Mother Knows Best Lyrics - Donna Murphy

Arguably the perfect distillation between dark humor and manipulative affection, this song, "Mother Knows Best," from the "Tangled" soundtrack by Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel, perfectly characterizes the relationship game playing out between Mother Gothel and Rapunzel. This very song underlines a very important part of the movie: using the ruse of showing Rapunzel things for her own good in the name of acting motherly to Rapunzel, Gothel exercises control over her.

The minute the song starts, she answers every one of Rapunzel's desires to see the outside world, characterizing the world outside as hazardous and Rapunzel being too weak for such dangers. She goes on to tell her exaggeratedly: "Ruffians, thugs, Poison ivy, quicksand, Cannibals and snakes, The plague," all to her inquisitive satisfaction.

At one moment, Gothel seems to use fear: "On your own, you won't survive. Sloppy, underdressed, Immature, clumsy," thus crippling Rapunzel's determination. This reveals a lot more manipulation through backhanded compliments, along with emotional guilt-tripping, such as "I'm just saying 'cause I wuv you," therefore showing what a master of using affection as a tool for control she is.

The song, containing an overtly dark theme of emotional manipulation, uses a catchy tune and humorous undertones in calling to the audience sympathetically as Gothel is portrayed to be a loving mother to her child but overenthusiastic, rather than nourishing, with hidden motives that are proven to be selfish. It is the way her character can have depth, as she is transformed not only being a villain but a manipulator who exploits innocence and love Rapunzel has. "Mother Knows Best" is not only a well-done musical number but also a critical narrative device that sets up the entirety of Rapunzel's journey of self-discovery and freedom. As far as songs about growth, independence, and moving away from manipulative relationships go, this one really does tie it all back into the "Tangled" soundtrack.