- 1 day ago
Get ready to tap your toes and reach for the tissues! Join us as we count down our picks for the greatest musical numbers from Rebecca Sugar's beloved Cartoon Network franchise, Steven Universe! From heartwarming ukulele melodies to powerful emotional ballads, these songs are sure to hit you right in the feels. Which Steven Universe song is your all-time favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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00:00There's a new direction that I like to choose. It's for the truth.
00:07Welcome to Ms. Mojo.
00:09And today, we'll be tapping our toes to some of the most emotional, exciting, and downright catchy musical numbers
00:15from Rebecca Sugar's hit Cartoon Network franchise of Steven Universe.
00:19A majority of these tunes will drag you right in the middle of the episode's story, so expect spoilers ahead.
00:25I can show you how to be strong
00:28In the real way
00:32Number 20. Cookie Cat
00:34Steven Universe starts on a small scale, becoming more epic and emotional as the titular character grows.
00:40This song from the debut episode takes us back to the show's simple roots,
00:44when Steven's biggest concern was an ice cream sandwich.
00:47The gems surprise Steven by stocking the fridge with his favorite discontinued ice cream treat, Cookie Cat.
00:53Steven celebrates with the Cookie Cat rap jingle, which he, of course, knows by heart.
00:58He's a frozen treat with an all-new taste, because he came to this planet from outer space,
01:03a refugee of an interstellar war, but now he's at your local grocery store.
01:08While the lyrics may seem silly at first, they cleverly foreshadow revelations to come,
01:13as Steven references refugees from outer space and an interstellar war.
01:17The song also brings the series full circle, receiving a reprise in the epilogue's final episode before Steven hits the
01:23road,
01:24leaving his family behind like Cookie Cat.
01:26Cookie Cat!
01:27He's a pet for your tummy!
01:29Cookie Cat!
01:30He's super-duper yummy!
01:32Cookie Cat!
01:32He left his family behind.
01:34Number 19. Be Wherever You Are
01:37This show has always encouraged viewers to be whoever they are.
01:41Stranded on an island with Lars and Sadie,
01:43Steven imparts another lesson,
01:45to be wherever you are.
01:47Isn't it nice to find yourself somewhere different?
01:52Whoa!
01:53Why don't you let yourself just be wherever you are?
01:58We can all relate to being stuck in someplace we don't necessarily want to be.
02:02Upon stopping to smell the roses, though,
02:05you could find that the change of scenery isn't unwelcome.
02:08Not only can the backdrop be beautiful,
02:10but it may bring out a side of yourself you might not have discovered staying at home.
02:14Steven's laid-back ukulele sound matches the island setting,
02:18as what once seemed like a remote prison becomes a paradise.
02:21Look at this place.
02:24Look at your faces.
02:28They're shining like a thousand shining stars.
02:33While they can't stay there forever,
02:34the song inspires listeners to make the best of their surroundings.
02:38Number 18. Escapism
02:40Steven trades one prison for another,
02:43as he gets stuck in a watermelon body.
02:45It happens.
02:46While Watermelon Steven doesn't make it home in one piece,
02:49he nonetheless reunites with Greg, Lion, and Bismuth.
02:52We don't hear anyone speak as Watermelon Steven tries to act out what happened,
02:57but the accompanying song says much more.
02:59I'd rather be free
03:09Although Steven's current circumstances remain dire,
03:13there's a sense of relief to escapism.
03:15The song matches the wariness of a castaway who's been at sea for who knows how long.
03:28Rescue hasn't quite been achieved,
03:30but for the first time in a while, it appears to be within grasp.
03:34The others comprehend that Steven needs help,
03:36allowing him to return to his body.
03:39It's the calm before the storm.
03:41Number 17. Full Disclosure
03:43After everything that went down in the season one finale,
03:47Steven fears that his life is too dangerous for Connie.
03:50He decides to cut ties,
03:52although that's not easily said, let alone done.
03:55Singing about it is equally heartbreaking.
03:57Full Disclosure carries an angsty rock beat,
04:00while Steven's ringtone chips away at his soul every time those five notes are repeated.
04:04When I have to protect you,
04:07what if somehow you get hurt?
04:09What do I do?
04:10I don't want that for you.
04:15Steven's heart beats along with his phone,
04:18reflecting on the good times with Connie
04:20before remembering the traumatic experiences that led him to this crossroads.
04:24Although Steven just survived an earth-shattering experience,
04:27what he's about to do is much harder.
04:29He ignores Connie's call.
04:31With that, the music comes to an abrupt halt.
04:34Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh,
04:40ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.
04:42It can only stay silent for so long, however.
