POOR UNFORTUNATE SOULS - Song and Lyrics - The Little Mermaid

“Poor Unfortunate Souls”
“Poor Unfortunate Souls” is the villain song in 1989’s The Little Mermaid sung by Ursula the Sea Witch. It was written by Allen Menken and Howard Elliot Ashman. It was sung by Pat Carol who also provided the voice for Ursula the Sea Witch.
Lyrics:
I admit that in the past I've been a nasty
They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a witch
But you'll find that nowadays
I've mended all my ways
Repented, seen the light, and made a switch
True, yes
And I fortunately know a little magic
It's a talent that I always have possessed
And dear lady, please don't laugh
I use it on behalf
Of the miserable, the lonely, and depressed (Pathetic)
Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed
Those poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying, "Spells, Ursula, please"
And I help them
Yes I do
Now it's happened once or twice
Someone couldn't pay the price
And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals
Yes I've had the odd complaint
But on the whole I've been a saint
To those poor unfortunate souls
The men up there don't like a lot of blabber
They think a girl who gossips is a bore
Yet on land it's much preferred for ladies not to say a word
And after all dear, what is idle babble for?
Come on, they're not all that impressed with conversation
True gentlemen avoid it when they can
But they dote and swoon and fawn
On a lady who's withdrawn
It's she who holds her tongue who gets a man
Come on you poor unfortunate soul
Go ahead
Make your choice
I'm a very busy woman and I haven't got all day
It won't cost much
Just your voice!
You poor unfortunate soul
It's sad but true
If you want to cross the bridge, my sweet
You've got the pay the toll
Take a gulp and take a breath
And go ahead and sign the scroll
Flotsam, Jetsam, now I've got her, boys
The boss is on a roll
This poor unfortunate soul
Beluga sevruga
Come winds of the Caspian Sea
Larengix glaucitis
Et max laryngitis
La voce to me
Now, sing
Aa-aa-aah, a-aa-aah
Keep singing!
Aa-aa-aah, a-aa-aah
Fun Facts
Ursula’s look was based on actress Divine, the stage name of character actor Harris Glen Milstead who appeared in many of director John Water’s movies like Pink Flamingoes. Before Pat Carol was cast in the role, actress Elaine Stritch was considered.
The spell Ursula chants at the end of the song isn’t actually complete gibberish. “Beluga” and “Sevruga” are both species of migratory sturgeon fished for their caviar.
Pat Carol also provided the voice for Ursula’s less talented sister Morgana in Little Mermaid sequel The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea