been emblematically used across Disney parks worldwide, often played during fireworks shows and parades, encapsulating the magic and dreams that Disney represents. In movies and television shows, it frequently serves as a musical motif or theme, reinforcing the narrative of hope and belief in the power of dreams. Its universal message and memorable melody have solidified it as a core element of Disney’s identity, symbolizing the magical possibilities that unfold when one dares to dream.
