Mother Knows Best (song): Difference between revisions

"Mother Knows Best"
"Mother Knows Best"
Song by Donna Murphy
from the album Tangled: Original Soundtrack
Released	November 16, 2010
Genre	Pop
Length	3:10
Label	Walt Disney
Composer(s)	Alan Menken
Lyricist(s)	Glenn Slater
Producer(s)	Menken

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"Mother Knows Best" is a song written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater for Disney's animated film Tangled (2010). Included on the film's soundtrack album, it was recorded by American actress and singer Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel, the film's main villain, and details the character's efforts to frighten Rapunzel into remaining within the confines of their secluded tower so she can continue exploiting her hair's regenerative properties. A musical theatre-inspired pop ballad lyrically consisting of passive-aggressive insults, the song's upbeat melody belies its dark lyrics about fearmongering, lying, and manipulation. Gothel eventually reprises "Mother Knows Best" in a more vengeful, sinister manner once Rapunzel openly defies her for the first time.

Menken and Slater deliberately wrote "Mother Knows Best" in the style of an old-fashioned Broadway musical number at the behest of directors Byron Howard and Nathan Greno, despite Menken's initial concerns that it sounded too different from the film's other songs. Musically, "Mother Knows Best" contrasts with the singer-songwriter style of Rapunzel's songs performed by pop singer Mandy Moore. A Tony Award-winning Broadway performer, Murphy recorded "Mother Knows Best" by envisioning Gothel as a person who revels in the spotlight and enjoys being the center of attention.

"Mother Knows Best" has garnered widespread acclaim from film and music critics, who cited it as the film's best song. Murphy's vocal performance has also been praised, comparing it to actresses Patti LuPone and Julie Andrews. Additionally, the song has drawn comparisons to the work of Broadway composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, as well as songs from the musical Les Misérables and Disney's own The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), another Menken project.

Writing and recording

"Mother Knows Best" was written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater.^[1]^[2] Menken and Slater wrote "Mother Knows Best" for Tangled (2010) as a musical theater-inspired song at the behest of directors Byron Howard and Nathan Greno,^[3] who specifically requested "a musical theatre moment" for the film's main villain, Mother Gothel.^[4] Menken was initially concerned that "Mother Knows Best" was unsuitable for the film because its style differed greatly from the singer-songwriter approach they had used to write its other songs,^[4]^[5] most of which are performed by pop singer Mandy Moore.^[4]^[6] Before writing "Mother Knows Best", Menken and Slater selected appropriate moments throughout the film during which its main characters could sing, ultimately determining that "Mother Knows Best" "flows directly out of the conflict between" Gothel and Rapunzel.^[3]

Menken found writing "Mother Knows Best" challenging due to the subtlety required in order not to reveal the true nature of Gothel and Rapunzel's complex relationship.^[7] Menken explained that, in addition to establishing that the characters do love each other to an extent, the song was also tasked with discussing the serious topic of emotional abuse in a delicate enough manner appropriate for a Disney film.^[7] Furthermore, Menken observed similarities between Gothel and Claude Frollo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), a Disney villain he had also written songs for.^[8] One of the song's lines, "getting kind of chubby", was borrowed from a conversation the directors had with several female employees about their own complicated relationships with their mothers.^[9] Ultimately, Menken was pleased with "Mother Knows Best", despite his initial reservations.^[10]

"Mother Knows Best" was recorded by actress and singer Donna Murphy.^[11] Primarily a stage performer, Murphy had never voiced an animated character before spontaneously auditioning for Tangled.^[12] Because the film is a musical, all candidates were required to audition one song of their choice, with Murphy singing "Children Will Listen" from the musical Into the Woods.^[5]^[a] Because of the actress' extensive musical theatre background, Menken and the directors welcomed her suggestions about Gothel's music, on one occasion proposing an alternate arrangement of "Mother Knows Best".^[14] Murphy envisioned her character as an entertainer who "envisions herself periodically being hit with a spotlight", which ultimately influenced her performance on "Mother Knows Best",^[15] and claims to have learned more about her character's true wickedness by recording the song.^[16] After hearing "Mother Knows Best" for the first time, animator Jin Kim conceived a "1940s Hollywood screen siren motif" for Gothel's appearance and personality.^[17]

Context and use in Tangled

Taking place in the film's first act, "Mother Knows Best" begins during the first fifteen minutes of Tangled.^[18] On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Rapunzel finally musters the courage to ask for Gothel's permission to see the mysterious floating lanterns in person. Gothel, whose eternal youth and beauty relies on the preservation of Rapunzel's magical hair,^[19] warns her ward that the outside world is rife with selfish people who wish to steal and take advantage of her hair.^[20] Claiming to only want to protect her,^[21] Gothel insists the refusal is for Rapunzel's own good.^{[citation needed]} "Mother Knows Best" is Gothel's attempt to justify keeping Rapunzel imprisoned indefinitely,^[22] going to great lengths to convince Rapunzel that she is better off staying home,^[16] while sarcastically reminding her that "mother knows best".^[23]^[24] Gothel simultaneously lists all possible reasons Rapunzel could never survive without her, while telling her how much she cares.^[25] Rapunzel believes Mother Gothel has the best intentions despite audience's full knowledge that she is only being used for Gothel's personal gain.^[26]^[27] Softonic.com wrote that upon first hearing the song audiences might not think it is being performed by the film's villain, who seemingly "apparently worried about the dangers of the outside world – all she wants to do is protect her daughter".^[28] Writing for the Tulsa World, Michael Smith said Gothel uses the song "as her lie/rationale for keeping the girl safe (holding her hostage) from those who might steal her for their own hair-inspired profit schemes",^[29] manipulating her into remaining home by scaring and guilt tripping her.^[30]^[31]^[32] A writer for Disney.com observed, "The creepiness of this song lies in the fact that the very untrustworthy Mother Gothel is positioning herself as a helpful figure to Rapunzel".^[33]

At one point during the scene, Gothel actually contradicts herself, forbidding Rapunzel from asking to leave the tower ever again by the end of the musical number.^[34]^[35] According to Amid Amidi of Cartoon Brew, the scene alternates between being funny and scary, citing Gothel's "theatrical gestures" and "claustrophobia-inducing stark black backgrounds" as examples of each.^[36] Moviefone's William Goss cited the musical number as an example of "fear-mongering".^[37] According to Jennie Punter of The Globe and Mail, the sequence "hilariously convey[s] the fear and guilt that have kept Rapunzel in the tower of her own free will".^[38] In her book Marvels & Tales, author Kendra Magnusson observed that, during the "Mother Knows Best" musical sequence, "the manipulation of Rapunzel's hair leaves the heroine's body wrenched in one moment and bound up in it the next", depicting that, while Rapunzel's hair can be used to defend herself, "it is simultaneously a liability" and can just as well be used to harm her.^[39]