04:45Number 16. Giant Woman
04:47Together, Pearl and Amethyst confuse into Opal,
04:50a quote,
04:51giant woman, as Steven puts it.
04:53As much as Steven wants to meet Opal,
04:55the two gems aren't feeling very compatible.
04:58Climbing a mountain,
04:59Steven tries to give them a little incentive.
05:02There's a naive excitability to the music and lyrics as Stephen practically begs them to fulfill his dream of seeing
05:08a supersized gem.
05:09All I want to do is help you turn into a giant woman, a giant woman.
05:15All I want to be is someone who gets to see a giant woman.
05:19Amethyst and Pearl's dance styles are as different as their personalities.
05:23Maybe they just need the right song to dance to, however.
05:27Stephen's upbeat tune might not bring them together in harmony.
05:29Listening to it, though, we want to see them become a giant woman just as much as Stephen does.
05:35You might even like being together, and if you don't, it won't be forever.
05:41But if it were me, I'd really want to be a giant woman.
05:45Stephen Jr.'s contribution serves as the mic drop.
05:49Number 15. That Distant Shore
05:51Few characters have endured more trauma than Lapis Lazuli.
05:55Although Lapis begins the healing process with Stephen and friends,
05:58she retreats to a new safe space when her former tormentors appear earthbound.
06:03Stephen tracks Lapis down to the moon, where she hasn't entirely let go of her life on Earth.
06:08For the first time in her existence, Lapis felt secure and loved, finding that she didn't have to be alone.
06:14I tried to learn to smile
06:17So many colors I had never even known
06:24Now, her time on Stephen's planet is becoming a distant memory.
06:29One that Lapis nonetheless can't forget.
06:31Fearing history will repeat itself as the diamonds take everything and everyone she's come to care about.
06:37Then I see the colors fading
06:41Gentleness of light escaping
06:44Shadows of my fear invading
06:47Lapis thought it would be easier to flee, but she can never truly leave a place that's changed her so
06:52much.
06:53Number 14. Change Your Mind
06:55The song that closes out the initial series, Change Your Mind sums up a major theme of the show, learning
07:01to see the world and people in another light.
07:04I don't need you to love me, I love me
07:07But I want you to know you could know me
07:10If you change your mind
07:14Stephen has encountered numerous close-minded individuals who were set in their ways.
07:19Rather than write them off, Stephen left himself open, letting them know that if they had a change of heart,
07:25he'll let them in.
07:26Indeed, many of Stephen's enemies became friends.
07:29That doesn't always happen in real life, but people can change their minds.
07:34If you change your mind
07:38Change your mind
07:43Not long ago, a Cartoon Network show aimed at kids never would have ventured to some of the places Stephen
07:48Universe did.
07:49Throughout production, though, Rebecca Sugar and company seemingly managed to change more than a few minds.
07:55Number 13. For Just One Day, Let's Only Think About Love
07:59When Ruby and Sapphire first made beautiful music together, it was something entirely new.
08:04And it wasn't quite me
08:06And it wasn't quite you
08:08I think it was someone entirely new
08:12Likewise, Cartoon Network opened itself up to new territory when Ruby and Sapphire got married.
08:18Although a war is on the horizon, Stephen wishes to etch out one day that's all about love.
08:24Unfortunately, a day is too much to ask for, but we are given a blissful moment that commences with a
08:30song recapping several major events.
08:32We could think about lies
08:34That we told in the past
08:36They took it so hard
08:37We could think about hurt feelings
08:38And how long they can last
08:39How can we move on?
08:41Or we could think about hope
08:42Hope?
08:42You know I've been hoping
08:44Stephen tries to push the past and future to the sidelines, focusing on the wedding the gems are preparing for.
08:50Despite the sentiment that this piece won't last, it's a lovely song that'll have your head in the clouds.
08:55If only for four minutes, you'll forget about your problems, thinking only of love.
09:01Number 12. Familiar
09:03Identity is another theme of the show, with many telling Stephen who he is.
09:08At times, Stephen isn't entirely sure who he is, especially as the diamonds hammer in the notion that he's pink.
09:14As Stephen tries to learn more about his mother, he finds that they share even more in common than he
09:19realized.
09:20Overcome with a familiar feeling, it's as if Stephen is recalling memories that aren't entirely his.
09:27Familiar
09:27Why is this so familiar?
09:32Familiar
09:33Like something I used to do
09:35Seeing how his relationship with the gems mirrors his mother's dynamic with the diamonds, Stephen becomes less lost.
09:42While Stephen is his own individual, his mother is also a part of him.
