Christina Aguilera - Loyal Brave True (From "Mulan"/Official Video)

🌟 Listen to your favorite songs on Disney Hits now! youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiNVoBckLqLmdcbotc6n_Mj…

Theres so much effort put into this video, from the lyrics to the video itself. 1. 2 decades back Christina sang Reflection, and now they get her to sing this new song, with references to Reflection in the lyrics "Should I ask myself in the water?" 2. To those who are wondering what are the words the "ribbons" / brush strokes are forming, its 忠 zhōng (0:25) 勇 yŏng (0:49) 真 zhēn (1:40) which means loyal, brave and true. These 3 words are also carved on Mulan's sword in the movie. (1:26) The "ribbons" are sashes commonly used in ancient chinese clothings and even more so for females as they drape long sashes of cloth on their arms (similar to how Christina have long sashes draped over her arms). Brush strokes represent Chinese calligraphy. The words in this video are written in calligraphy style as well. 3. 孝 xiào (2:10) means filial piety, a value Mulan embodies when she took her father's place and went to war. In the past, this action would be akin to deceiving the emperor, which is punishable by death of THE ENTIRE FAMILY. Which is also the reason why Mulan's father did not chase after her when he realise she took his place. Therefore... 4. the lyrics "All for my family, Reason I'm breathing, Everything to lose" and "Out in the open, No one to save me". She really would dead meat if she gets caught in the army camp LOL. 5. In Chinese history, there was a military general named Xu Chu who is very strong and cunning at warfare but actually is a simple and honest person underneath the armour. So he was nicknamed "Tiger Fool" by his men. Just like how Mulan is soft underneath her tough exterior. Therefore the lyrics "I am a tiger's fool" (1:16). 6. Females in the ancient chinese society are bounded by very strict rules, so much so that speaking to a man who is not a family member could mean judgement from society. Back then reputation means everything for a female. Therefore the lyrics "The kindest of whispers are cruel" (1:27) because even though she is hailed as a hero, the reality would be that her reputation as a female would be probably ruined because she spent years in an army camp with so many men. Even though she knows that, she still chose to serve in place of her father. Another interpretation could be during the matchmaking, she was not able to fit into the role of a "good wife" but chose to be herself anyway even though she knows people will talk. 7. 2:23 is a phoenix emblem. Phoenix in Chinese mythology is the ruler of all birds (note: one of the character that Mulan is up against is a witch that can shapeshift into a bird), it is rare and beautiful. In the past, only with the permission of the emperor can one use dragon and phoenix emblems. In fact it is another representation of "yin" and its counterpart is a dragon that represents "yang". In Chinese culture, Yin is female while Yang is male. In the movie, the phoenix is sent by her ancestors to help Mulan in her journey. It is also a reference to the animated series where the emperor said "The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all." However, no matter how important a person someone is (even the emperor, therefore at 2:12 underneath 孝 xiào is a silhouette of the chinese palace), they should remain filial to their parents which is the core of chinese culture. Therefore at the centre of the emblem is the word 孝 (refer to point 3). 8. Traditional chinese instruments are incorporated in this song as well. 0:01 you can hear the chinese drum (aka tanggu) and 0:10 you can hear the chinese zither (aka guzheng) TLDR: Song & Video has tons of Chinese cultural representation & throwbacks to the previous version of Mulan. You're Welcome. EDIT: after writing such a long piece of info with 8 points people are nitpicking the fact that Christina is not the one who sang in the movie its Lea Salonga. Don't get me wrong, I love Lea Salonga and her work, I think she is underated tbh. But even though Christina did not sing in the movie its a fact that she did release "Reflection" as a single. Period. People are so hard to please these days smh

this is like an answer to the 90's "reflection" song

The only thing wrong with this song is it's not on long enough. I can't get it out of my head. Absolute perfection.

'Losing is easy, winning takes bravery' my fav part

This song actually made me want to watch the movie more than the trailers...

there are several chinese words in the mv. - 0:26 忠 (faithfulness) - 1:40 真 from 真实 (true/genuine) - 1:26 the sword has 忠勇真 engraved 忠 (faithfulness) 勇 (courage) 真 (true/genuine) but i was most touched to see 2:11 孝. it is from the term 孝顺. in chinese, 孝顺 stands for filial piety (respecting your parents, elders, and ancestors), and it is one of the strongest values us chinese people hold. it is the embodiment of mulan and it was so nice to see in the mv. it was also touching to see them use calligraphy brushstrokes instead of modern fonts.

This song gives me chills, and of course Mulan is one of my all time favorite movies. I could watch it all day and every night and still never get enough.

Love this song, there’s something in it…very calming in a way.

Came prepared to say "can't top Reflection" but they didn't even try, they went somewhere else and I LOVE it

"Should I ask myself in the water?"----an allusion to the song "Reflection"

Who is still listening to this masterpiece?

Can't believe Christina saved the movie with this song

Christina Aguilera donated 11.5 million dollars to the health care system and has helped the system to raise around 65.8 million dollars but she doesn't publicize it cause she has class and a genuine person unlike most celebrities. One of my friends works for WHO in the administration field and she told me about it. I've got so much respect for Christina and as a Chinese, i wanna say thank you to her for APPRECIATING our culture. Once again, thank you Christina🙏

‘Should I ask myself in the water?’ This is totally the ‘Reflection.’

Mulan is one of my favorite Disney princesses and I love her story, I cry every time and I can relate because of Mulan's relationship she had with her Father like he's the only one who could understand her, just like my Dad did when he was alive ❤️❤️❤️❤️😭

Christina you deserve so much respect on your name! The power, control and range you have on your voice! There are no words! Thank you for how you have contributed to music industry over the years❤❤❤❤❤

This gift that Disney is giving us is huge, bringing Christina back to sing for MULAN, it's really BEAUTIFUL.

Mulan's "Reflection" is what got her, her record deal in 1998. Now 22 years later, she is still here. An Icon! <3 Her "full circle moment" as she said.

Probably one of the best vocals delivered by Christina Aguilera in one of her most beautiful and incredible ballads as well credits to Disneyʼs outstanding composition and production of this song. I get goosebumps all over here every time I listen! This record is a true diamond ❤️