In the book How Fairy Tales Live Happily Ever After: (Analyzing) the Art of Adapting Fairy Tales, author Conny Eisfeld observed that "Mother Knows Best" emphasizes Gothel's "status of superiority" over Rapunzel, in spite of the fact that "her existence solely depend[s] on Rapunzel".^[40] A writer for Bitch felt "Mother Knows Best" is Gothel's strongest demonstration of being an abusive mother that the entire film has to offer,^[18] with Charlie Ridgley of ComicBook.com writing that it establishes "just how little she actually cares for Rapunzel".^[41] Critics have often identified the sequence as one of the film's darkest and edgiest moments.^[42]^[29]^[43] Glen Chapman of Den of Geek wrote that the scene "strikes a balance between melodic and narrative sophistication, as well as being equal parts sweet and sinister."^[44] Gothel later reprises the song "in indelible fashion."^[45] According to Barry Levitt of /Film, the reprise finally allows Rapunzel "to see just how cruel and manipulative her captor-mother can be".^[25]

Music and lyrics

According to the song's official sheet music, "Mother Knows Best" is performed "with rubato" in the key of F major, at a moderate speed of 66 beats per minute.^[46] Critics have described the song as a "brash",^[47] Broadway-style ballad.^[48]^[49]^[50] Lasting three minutes and ten seconds, "Mother Knows Best" is the second-longest song on the film's soundtrack, behind the Mandy Moore-Zachary Levi duet "I See the Light".^[51] According to Tom Charity of CNN, "Mother Knows Best" is a "grand, theatrical number",^[52] which some reviewers have stated also contains jazz and pop influences.^[33]^[53] Michael Smith of the Tulsa World referred to the song as "a bouncy little Freudian nightmare",^[29] and Variety's Justin Chang dubbed it an "authoritarian anthem".^[54] Describing "Mother Knows Best" as a "fiery" musical number, Andrew L. Urban of Urban Cinefile said the song is "as theatrical as is [its] character".^[55] According to Anthony Quinn of The Independent, "Mother Knows Best" is a "creepy-funny ode to self-interest",^[56] whereas Joe Williams of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch described its musical undertones as "mercenary".^[49] A writer for Filmtracks.com observed that its "lovely romantic melody and instrumentation is betrayed by its absolutely evil lyrics".^[57] Similarly, Softonic.com reported that "never before has such a sweet tune hidden so much evil".^[28]

Featuring dark, humorous lyrics,^[48] "Mother Knows Best" is about overprotecting someone in order to hide the truth from them.^[28] Being about maintaining control over someone, "Mother Knows Best" is distinguished from Tangled's other more empowering, adventurous songs.^[58] Io9 contributor Meredith Goerner described the ballad as a "twisted song about" a mother "sheltering her fake daughter from the real world so she can live forever".^[59] The song's lyrics cite several factors Gothel claims are a danger to Rapunzel's well-being,^[21] such as ruffians, thugs, poison ivy, quicksand, cannibals, snakes, and the plague, to deter her from leaving their secluded tower.^[34] Using passive-aggressive insults,^[48]^[60] the song opens with Murphy speaking, "You want to go outside? Why, Rapunzel!",^[46] and features the line "skip the drama, stay with mama".^[61]^[62]^[48] John Roebuck of ReelGood said its lyrics are essentially "Snide remarks ... disguised as a mothers concern".^[63] Writing for Slant Magazine, Christian Blauvelt found its lyrics similar to "Out There" from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), specifically Judge Claude Frollo's verse;^[64] both songs were composed by Menken.^[34] Also comparing the song to Menken's previous work, AllMusic's James Christopher Monger said "Mother Knows Best" is "cut from the same pop cloth as all of the late 20th/early 21st century Disney offerings".^[53]

Murphy's vocal range on the song spans approximately two octaves, from F₃ to C₅.^[46] According to James Kendrick of QNetwork Entertainment Portal, the song allows Murphy "to stretch her Broadway vocal chops",^[65] which Proma Khosla of Mashable likened to "a true Broadway diva going in for the kill".^[22] Playbill's Ruthie Fierberg felt Murphy discovered "new ways to use her belt and her delicate coloratura".^[16] Writing for Little White Lies, Georgie Hobbs said the actress "performs ... with a schizophrenic frenzy", likening "Mother Knows Best" to the work of Broadway songwriter Stephen Sondheim.^[66] Dan Kois of The Village Voice compared the song to Sondheim's musical Gypsy,^[67] while Norman Wilner of Now said Murphy's vocals reminded him of Broadway actress Patti LuPone,^[68] which according to Marjorie Baumgarten of The Austin Chronicle "drip[s] with sarcasm and biting wit".^[69] Meanwhile, Tim Robey of The Daily Telegraph likened Murphy's performance to actress and singer Julie Andrews, describing it jokingly as "Julie-Andrews-on-stimulants".^[70]

According to Bitch, the song's reprise "features far darker harmonies and a slightly revised melody as compared to the original rendition of the song."^[18] Additionally, the reprise serves as a "dark twist on the original performance with a much more ominous sound in both the singing and the orchestration".^[71]

Reception

"Mother Knows Best" has garnered widespread acclaim from film and music critics, several of whom praised the song despite being otherwise unimpressed with most of Tangled's musical numbers.^[56]^[72]^[73]^[74] Writing for The Blade, Kirk Baird said the film's songs "aren't particularly memorable" apart from "Mother Knows Best".^[75] Lindsey Ward of Canoe.ca agreed, writing that "Murphy alone turns [the song] into a giant spectacle with her voice".^[47] Richard Corliss of Time called "Mother Knows Best" "a pot of poisoned honey".^[74] Michael Smith, writing for the Tulsa World, felt the song's darkness offers Tangled "a bitter balance for the sugar and spice" by recalling "the nasty bits of the original Grimm's fairy tale".^[29] Mal Vincent of The Virginian-Pilot described the song as "a good villain entry".^[76] Critics have unanimously hailed "Mother Knows Best" as the film's best song.^[60]^[77]^[78]^[79] Declaring it the musical standout of Tangled, Georgie Hobbs of Little White Lies deemed the ballad "worthy of the very best of [Stephen] Sondheim's crazed heroines".^[66] Calling it a "potential Broadway showstopper", Steve Persall of the Tampa Bay Times described "Mother Knows Best" as "a knockout".^[80] Also singling out the track as the film's "finest number", Dan Kois of The Village Voice felt the track was worthy of Mama Rose from the musical Gypsy (1959),^[67] a sentiment echoed by Andrea Gronvall of the Chicago Tribune who wrote "Murphy channel[ed] all the monstrous smothering power of Mama Rose in Gypsy".^[81] According to an article written by William Bibbiani of Mandatory in 2017, "Mother Knows Best" remains one of Menken's richest, most subversive Disney compositions.^[7] Calling the song as "terrifically catchy", Barry Levitt of /Film described "Mother Knows Best" as "a masterclass in manipulation and passive-aggressiveness".^[25]

Murphy's vocals have also been enthusiastically reviewed,^[82]^[83] which Filmtracks.com felt were "more accomplished" than Moore's.^[57] Critics likened her vocals to performances by Patti LuPone and Julia Andrews.^[48] Rolling Stone film critic Peter Travers hailed them as "comic bliss with a sting in its tail".^[84] 7x7's Rossiter Drake called her efforts "a welcome revelation",^[85] while The Austin Chronicle's Marjorie Baumgarten praised Murphy's showmanship.^[69] Tom Charity of CNN commended the actress for treating the musical number like "the showstopper it deserves to be".^[52] Describing "Mother Knows Best" as "belted out wonderfully by Murphy", Linda Cook of the Quad-City Times concluded that the actress "makes the purchase of the soundtrack worthwhile".^[86] Christian Blauvelt of Slant Magazine wrote, "If a couple of Menken's songs feel less than soaring, it's due only to the limited pop-star vocals of Mandy Moore", but "when Broadway vet Murphy takes to scaling Menken's octave-climbing melodies like a vocal escalator, it's a different story".^[64] Sandie Angulo Chen of Common Sense Media said Murphy's vocals are "on fabulous display in the amazing number",^[87] and William Goss of Moviefone said she belts it "perfectly".^[37] In review of the film's soundtrack, AllMusic critic James Christopher Monger observed that both Murphy and Moore "take on the lion's share of the work, and ... deliver the goods".^[53] Josh Spiegel of ScreenCrush said Murphy is "a caustic delight" in "Mother Knows Best".^[88]

In a mixed review, Wesley Morris of The Boston Globe enjoyed the quality of the song itself and Menken's songwriting, but felt that it was unnecessary and melodramatic.^[89] James Berardinelli of ReelViews gave the song a negative review, feeling that it was equally as unmemorable as the other tracks and writing, "It's hard to imagine someone humming ... 'Mother Knows Best' when leaving the theater".^[90]

TVOvermind and Mashable ranked "Mother Knows Best" Disney's fifth best villain song.^[22]^[91] According to Screen Rant's Jordan Payeur, who ranked "Mother Knows Best" the third-best Disney villain song, the tune "portrays how selfish and manipulative she is".^[92] Hillary Busis of Entertainment Weekly ranked "Mother Knows Best" Disney's ninth best villain song, writing that Gothel "can't elevate it higher than the middle of the pack" despite her "admirable swagger".^[93] Ranking the song seventh, ComicBook.com's Charlie Ridgely believes "the intention behind the lyrics are what really set it apart as one of the great Disney villain numbers".^[41] Io9 ranked the song 11th on the website's list of "The 36 Greatest Supervillain Musical Numbers of All Time."^[59] BuzzFeed ranked "Mother Knows Best" 9th on its list of "The 12 Greatest Disney Villain Songs".^[94] Selecting it as a top audition song for female singers, Rebecca Strassberg of Backstage said "Mother Knows Best" "allows singers to get gritty".^[11]

Live performances and use in media

In 2021, actress Melora Hardin and professional dance partner Artem Chigvintsev performed a jazz routine to Hardin's cover of "Mother Knows Best" on the reality television dance competition Dancing with the Stars.^[95]^[96] Hardin's performance received unanimous praise from the judges, earning the highest score of the "Disney Villains"-themed portion of the episode, as well as the season's first 10.^[97]^[98]

Certifications

Certifications for "Mother Knows Best"
Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)^[99]	Silver	200,000^‡
United States (RIAA)^[100]	Gold	500,000^‡
^‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Notes

^ The stage musical "Into the Woods" is a fractured fairy tale that also features a version of the Mother Gothel character, a role Murphy herself would play in 2012.^[13]

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^ Ellerton, Julie (November 23, 2010). "TANGLED... Holiday Magic! -Interviews with the Cast-". iReport. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
^ Goodwin, Hannah (2010). "Tangled". Christian Broadcasting Network. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
^ Travers, Peter (November 24, 2010). "Tangled". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
^ Drake, Rossiter (November 26, 2010). "Rapunzel Lets Down Her Bountiful Blonde Hair in Disney's Winning New Musical". 7x7. Archived from the original on March 29, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
^ Cook, Linda (November 22, 2010). ""Tangled" a clever twist on Rapunzel". Quad-City Times. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
^ Chen, Sandie Angulo (November 14, 2010). "Tangled". Common Sense Media. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
^ Spiegel, Josh (November 7, 2018). "The 20 Best Disney Villains Ever". ScreenCrush. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
^ Morris, Wesley (November 24, 2010). "Tangled". The Boston Globe. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
^ Berardinelli, James (November 22, 2010). "Tangled". ReelViews. Archived from the original on February 18, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
^ Mason, Aiden (2018). "The Top 20 Disney Villain Songs of All-Time". TVOvermind. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
^ Payeur, Jordan (June 25, 2022). "The 10 Best Disney Villain Songs, According to Reddit". Screen Rant. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
^ Busis, Hillary (June 13, 2022). "20 Disney villain songs, ranked". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
^ Galindo, Brian (October 15, 2013). "Counting Down The 12 Greatest Disney Villain Songs". BuzzFeed. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
^ Handel, Erica (October 14, 2021). "DWTS: How Melora Hardin Is Slaying The Competition". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
^ Samhan, Jamie (November 8, 2021). "Melora Hardin Finally Earns Her Perfect Score On 'DWTS'". Entertainment Tonight Canada. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
^ Montgomery, Daniel (October 12, 2021). "Melora Hardin ('Dancing with the Stars') got the first 10 of the season and defends Jan from 'The Office' [WATCH]". GoldDerby. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
^ Joest, Mick (October 12, 2021). "Watch Dancing With The Stars' Melora Hardin Go Full Tangled For A Top Score On Disney Night". CinemaBlend. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
^ "British single certifications – Donna Murphy – Mother Knows Best". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
^ "American single certifications – Donna Murphy – Mother Knows Best". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved February 17, 2023.