09:46Both can identify with being outsiders, but by channeling his mother, Stephen may accomplish what she couldn't, uniting the gems
09:54and diamonds.
09:54Familiar
09:56But this time I've had some practice
09:59At helping a struggling family
10:03Let's go
10:04Number 11. Drift Away
10:07While she fits the show's aesthetic, Spinel has the essence of a cartoon character from the 20s or 30s.
10:13This is fitting, as Spinel is a gem who becomes lost to time.
10:17Drift Away bridges a retro and modern sound.
10:19As Spinel remembers her past and confronts what's been lost.
10:23Counting the seconds
10:25Standing alone
10:26As thousands of years go by
10:30Not wanting Spinel to follow her, Stephen's mother asks her to stay in the garden as part of a game.
10:37Spinel cluelessly remained in the garden for 6,000 years, gradually realizing over time that she was abandoned.
10:44She finally cracks upon realizing that Pink Diamond is not only gone, but she formed relationships with others, showing them
10:51love that never extended to Spinel.
10:53She doesn't exist now, survived by her son, and all of her brand new friends.
11:01It's an emotionally draining reflection of someone slowly drifting into despair.
11:07Number 10. We Are The Crystal Gems
11:09When Stephen was just starting out as a crystal gem, he wrote a song just for them about how nothing
11:14can stop the gems from saving the day.
11:16Aw man, I wanna come next time! I even wrote us a song!
11:20It's like, if you're- wait, hold on.
11:24Hmm.
11:26If you're evil and you're on the rise, you can count on the four of us taking you down.
11:32Cause we're good and evil never beats us, we'll win the fight and then go out for pizzas.
11:37The full version of the song adds a little extra range to the tune, starting off as an easygoing, charming
11:43ukulele piece,
11:44before eventually exploding into a fast-paced, inspirational number showcasing each of the gems' main motivations.
11:50We are the Crystal Gems
11:54We'll always save the day
11:57And if you think we can
12:00We'll always find a way
12:03That's why the people of this world
12:08Believe in
12:09Garnet, Amethyst, and
12:12Pearl and Stephen!
12:14Naturally, this was the perfect pick for the original series' theme song, and has become one of its staple tunes.
12:21Along with the soothing original end credits track, Love Like You.
12:25When I see the way you act
12:28Wondering when I'm coming back
12:31I could do about anything
12:33I could even learn how to love like you
12:38Number 9. Peace and love on the planet Earth
12:42Working hard is important, but feeling good is important too.
12:46While on a break from working on the drill for the cluster, Stephen whips out his ukulele and starts strumming
12:52a peppy tune,
12:53Encouraging Peridot to help him out.
12:55Life and death and love and birth and peace and war on the planet Earth
12:58Is there anything that's worth more than peace and love on the planet Earth?
13:03Whoa, come on and sing it with me
13:05Sing?
13:06The words relate to the key
13:07Key?
13:08If it's a pattern, if it's a pattern, then just repeat after me
13:12Peridot doesn't understand the purpose of music, but even she can't resist slowly joining in,
13:17Symbolizing her coming to terms with her new life on Earth.
13:20I guess we're already here
13:22I guess we already know
13:24We've all got something to fear
13:26We've all got nowhere to go
13:28I think you're all insane
13:31But I guess I am too
13:33Anybody would be if they were stuck on Earth with you
13:36The lyrics are simple and the music isn't really show-stopping, but the song is an endearing little breather from
13:43the recent chaos, and it offers all the gems a chance to sing at least once, especially Peridot.
13:49Some things don't need a purpose other than to make us feel good, but isn't it worth it for a
13:53happy life?
13:54Is there anything that's worth more?
13:56Is there anything that's worth more than peace and love on the planet Earth?
14:06Spinel has come back to Earth to ruin Steven's life
14:09And boy does she know how to make an entrance
14:11That's right, I heard the story over and over again
14:15Gee, it's swell to finally meet her other friends
14:19And not just with her injector
14:21But also with an eerie electro-jazz number as she effortlessly runs circles around the gems
14:26What did she say about me? What did she say?
14:30What did you do without me? What did you do?
14:34Did you play games without me? What did you play?
14:38Did you think all this time that I wouldn't find out about you?
