Theatre
By Numbers
Hercules By Numbers: Every song in the Disney stage musical
Here’s your breakdown of every song on the Hercules West End soundtrack
Nearly two decades ago, legendary composer Alan Menken first penned the songs for Disney’s retelling of the Hercules/Heracles myth. In 2024, his soundtrack burst onto stage in brand new theatrical style, with lots of additional music from Menken and lyricist David Zippel. Compared to some other major musicals on London’s stages, Hercules hasn’t been around long, but it’s already made a splash thanks in no small part to its feel-good music. Whether you’re completely new to the soundtrack or interested sussing out the new material before you attend, here’s your guide to every song in the stage musical of Hercules.
‘Prologue’
This introduction sets up the rivalry between Zeus and Hades – and also interrupts the godly chorus to let us know that we’re not in for something a little more upbeat than a Greek tragedy.
Key lyric: “We have a story we need to share/This is the epic tale of Hercules”
‘Gospel Truth I (Mount Olympus)’
The muses take over to welcome us to the show in their first gospel-inspired interlude. They sing about the birth of a miracle child, a demigod whose father Zeus hopes will live up to his lofty expectations.
Key lyric: “And so you’d best believe/Our boy was born to overachieve”
‘Gospel Truth II (Underworld)’
The second gospel interlude introduces the dastardly Hades, ruler of the Underworld, who’s bored of hanging out with the dead and ready to cause chaos on Earth.
Key lyric: ‘For kicks and giggles/He’ll steal your soul’
‘Despina’s Lullaby’
Hercules’ mother Despina sings this brief and touching lullaby to her infant son, who she views as a gift from the gods. She promises to always protect him and tells him he can always rely on her love.
Key lyric: “You will always be safe in my arms”
‘Gospel Truth III (Herc Was Mortal)’
The muses explain that after being force-fed a potion that strips him of his godly immortality, the infant Hercules is now mortal. However, since the demons who accosted him had to flee before pouring the last drop into his mouth, Hercules is able to retain his godly strength. He grows up not quite fitting in with either gods or mortals. The muses then introduce the grown-up Hercules so that the story can really begin.
Key lyric: “With love, the young man started to grow/With muscles bulging forehead to toe”
‘Today’s Gonna Be My Day’
The adult Hercules now enters, searching for his place in the world. He knows he has potential to be something great, and approaches the new day with optimism, hoping he’ll finally figure out where he fits in.
Key lyric: “I have so much to offer if only I’m allowed/And have you noticed I’m strong?”
‘Go The Distance’
Possibly the most famous track from the original film, ‘Go The Distance’ is a more tender take on Hercules’ search for belonging. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to become a true hero and use his occasionally out of control strength for good.
Key lyric: “I would go most anywhere to find where I belong”
‘Go The Distance Reprise’
Imbued with new hope after Zeus tells him that he can earn back his godhood by becoming a ‘true hero’, Hercules sings this brief reprise of his solo, reaffirming his determination to belong somewhere
Key lyric: “I can go the distance/Til I find my hero’s welcome right where I belong”
‘One Last Hope’
Sent to the satyr Philoctetes to learn how to become a hero, Hercules begins his training. As he does so, Phil sings about how his heyday is past, but for a son of Zeus he’s willing to delay his retirement. He only warns Hercules that his odds aren’t looking great.
Key lyric: “If I’m your one last hope/Let’s hope we both come through”
‘Forget About It’
After Hercules ‘rescues’ the sarcastic Megara, she sings about how Hercules is just like every other guy who acts first and thinks later. As Meg waxes lyrical about how useless Hercules is, he falls quickly in love.
Key lyric: “What would I do in a world without men?/I would do as I please, let me say that again”
‘Gospel Truth IV (So Not Dead)’
The muses sing about how angry Hades will be upon learning, contrary to what he believes, that Hercules is still breathing.
Key lyric: “He’s gonna learn his greatest nightmare is alive and well”
‘Getting Even’
Hades tells the souls in hell that everything he’s ever wanted is within his reach – he just needs Hercules out of the way. When he’s done with Hercules, he can move onto making the gods curse their immortality.
Key lyric: “Though they’re gods and can’t die/They can all kiss the good life goodbye”
‘Zero To Hero’
Hades sends numerous monsters after Hercules, but the muses gleefully narrate how Hercules sends each one packing. With the Thebans huge fans of his work, and Hercules certain that he’ll achieve true hero status in no time at all, Act One ends on a triumphant note.
Key lyrics: “He hit the heights at breakneck speed/From zero to hero”
‘A Muse Bouche’
Act Two opens with another brief narrative interlude from the muses, letting us know that Hercules and Phil are both still riding high.
Key lyrics: Young Herc keeps winning prizes, his rise is meteoric/And Phil’s at last beginning a winning streak historic
‘I’m Back!’
Phil appears to tell us himself that he’s on top of the world, having produced his first successful hero in a very long time. He and Hercules are both aiming high.
Key lyric: “I got a kid who’s got it all/Who’s on the ball and he’s right on track”
‘Getting Even Reprise’
Bob and Charles, two of Hades’ henchmen, decide it might be time to switch sides. Losing faith in Hades, they reason they’d rather watch him lose from the winning team.
Key lyric: “We’ll switch sides, he’ll go nuts/We can be quislings and save our own butts”
‘Phil Goes The Distance/Doomed To Be Human’
After Hercules hears from Zeus that he isn’t yet a true hero, he feels lost once again. Phil reassures him that he’s not beat yet, and tells him that the two of them are in this together. He fails to reassure Hercules, though, who laments that he’s condemned to a mortal life.
Key lyric: “Cos it’s all in vain, so why even try?/I am doomed to be human and to die”
‘I Won’t Say (I’m In Love)’
To her horror, Meg realises she’s falling for Hercules. Doomed to be Hades’ servant after selling her soul to save a previous boyfriend, who then left her for another woman, she’s determined not to make the same mistake again. However, as the muses point out, the truth of her feelings is undeniable.
Key lyric: “It’s too cliché/I won’t say I’m in love”
‘I Won’t Say (I’m In Love) Reprise’
With things finally going smoothly between Hercules and Meg, they confess their feelings for each other – and Meg regrets selling Hercules out to Hades. She warns him to run.
Key lyric: “Can’t help but show, I know I’m in love”
‘Great Bolts Of Thunder’
Hades launches his attack and Zeus and the gods of Olympus face off against the Underworld. To protect Olympus, Zeus brings the battle to earth, with the muses narrating the action.
Key lyric: “Great bolts of thunder/Try and make it out alive”
‘To Be Human’
Hercules decides that all the hardships and vulnerabilities that come with being human are worth it and opts to fully embrace his human side. It’s his feelings for Meg in particular that help him come to terms with his mortality.
Key lyric: “Though it hurts to be human, count me in”
‘Gospel Truth V (That’s Our Tale)’
The muses wrap up the story, celebrating the fact that Hercules found his place in the world.
Key lyric: “The kid we’re rooting for is now a shooting star”
‘A Star Is Born’
The show closes out with this triumphant number – a favourite from the original film – as Zeus puts a new constellation in the sky in honour of Hercules.
Key lyric: “Just remember in the darkest hour/Within your heart’s the power/For making you a hero too”
Hercules is now booking at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until July 2026 – find tickets here