[14] The stage musical "Into the Woods" is a fractured fairy tale that also features a version of the Mother Gothel character, a role Murphy herself would play in 2012.^[13]

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@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 | type          =
 | artist        = [[Donna Murphy]]
-| album         = [[Tangled#Music and soundtrack|Tangled: Original Soundtrack]]
+| album         = [[Tangled (soundtrack)|Tangled: Original Soundtrack]]
 | released      = {{start date|2010|11|16}}
 | format        =
@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 | studio        =
 | venue         =
-| genre         = Pop
+| genre         = [[Pop music|Pop]]
 | length        = {{duration|m=3|s=10}}
 | label         = [[Walt Disney Records|Walt Disney]]
-| writer        = {{flat list|
+| composer      = [[Alan Menken]]
+| lyricist      = [[Glenn Slater]]
-*[[Alan Menken]]
-*[[Glenn Slater]]}}
 | producer      = Menken
 }}
-"'''Mother Knows Best'''" is a song written by composer [[Alan Menken]] and lyricist [[Glenn Slater]] for [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]]'s animated film ''[[Tangled]]'' (2010). Included on the film's [[Tangled (soundtrack)|soundtrack album]], it was recorded by American actress and singer [[Donna Murphy]] as [[Mother Gothel]], the film's main villain, and details the character's efforts to frighten [[Rapunzel (Disney)|Rapunzel]] into remaining within the confines of their secluded tower so she can continue exploiting her hair's regenerative properties. A musical theatre-inspired pop [[ballad]] lyrically incorporating [[Passive-aggressive behavior|passive-aggressive]] insults, the song's upbeat melody belies its dark lyrics about [[fearmongering]], lying, and manipulation. Gothel eventually [[reprise]]s "Mother Knows Best" in a more vengeful, sinister manner once Rapunzel openly defies her for the first time.
+"'''Mother Knows Best'''" is a song written by composer [[Alan Menken]] and lyricist [[Glenn Slater]] for [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]]'s animated film ''[[Tangled]]'' (2010). Included on the film's [[Tangled (soundtrack)|soundtrack album]], it was recorded by American actress and singer [[Donna Murphy]] as [[Mother Gothel]], the film's main villain, and details the character's efforts to frighten [[Rapunzel (Tangled)|Rapunzel]] into remaining within the confines of their secluded tower so she can continue exploiting her hair's regenerative properties. A [[musical theatre]]-inspired [[Pop music|pop]] [[ballad]] lyrically consisting of [[Passive-aggressive behavior|passive-aggressive]] insults, the song's upbeat melody belies its dark lyrics about [[fearmongering]], lying, and manipulation. Gothel eventually [[reprise]]s "Mother Knows Best" in a more vengeful, sinister manner once Rapunzel openly defies her for the first time.
 Menken and Slater deliberately wrote "Mother Knows Best" in the style of an old-fashioned [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] musical number at the behest of directors [[Byron Howard]] and [[Nathan Greno]], despite Menken's initial concerns that it sounded too different from the film's other songs. Musically, "Mother Knows Best" contrasts with the singer-songwriter style of Rapunzel's songs performed by pop singer [[Mandy Moore]]. A [[Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical|Tony Award]]-winning Broadway performer, Murphy recorded "Mother Knows Best" by envisioning Gothel as a person who revels in the spotlight and enjoys being the center of attention.
-Often cited as ''Tangled''<nowiki/>'s best song, "Mother Knows Best" has garnered widespread acclaim from both [[Film criticism|film]] and music critics, who identified it as a notable standout by complimenting its melody, humor and darkness. Murphy's vocal performance has also been lauded, comparing it to the likes of actresses [[Patti LuPone]] and [[Julie Andrews]]. Additionally, the song has drawn comparisons to the work of Broadway composer and lyricist [[Stephen Sondheim]], as well as songs from the musical ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'' and Disney's own ''[[The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996 film)|The Hunchback of Notre Dame]]'' (1996), another Menken project.
+"Mother Knows Best" has garnered widespread acclaim from [[Film criticism|film]] and music critics, who cited it as the film's best song. Murphy's vocal performance has also been praised, comparing it to actresses [[Patti LuPone]] and [[Julie Andrews]]. Additionally, the song has drawn comparisons to the work of Broadway composer and lyricist [[Stephen Sondheim]], as well as songs from the musical ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]'' and Disney's own ''[[The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996 film)|The Hunchback of Notre Dame]]'' (1996), another Menken project.
 ==Writing and recording==
+"Mother Knows Best" was written by composer [[Alan Menken]] and lyricist [[Glenn Slater]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mother Knows Best |url=https://repertoire.bmi.com/Search/Search?SearchForm.View_Count=&SearchForm.Main_Search=Title&SearchForm.Main_Search_Text=mother+knows+best&SearchForm.Sub_Search=Performer&SearchForm.Sub_Search_Text=donna+murphy&SearchForm.Search_Type=all |access-date=September 14, 2022 |website=[[Broadcast Music, Inc.]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mother Knows Best – ISWC: T9056861542 – Work ID: 882372639 |url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/search/title/mother%20knows%20best/performer/donna%20murphy?at=false&searchFilter=SVW&page=1 |access-date=September 14, 2022 |website=[[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers]]}}</ref> Menken and Slater wrote "Mother Knows Best" for ''[[Tangled]]'' (2010) as a [[Musical theatre|musical theater]]-inspired song at the behest of directors [[Byron Howard]] and [[Nathan Greno]],<ref name=":21" /> who specifically requested "a musical theatre moment" for the film's main villain, [[Mother Gothel]].<ref name=":24">{{Cite web |last=Cerasaro |first=Pat |date=November 15, 2010 |title=BWW Exclusive: Alan Menken Talks Tangled, Sister Act, Leap of Faith, Hunchback & More |url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-EXCLUSIVE-Alan-Menken-Talks-TANGLED-SISTER-ACT-LEAP-HUNCHBACK-ALADDIN-More-20101115-page2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703062105/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-EXCLUSIVE-Alan-Menken-Talks-TANGLED-SISTER-ACT-LEAP-HUNCHBACK-ALADDIN-More-20101115-page2 |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2015 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> Menken was initially concerned that "Mother Knows Best" was unsuitable for the film because its style differed greatly from the singer-songwriter approach they had used to write its other songs,<ref name=":24" /><ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Cerasaro |first=Pat |date=November 18, 2010 |title=BWW Exclusive: Tangled Directors Nathan Greno & Byron Howard |url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-EXCLUSIVE-TANGLED-Directors-Nathan-Greno-Byron-Howard-20101118#.U-ZEXWNAWRk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804105716/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-EXCLUSIVE-TANGLED-Directors-Nathan-Greno-Byron-Howard-20101118 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> most of which are performed by pop singer [[Mandy Moore]].<ref name=":24" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Janes |first=DeAnna |date=January 17, 2020 |title=25 Mother-Daughter Songs to Add to Your Sentimental Playlist |url=https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/g30523342/mother-daughter-songs/?slide=25 |access-date=September 14, 2022 |website=Oprah Daily}}</ref> Before writing "Mother Knows Best", Menken and Slater selected appropriate moments throughout the film during which its main characters could sing, ultimately determining that "Mother Knows Best" "flows directly out of the conflict between" Gothel and [[Rapunzel (Tangled)|Rapunzel]].<ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last=Graham |first=Bill |date=September 27, 2010 |title=Alan Menken Exclusive Interview Tangled |url=http://collider.com/alan-menken-interview-tangled/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914032358/http://collider.com/alan-menken-interview-tangled/ |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref>