14:42Spinel's rubber hose fighting style blends perfectly with the haunting ragtime music
14:46And the lyrics are just as chilling
14:48They don't even hide the loony gem's vindictiveness
14:52She has a massive chip on her shoulder over being abandoned by Steven's mom
14:56Can't say we blame her
14:58And she's got no qualms taking it out on Steven and his friends if it means getting even
15:03Spinel's anger is terrifying
15:05But we can't deny that she knows how to terrorize with a little pizzazz
15:09Gee, it's swell to finally beat her other, other, other thing
15:26Number 7. Comet
15:28Whenever Greg shares a flashback of his youth with Steven, he starts the story in song
15:34Some say I have no direction
15:38That I'm a light speed distraction
15:42But that's a knee jerk reaction
15:46For his earliest story, Greg sets the scene with a glam metal jam that has him pouring his heart out
15:52About his place in the universe and his musical ambitions
15:55But the moment that I hit the stage, thousands of voices are calling my name
16:01And I know in my heart it's been worth it all of the while
16:06Unfortunately, barely anyone is in the audience to fully appreciate Greg's passionate lyrics, stellar singing, and sick guitar skills
16:14But Greg doesn't care
16:15He's too busy pouring his heart and soul into a pulse-pounding rock number
16:19And enjoying every step of the journey
16:22And as the solar wind blows through my hair
16:25Knowing I have so much more left to share
16:28A wandering spirit who's tearing its way through the cold atmosphere
16:34I fly like a comet
16:38Little did Greg know that this jam would bring about two major milestones in his life
16:42His well-earned fortune
16:44And his first encounter with the woman he loves, Rose Quartz
16:48Space train to the cosmos
16:52Yeah, one way ticket and I'm ready to ride
16:56Oh, how will you get back?
16:59Back?
17:00Back to Earth?
17:01I'm never coming back
17:03Number 6. Do it for her
17:05Pearl is ecstatic to be teaching Connie how to sword fight
17:09And of course there's only one way to properly train her new ward, through song
17:13And you would do it again
17:16You'd do it for her, that is to say, you'll do it for him
17:20At first the song seems peaceful
17:23A gentle melody as Pearl slowly teaches Connie the basics
17:26All based on Rebecca Sugar's own fencing training
17:29Deep down you know
17:32You weren't built for fighting
17:34But that doesn't mean you're not prepared to try
17:39What they don't know
17:42Is your real advantage
17:44When you live for someone you're prepared to die
17:49However, over time the lyrics become a lot more worrisome
17:53Showing the extent of Pearl's devotion to Rose
17:55As she tries to mold Connie into the ultimate fighting machine
17:58Keep my stance wide
18:01Good
18:01Keep my body lowered
18:03Right
18:03As I'm moving forward
18:06Concentrate
18:07Don't you want him to live?
18:09Right foot
18:09Left foot
18:11Yes, but put your whole body into it
18:13It's almost comical how the slow tranquil music contradicts the troubling lyrics
18:17As we delve deeper into Pearl's psyche
18:19Steven's reaction really sealing the deal throughout the tune
18:23Okay now do that again
18:24Yes ma'am
18:25You do it for her and now you say
18:28I'll do it for him
18:31Number 5
18:32Happily Ever After
18:34It's been two years since the events of the original series finale
18:37And now the future is looking bright
18:40Here we are in the future and it's bright
18:45Nothing to fear, no one to fight
18:50I can't believe we've come so far
18:56Happily ever after, here we are
18:58To celebrate the new era of peace
19:01Steven and the Crystal Gems belt out an upbeat ballad while reflecting on their respective pasts
19:06Once upon a time I only lived to be a Pink Diamond service
19:11Till the day the two of us snuck down to be on this planet's surface
19:16We became a fantasy
19:22And I was sure she set me free
19:27The four each sing their own verse where they briefly recollect the obstacles and adversities they've each faced throughout the
19:33original series
19:34And how much their trials have helped them grow
19:36Once upon a time I thought I'd always be in my mother's shadow
19:42Answering for her crimes I thought I'd always be in an endless battle
19:47Till I began to hone
19:52A power all my own
19:58That I could feel growing stronger
20:02Every day
20:03And now I saved the world
20:05Not just that the whole galaxy saved
20:08We did it
20:08Not only is this track an energetic, uplifting recap of everything our favorite gems have been through for new viewers
20:14But it also makes the perfect theme song for the epilogue series
20:18I can't believe we've come so far
20:24Steven Universe Future, here we are
20:27Steven Universe Future
20:28Number 4
20:30Here Comes A Thought
20:31To teach Steven and Connie about confronting their inner demons
20:35Garnet has Devani join her in a duet of one of the most therapeutic songs in the series
20:40Here comes a thought
20:42That might alarm you
20:45What someone said
20:48And how it harmed you
20:50Something you did
20:52That failed to be charming
20:55The melody is slow and calming
20:57And both Estelle and AJ Meshaka deliver the message beautifully
21:01The tune encourages those suffering from anxiety to take a moment to breathe and confront their turmoil
21:06Being honest and not running away from the issue may be the best way to fully move on
21:11The imagery adds extra beauty to the whole sequence thanks to some creative symbolism and stunning animation
21:16Making it all come together into a heartfelt self-help musical number
21:20Take a moment to think of just
21:23Flexibility, love and trist
21:25Take a moment to think of just
21:29Flexibility, love and trist
21:31Number 3
21:32What's the use of feeling blue?
