"They Live in You"

“They Live in You” from The Lion King is the unofficial senior song of the graduating class. Early in the musical, the protagonist is driven off by his evil uncle who convinced him that his negligence led the the death of his father, telling him to “run away and never return.” The reprise of “They Live in You” is the turning point in the musical when protagonist remembers that his father “lives in you, he lives in me…in your reflection/he lives in you.” These words help him confront his supposed murderous past, re-visit the importance of his ancestry, and realize that his role in his family is to continue the bloodline.

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Angels faces a similar struggle: with half the group newly-graduated, remaining members must step into leadership and guide the group. The graduating class built upon a foundation laid by our predecessors as remaining and future members will build upon our contributions; even when we’re forgotten, our impact cannot be erased. In this sense, the seniors live on in reflection of the group’s musical and social growth to come. This song, the final Angels song of our college careers, closes this chapter of our lives and catalyzes the bittersweet catharsis of transition. This may be only a page in our lives, but right now that page is freshly inked; it needs time to dry. I hope this song helps everyone face these inevitabilities.