-[[File:Alan Menken 2013 (cropped).jpg|thumb|281x281px|Composer [[Alan Menken]] feared "Mother Knows Best" sounded too different than the film's other songs.]]
-"Mother Knows Best" was written by composer [[Alan Menken]] and lyricist [[Glenn Slater]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mother Knows Best |url=https://repertoire.bmi.com/Search/Search?SearchForm.View_Count=&SearchForm.Main_Search=Title&SearchForm.Main_Search_Text=mother+knows+best&SearchForm.Sub_Search=Performer&SearchForm.Sub_Search_Text=donna+murphy&SearchForm.Search_Type=all |access-date=September 14, 2022 |website=[[Broadcast Music, Inc.]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MOTHER KNOWS BEST – ISWC: T9056861542 – Work ID: 882372639 |url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/search/title/mother%20knows%20best/performer/donna%20murphy?at=false&searchFilter=SVW&page=1 |access-date=September 14, 2022 |website=[[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers]]}}</ref> Menken and Slater wrote "Mother Knows Best" for ''[[Tangled]]'' (2010) as a [[Musical theatre|musical theater]]-inspired song at the behest of directors [[Byron Howard]] and [[Nathan Greno]],<ref name=":21" /> who specifically asked them to provide "a musical theatre moment" for the film's main villain, [[Mother Gothel]].<ref name=":24">{{Cite web |last=Cerasaro |first=Pat |date=November 15, 2010 |title=BWW Exclusive: Alan Menken Talks Tangled, Sister Act, Leap of Faith, Hunchback & More |url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-EXCLUSIVE-Alan-Menken-Talks-TANGLED-SISTER-ACT-LEAP-HUNCHBACK-ALADDIN-More-20101115-page2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703062105/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-EXCLUSIVE-Alan-Menken-Talks-TANGLED-SISTER-ACT-LEAP-HUNCHBACK-ALADDIN-More-20101115-page2 |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2015 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> Menken was initially concerned that "Mother Knows Best" was unsuitable for the film because its distinct Broadway style differed greatly from the singer-songwriter approach they had used to write its other songs,<ref name=":24" /><ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Cerasaro |first=Pat |date=November 18, 2010 |title=BWW Exclusive: Tangled Directors Nathan Greno & Byron Howard |url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-EXCLUSIVE-TANGLED-Directors-Nathan-Greno-Byron-Howard-20101118#.U-ZEXWNAWRk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804105716/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-EXCLUSIVE-TANGLED-Directors-Nathan-Greno-Byron-Howard-20101118 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> most of which are performed by pop singer [[Mandy Moore]] and inspired by singer-songwriter [[Joni Mitchell]].<ref name=":24" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Janes |first=DeAnna |date=January 17, 2020 |title=25 Mother-Daughter Songs to Add to Your Sentimental Playlist |url=https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/g30523342/mother-daughter-songs/?slide=25 |access-date=September 14, 2022 |website=Oprah Daily}}</ref> Before writing "Mother Knows Best", Menken and Slater selected appropriate moments throughout the film during which its main characters could sing, ultimately determining that "Mother Knows Best" "flows directly out of the conflict between" Gothel and [[Rapunzel (Disney)|Rapunzel]].<ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last=Graham |first=Bill |date=September 27, 2010 |title=Alan Menken Exclusive Interview Tangled |url=http://collider.com/alan-menken-interview-tangled/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914032358/http://collider.com/alan-menken-interview-tangled/ |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Collider.com]]}}</ref>
-Menken found writing "Mother Knows Best" challenging due to the subtlety required in order not to reveal the true nature of Gothel and Rapunzel's complex relationship.<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |last=Bibbiani |first=William |date=March 16, 2017 |title=Interview {{!}} Alan Menken and the Art of Disney Villain Songs |url=https://www.mandatory.com/culture/1232437-interview-alan-menken-art-disney-villain-songs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121025117/https://www.mandatory.com/culture/1232437-interview-alan-menken-art-disney-villain-songs |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |access-date=September 14, 2022 |website=[[Mandatory (company)|Mandatory]]}}</ref> Menken explained that, in addition to establishing that the characters do love each other to an extent, the song was also tasked with discussing the serious topic of [[emotional abuse]] in a delicate manner appropriate for a Disney film.<ref name=":33" /> Furthermore, Menken observed similarities between Gothel and [[Judge Claude Frollo (Disney)|Claude Frollo]] from ''[[The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996 film)|The Hunchback of Notre Dame]]'' (1996), a Disney villain he had also written songs for.<ref name=":26">{{Cite web |last=Blauvelt |first=Christian |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Alan Menken discusses ''Tangled'' and the past, present, and future of the animated musical |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2010/11/24/alan-menken-tangled |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422172631/https://ew.com/article/2010/11/24/alan-menken-tangled/ |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> One of the song's lines, "getting kind of chubby", was borrowed from a conversation the directors had with several female employees about their own complicated relationships with their mothers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Molina |first=Melissa |date=2010 |title=Exclusive Interview with ''Tangled'' Directors Byron Howard and Nathan Greno |url=http://movies.about.com/od/rapunzel/a/Tangled-Directors-Byron-Howard-Nathan-Greno.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813153030/http://movies.about.com/od/rapunzel/a/Tangled-Directors-Byron-Howard-Nathan-Greno.htm |archive-date=August 13, 2017 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[About.com]]}}</ref> Ultimately, Menken was pleased with "Mother Knows Best".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gencarelli |first=Mike |date=January 12, 2011 |title=Interview with Alan Menken |url=http://www.mediamikes.com/2011/01/interview-with-alan-menken/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929152232/http://www.mediamikes.com/2011/01/interview-with-alan-menken/ |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=Media Mikes}}</ref>
