How Far I’ll Go

How Far I'll Go
General information
Artist	Alessia Cara
Release Date	November 3, 2016
Genre	Soundtrack
Length	2:55
Label	Walt Disney
Songwriter(s)	Lin-Manuel Miranda
Producer(s)	Lin-Manuel Miranda
Singles chronology
← Previous	"Scars To Your Beautiful"
Current	"How Far I'll Go"
Next →	"Stay"
Music Video

"How Far I'll Go" is a song by Alessia Cara recorded for the Disney film Moana. It was released on November 3, 2016 through Walt Disney Records. The song was also included in the Japanese edition of Know-It-All.

Background and Release

The song is initially performed in the movie by actress Auli'i Cravalho. It was later released as a single with vocals by Alessia Cara. The song was released on November 3, 2016.

Critical Reception

Direct Lyrics stated: "“How Far I'll Go” is an empowering ballad, boasting a tropical-R&B production, where Ms. Cara doesn’t only deliver outstanding vocals but also shares a message regarding overcoming adversity in order to each one’s goals." Rolling Stone’s Brittany Spanos called the song "inspirational and sweet" and went on to say "the uplifting song is a perfect fit into the Disney canon, with Cara belting lyrics about persevering to achieve her dreams in spite of her imperfections or detractors." US magazine Rap-Up said "the empowering anthem allows the Canadian songstress to deliver outstanding vocals about overcoming adversity to reach for goals" and labeled it "a song with a message" and an "emotionally-charged track." Taylor Weatherby of Billboard dubbed it a "bouncy, uplifting tune." Idolator's Mike Wass said "the inspiring anthem is the perfect antidote to the general ugliness of 2016" and called it "a soaring ballad."

Chart Performance

The song peaked at #88 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Music Video

The music video features a scene from the movie and shots of Alessia on a beach. It was directed by Aya Tanimura, was released on November 3, 2016. Derek Lawrence of Entertainment Weekly described the video: "The video finds Cara roaming an empty beach as she belts out lyrics that reflect the film's plot about a young Polynesian girl setting sail for an epic adventure." The video was filmed at El Matador Beach in Malibu, California.

Lyrics

I've been standing at the edge of the water
'Long as I can remember, never really knowing why
I wish I could be the perfect daughter
But I come back to the water, no matter how hard I try

Every turn I take, every trail I track
Every path I make, every road leads back
To the place I know, where I can not go
Though I long to be

See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me
And no one knows, how far it goes
If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me
One day I'll know, if I go there's just no telling how far I'll go

Oh oh oh, oh, oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh oh, oh, oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh, oh oh

I know, everybody on this island seems so happy on this island

Everything is by design
I know, everybody on this island has a role on this island
So maybe I can roll with mine

I can lead with pride, I can make us strong
I'll be satisfied if I play along
But the voice inside sings a different song
What is wrong with me?

See the light as it shines on the sea? It's blinding
But no one knows, how deep it goes
And it seems like it's calling out to me, so come find me
And let me know, what's beyond that line, will I cross that line?

See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me
And no one knows, how far it goes
If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me
One day I'll know, how far I'll go