21:40Blue Diamond is still mourning over the loss of Pink
21:43But Yellow wants her to start moving past her sadness
21:46In an effort to cheer Blue up
21:48Yellow commands both their pearls to harmonize while she sings a haunting remorseful tune about how pointless it is to
21:54linger on the pain
21:55Why would you wanna be here?
21:59What do you ever see here?
22:02Up until this point, we all assumed that the diamonds were nothing but malevolent tyrants
22:06But this song painted them in a much more sympathetic light as we see them both struggle with the loss
22:11of a loved one on both sides
22:13An army has a use, they can go and fight a war
22:16A sapphire has a use, she can tell you what it's for
22:20Blue refusing to let go of the pain
22:22And Yellow letting her pride stop her from showing her own emotional weaknesses
22:27But now there's nothing we can do so tell me
22:31What's the use of feeling?
22:33What's the use of feeling?
22:35What's the use of feeling?
22:38Number 2
22:39Stronger than you
22:40The Crystal Gems are trapped on a spaceship
22:43Ruby and Sapphire have just fused back into Garnet
22:46And Jasper's looking for a fight
22:48Fusion is just a cheap tactic to make weak gems stronger
22:52Quit embarrassing yourselves
22:54What's Garnet going to do?
22:56Kick some Quartz butt while singing a fast-paced electro-pop song of course
23:00This is Garnet, back together
23:02And I'm never going down at the hands of the likes of you
23:05Because I'm so much better
23:07And every part of me is saying go get her
23:09The two of us ain't gonna follow your rules
23:12Come and be without any of your fancy tools
23:15Let's go, just me and you
23:17Let's go, just one on two
23:19The battle is definitely a spectacle
23:21The two fighters matching each other blow for blow
23:24In a brawl that syncs perfectly with the upbeat tempo
23:26And Estelle bringing her A-game on the microphone
23:29Go ahead and try and hit me if you're able
23:31Can't you see that my relationship is stable?
23:34I can see you hate the way we intermingle
23:36But I think you're just mad cause you're single
23:39And you're not gonna stop when we wait together
23:41We are gonna stay like this forever
23:43If you break us apart we'll just come make you up
23:46And we'll always be twice the gem that you are
23:48Jasper claims that fusion is just a cheap power-up tactic
23:52But Garnet knows better
23:53She is living breathing proof that love conquers all
23:56Especially an angry gem full of hatred
23:58And she embraces this fact in style
24:01Go ahead and try and hit me if you're able
24:04Can't you see that my relationship is stable?
24:06I know you think I'm not something you're afraid of
24:09Cause you think that you've seen what I'm made of
24:11But I am even more than the two of them
24:13Everything they care about is what I am
24:16I am their fury, I am their patience, I am a conversation
24:21Number 1. It's Over Isn't It?
24:23The musical episode Mr. Gregg offers a plethora of catchy memorable musical numbers
24:28From the gentle laid back don't cost nothing
24:31To the emotionally healing both of you
24:33You both love me and I love both of you
24:38But our number 1 pick from this episode and for this list
24:42Is Pearl's tragic torch song
24:44I was fine
24:46With the men
24:48Who would come into her life now and again
24:51I was fine
24:54Cause I knew
24:55That they didn't really matter
24:58Until you
25:00While alone on the balcony
25:02She laments her beloved rose quartz
25:04I was fine
25:06When you came
25:07And we fought like it was all some silly game
25:11Over her
25:13Who she'd choose
25:15After all those years
25:18I never thought I'd lose
25:21It's over, isn't it?
25:24The two had been through so much for many millennia
25:26But Rose fell for Gregg over Pearl and now she's gone forever
25:30It's no wonder Pearl can't move on
25:32Between the dazzling imagery, Pearl's powerful singing
25:35And the heartbreaking subject of loss and unrequited love
25:39It's impossible to not adore this song
25:41It's over, isn't it?
25:44Why can't I move on?
25:50It's over, isn't it?
25:53Why can't I move on?
25:56Why can't I move on?
26:00It's over, isn't it?
26:00What's your favorite Steven Universe song?
26:03Let us know in the comments.