+Menken found writing "Mother Knows Best" challenging due to the subtlety required in order not to reveal the true nature of Gothel and Rapunzel's complex relationship.<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |last=Bibbiani |first=William |date=March 16, 2017 |title=Interview {{!}} Alan Menken and the Art of Disney Villain Songs |url=https://www.mandatory.com/culture/1232437-interview-alan-menken-art-disney-villain-songs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121025117/https://www.mandatory.com/culture/1232437-interview-alan-menken-art-disney-villain-songs |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |access-date=September 14, 2022 |website=[[Mandatory (company)|Mandatory]]}}</ref> Menken explained that, in addition to establishing that the characters do love each other to an extent, the song was also tasked with discussing the serious topic of [[emotional abuse]] in a delicate enough manner appropriate for a Disney film.<ref name=":33" /> Furthermore, Menken observed similarities between Gothel and [[Claude Frollo (Disney character)|Claude Frollo]] from ''[[The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996 film)|The Hunchback of Notre Dame]]'' (1996), a Disney villain he had also written songs for.<ref name=":26">{{Cite magazine |last=Blauvelt |first=Christian |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Alan Menken discusses ''Tangled'' and the past, present, and future of the animated musical |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2010/11/24/alan-menken-tangled |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422172631/https://ew.com/article/2010/11/24/alan-menken-tangled/ |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> One of the song's lines, "getting kind of chubby", was borrowed from a conversation the directors had with several female employees about their own complicated relationships with their mothers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Molina |first=Melissa |date=2010 |title=Exclusive Interview with ''Tangled'' Directors Byron Howard and Nathan Greno |url=http://movies.about.com/od/rapunzel/a/Tangled-Directors-Byron-Howard-Nathan-Greno.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813153030/http://movies.about.com/od/rapunzel/a/Tangled-Directors-Byron-Howard-Nathan-Greno.htm |archive-date=August 13, 2017 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[About.com]]}}</ref> Ultimately, Menken was pleased with "Mother Knows Best", despite his initial reservations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gencarelli |first=Mike |date=January 12, 2011 |title=Interview with Alan Menken |url=http://www.mediamikes.com/2011/01/interview-with-alan-menken/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929152232/http://www.mediamikes.com/2011/01/interview-with-alan-menken/ |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=Media Mikes}}</ref>
-Primarily a stage performer, actress [[Donna Murphy]] had never voiced an animated character before spontaneously auditioning for ''Tangled.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hucks |first=Dustin |date=November 4, 2010 |title=Interviews: The Cast of ''Tangled'' Gets Unraveled |url=http://filmschoolrejects.com/features/interviews-the-cast-of-tangled-gets-unraveled.php |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Film School Rejects]]}}</ref> Because the film is a musical, all candidates were required to audition one song of their choice, with Murphy singing "Children Will Listen" from the musical ''[[Into the Woods]]''.<ref name=":22" />{{Efn|The musical "Into the Woods" is a [[fractured fairy tale]] that also features the Mother Gothel character, a role Murphy herself would play in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McGrath |first1=Charles |title=The Leafy Tale of the Princess and the Queen |url=http://theater.nytimes.com/2012/07/29/theater/amy-adams-and-donna-murphy-in-into-the-woods.html |access-date=September 15, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228030740/http://theater.nytimes.com/2012/07/29/theater/amy-adams-and-donna-murphy-in-into-the-woods.html |archive-date=December 28, 2012}}</ref>}} Having previously worked with her on his musical ''[[Little Shop of Horrors (musical)|Little Shop of Horrors]]'', Menken said Murphy "brought musical theater expertise" to the song.<ref name=":20" /> Because of the actress' extensive Broadway and musical theatre background, Menken and the directors were open to her suggestions about Gothel's music, on one occasion proposing an alternate arrangement of "Mother Knows Best".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cerasaro |first=Pat |date=September 27, 2010 |title=BWW EXCLUSIVE: Donna Murphy Talks Disney's TANGLED |url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-EXCLUSIVE-Donna-Murphy-Talks-Disneys-TANGLED-20010101#.U-EHTmNAWRk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212190613/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-EXCLUSIVE-Donna-Murphy-Talks-Disneys-TANGLED-20010101 |archive-date=February 12, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2014 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> Murphy envisioned her character as an entertainer, describing Gothel as "somebody who envisions herself periodically being hit with a [[Spotlight (theatre lighting)|spotlight]]", which ultimately influenced her performance on "Mother Knows Best".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Amos |first=Joel D |date=November 28, 2010 |title=Donna dishes Disney's Tangled |url=http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/820789/Donna-Murphy-takes-her-Tonys-and-tackles-Tangled |access-date=February 26, 2015 |website=[[SheKnows]]}}</ref> She said she learned more about her character's true wickedness by recording the song.<ref name=":31">{{Cite news |last=Fierberg |first=Ruthie |date=February 8, 2019 |title=WATCH: Donna Murphy Talks About Her Transformation Into Tangled’s Mother Gothel |work=[[Playbill]] |url=https://playbill.com/article/watch-donna-murphy-talks-about-her-transformation-into-tangleds-mother-gothel |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> The ''[[New York Post]]'' writer Lou Lumenick felt that, as songwriters, Menken and Slater had given the film's "real showstopper" to Murphy.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=Lumenick |first=Lou |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Tasty fable & locks from Disney |url=https://nypost.com/2010/11/24/tasty-fable-locks-from-disney/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403134011/https://nypost.com/2010/11/24/tasty-fable-locks-from-disney/ |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[New York Post]]}}</ref> ''[[The Korea Times]]'' reported that it was only after animator Jin Kim heard "Mother Knows Best" for the first time that he conceived a "1940s Hollywood screen siren motif" for Gothel's appearance and personality.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2014/01/135_87009.html|title = Dreams come true, Disney style|date = May 15, 2011|access-date = February 27, 2015|website = The Korea Times|last = Hyo-won|first = Lee}}</ref>
+"Mother Knows Best" was recorded by actress and singer [[Donna Murphy]].<ref name=":36" /> Primarily a stage performer, Murphy had never voiced an animated character before spontaneously auditioning for ''Tangled.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hucks |first=Dustin |date=November 4, 2010 |title=Interviews: The Cast of ''Tangled'' Gets Unraveled |url=http://filmschoolrejects.com/features/interviews-the-cast-of-tangled-gets-unraveled.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001405/http://filmschoolrejects.com/features/interviews-the-cast-of-tangled-gets-unraveled.php |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Film School Rejects]]}}</ref> Because the film is a [[Musical film|musical]], all candidates were required to audition one song of their choice, with Murphy singing "Children Will Listen" from the musical ''[[Into the Woods]]''.<ref name=":22" />{{Efn|The stage musical "Into the Woods" is a [[fractured fairy tale]] that also features a version of the Mother Gothel character, a role Murphy herself would play in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McGrath |first1=Charles |title=The Leafy Tale of the Princess and the Queen |url=http://theater.nytimes.com/2012/07/29/theater/amy-adams-and-donna-murphy-in-into-the-woods.html |access-date=September 15, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228030740/http://theater.nytimes.com/2012/07/29/theater/amy-adams-and-donna-murphy-in-into-the-woods.html |archive-date=December 28, 2012}}</ref>}} Because of the actress' extensive musical theatre background, Menken and the directors welcomed her suggestions about Gothel's music, on one occasion proposing an alternate arrangement of "Mother Knows Best".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cerasaro |first=Pat |date=September 27, 2010 |title=BWW EXCLUSIVE: Donna Murphy Talks Disney's TANGLED |url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-EXCLUSIVE-Donna-Murphy-Talks-Disneys-TANGLED-20010101#.U-EHTmNAWRk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212190613/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-EXCLUSIVE-Donna-Murphy-Talks-Disneys-TANGLED-20010101 |archive-date=February 12, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2014 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> Murphy envisioned her character as an entertainer who "envisions herself periodically being hit with a [[Spotlight (theatre lighting)|spotlight]]", which ultimately influenced her performance on "Mother Knows Best",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Amos |first=Joel D |date=November 28, 2010 |title=Donna dishes Disney's Tangled |url=http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/820789/Donna-Murphy-takes-her-Tonys-and-tackles-Tangled |access-date=February 26, 2015 |website=[[SheKnows]]}}</ref> and claims to have learned more about her character's true wickedness by recording the song.<ref name=":31">{{Cite news |last=Fierberg |first=Ruthie |date=February 8, 2019 |title=WATCH: Donna Murphy Talks About Her Transformation Into Tangled's Mother Gothel |work=[[Playbill]] |url=https://playbill.com/article/watch-donna-murphy-talks-about-her-transformation-into-tangleds-mother-gothel |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> After hearing "Mother Knows Best" for the first time, animator Jin Kim conceived a "[[Golden Age of Hollywood|1940s Hollywood]] screen siren motif" for Gothel's appearance and personality.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hyo-won |first=Lee |date=May 15, 2011 |title=Dreams come true, Disney style |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2014/01/135_87009.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408053212/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2014/01/135_87009.html |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |access-date=February 27, 2015 |url-status=live |website=[[The Korea Times]]}}</ref>
 == Context and use in ''Tangled'' ==
-Taking place in the film's [[Act (drama)|first act]], "Mother Knows Best" begins during the first fifteen minutes of ''Tangled''.<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |last=J |first=Dorian |date=August 17, 2011 |title=Stage Left: "Mother Knows Best": on Abusive Parenting in TANGLED |url=http://bitchmagazine.org/post/stage-left-mother-knows-best-on-abusive-parenting-in-tangled |access-date=February 27, 2015 |website=[[Bitch (magazine)|Bitch]]}}</ref> On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Rapunzel finally musters enough courage to ask for Gothel's permission to see the [[floating lanterns]] in person. Gothel, whose eternal youth and beauty relies on the preservation of Rapunzel's magical hair.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Alan |date=2011 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/film/cnjd4/tangled |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref> Gothel warns her ward that the world is rife with selfish people who wish to steal and take advantage of her hair.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fine |first=Marshall |date=November 23, 2010 |title=''Tangled'': Good hair day |url=http://hollywoodandfine.com/%E2%80%98tangled%E2%80%99-good-hair-day/ |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=Hollywood and Fine with Marshall Fine}}</ref> Claiming to only want to protect her,<ref name=":6">{{cite web |last=Hertz |first=Todd |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/novemberweb-only/tangled.html?start=2 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Christianity Today]]}}</ref> Gothel explains that the refusal is "for her own good".<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://music.allwomenstalk.com/songs-sung-by-disney-villains-we-cant-help-but-love/4/|title = 4. Mother Knows Best – Tangled|access-date = February 25, 2015|website = Allwomenstalk}}</ref> "Mother Knows Best" is Gothel's attempt to justify keeping Rapunzel imprisoned indefinitely,<ref name=":30">{{Cite news |last=Khosla |first=Proma |date=March 13, 2017 |title=The 10 best Disney villain songs |work=[[Mashable]] |url=https://mashable.com/article/disney-best-villain-songs |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> going to great lengths to convince Rapunzel that she is better off staying home,<ref name=":31" /> while sarcastically reminding her that "mother knows best".<ref>{{cite web|url = http://rogersmovienation.com/2013/01/27/movie-review-tangled/|title = Movie Review: "Tangled"|date = January 27, 2013|access-date = February 24, 2015|website = Movie Nation|last = Moore|first = Roger}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.futuremovies.co.uk/reviews/tangled/coco-forsythe|title = Tangled Review|date = January 28, 2011|access-date = February 24, 2015|website = Future Movies|last = Forsythe|first = Coco}}</ref> Gothel simultaneously lists all possible reasons Rapunzel could never survive without her, while telling her how much she cares.<ref name=":34">{{Cite news |last=Levitt |first=Barry |date=May 27, 2022 |title=The Top 20 Disney Animated Villains Ranked |work=[[/Film]] |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/877068/the-top-disney-animated-villains-ranked/ |access-date=September 15, 2022}}</ref> Rapunzel believes Mother Gothel has the best intentions despite audience's full knowledge that she is only being used for Gothel's personal gain.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://filmclassjunkies.com/2014/06/12/top-five-disney-villain-songs/|title = Top Five Disney Villain Songs|date = July 12, 2014|access-date = February 25, 2015|website = Film Class Junkies|last = Falco|first = Anthony}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.paperdroids.com/2014/01/21/top-5-disney-songs-sung-female-villains/|title = Top 5 Disney Songs Sung By (or About) Female Villains|date = January 21, 2014|access-date = February 25, 2015|website = Paper Droids|publisher = Avenue|last = Emith|first = Elissa}}</ref> [[Softonic.com]] wrote that upon first hearing the song audiences might not think it is being performed by the film's villain, who seemingly "apparently worried about the dangers of the outside world – all she wants to do is protect her daughter".<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2020 |title=The 10 greatest Disney villain songs |url=https://en.softonic.com/articles/greatest-disney-villain-songs-streaming |access-date=September 12, 2022 |website=[[Softonic.com]]}}</ref> Writing for the ''[[Tulsa World]]'', Michael Smith said Gothel uses the song "as her lie/rationale for keeping the girl safe (holding her hostage) from those who might steal her for their own hair-inspired profit schemes",<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael |date=November 26, 2010 |title=''Tangled'' beauty in an old-fashioned fairy tale |url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/moviereviews/tangled-beauty-in-an-old-fashioned-fairy-tale/article_d70f90e3-2e87-5877-96c2-e5a601562787.html |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Tulsa World]]}}</ref> manipulating her into remaining home by scaring and [[guilt tripping]] her.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holman |first=Curt |date=September 12, 2011 |title=Into the Woods rises above the glut of revisionist fairy tales |url=http://clatl.com/atlanta/into-the-woods-rises-above-the-glut-of-revisionist-fairy-tales/Content?oid=3963116 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=Creative Loafing Atlanta}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Miraudo |first=Simon |date=December 28, 2010 |title=A little rebellion – Tangled Review |url=https://www.quickflix.com.au/News/Article/7196 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Quickflix]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lillejord |first=Kacie |date=July 28, 2022 |title=11 Reasons Mother Gothel Is The Most Underrated Disney Villain |work=[[Screen Rant]] |url=https://screenrant.com/tangled-mother-gothel-most-underrated-disney-villain/ |access-date=September 15, 2022}}</ref> A writer for [[Disney.com]] observed, "The creepiness of this song lies in the fact that the very untrustworthy Mother Gothel is positioning herself as a helpful figure to Rapunzel".<ref name=":10">{{cite web |date=2014 |title=Disney Villain Signature Songs On A Scale From 1 to Fabulous |url=http://blogs.disney.com/oh-my-disney/2013/04/13/disney-villain-signature-songs-on-a-scale-from-1-to-fabulous/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224053337/http://blogs.disney.com/oh-my-disney/2013/04/13/disney-villain-signature-songs-on-a-scale-from-1-to-fabulous/ |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Disney.com]] |quote=jazzy little number}}</ref>
+Taking place in the film's [[Act (drama)|first act]], "Mother Knows Best" begins during the first fifteen minutes of ''Tangled''.<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |last=J |first=Dorian |date=August 17, 2011 |title=Stage Left: "Mother Knows Best": on Abusive Parenting in Tangled |url=http://bitchmagazine.org/post/stage-left-mother-knows-best-on-abusive-parenting-in-tangled |access-date=February 27, 2015 |website=[[Bitch (magazine)|Bitch]]}}</ref> On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Rapunzel finally musters the courage to ask for Gothel's permission to see the mysterious [[floating lanterns]] in person. Gothel, whose eternal youth and beauty relies on the preservation of Rapunzel's magical hair,<ref>{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Alan |date=2011 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/film/cnjd4/tangled |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023214933/https://www.radiotimes.com/film/cnjd4/tangled/ |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref> warns her ward that the outside world is rife with selfish people who wish to steal and take advantage of her hair.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fine |first=Marshall |date=November 23, 2010 |title=''Tangled'': Good hair day |url=http://hollywoodandfine.com/%E2%80%98tangled%E2%80%99-good-hair-day/ |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=Hollywood and Fine with Marshall Fine}}</ref> Claiming to only want to protect her,<ref name=":6">{{cite web |last=Hertz |first=Todd |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/novemberweb-only/tangled.html?start=2 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Christianity Today]]}}</ref> Gothel insists the refusal is for Rapunzel's own good.{{cn|date=March 2024}} "Mother Knows Best" is Gothel's attempt to justify keeping Rapunzel imprisoned indefinitely,<ref name=":30">{{Cite news |last=Khosla |first=Proma |date=March 13, 2017 |title=The 10 best Disney villain songs |work=[[Mashable]] |url=https://mashable.com/article/disney-best-villain-songs |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> going to great lengths to convince Rapunzel that she is better off staying home,<ref name=":31" /> while sarcastically reminding her that "mother knows best".<ref>{{cite web|url = http://rogersmovienation.com/2013/01/27/movie-review-tangled/|title = Movie Review: "Tangled"|date = January 27, 2013|access-date = February 24, 2015|website = Movie Nation|last = Moore|first = Roger}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.futuremovies.co.uk/reviews/tangled/coco-forsythe|title = Tangled Review|date = January 28, 2011|access-date = February 24, 2015|website = Future Movies|last = Forsythe|first = Coco}}</ref> Gothel simultaneously lists all possible reasons Rapunzel could never survive without her, while telling her how much she cares.<ref name=":34">{{Cite news |last=Levitt |first=Barry |date=May 27, 2022 |title=The Top 20 Disney Animated Villains Ranked |work=[[/Film]] |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/877068/the-top-disney-animated-villains-ranked/ |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609184612/https://www.slashfilm.com/877068/the-top-disney-animated-villains-ranked/ |archive-date=June 9, 2022}}</ref> Rapunzel believes Mother Gothel has the best intentions despite audience's full knowledge that she is only being used for Gothel's personal gain.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://filmclassjunkies.com/2014/06/12/top-five-disney-villain-songs/|title = Top Five Disney Villain Songs|date = July 12, 2014|access-date = February 25, 2015|website = Film Class Junkies|last = Falco|first = Anthony}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.paperdroids.com/2014/01/21/top-5-disney-songs-sung-female-villains/|title = Top 5 Disney Songs Sung By (or About) Female Villains|date = January 21, 2014|access-date = February 25, 2015|website = Paper Droids|publisher = Avenue|last = Emith|first = Elissa}}</ref> [[Softonic.com]] wrote that upon first hearing the song audiences might not think it is being performed by the film's villain, who seemingly "apparently worried about the dangers of the outside world – all she wants to do is protect her daughter".<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2020 |title=The 10 greatest Disney villain songs |url=https://en.softonic.com/articles/greatest-disney-villain-songs-streaming |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421225813/https://en.softonic.com/articles/greatest-disney-villain-songs-streaming |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |access-date=September 12, 2022 |website=[[Softonic.com]]}}</ref> Writing for the ''[[Tulsa World]]'', Michael Smith said Gothel uses the song "as her lie/rationale for keeping the girl safe (holding her hostage) from those who might steal her for their own hair-inspired profit schemes",<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael |date=November 26, 2010 |title=''Tangled'' beauty in an old-fashioned fairy tale |url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/moviereviews/tangled-beauty-in-an-old-fashioned-fairy-tale/article_d70f90e3-2e87-5877-96c2-e5a601562787.html |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Tulsa World]]}}</ref> manipulating her into remaining home by scaring and [[guilt tripping]] her.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holman |first=Curt |date=September 12, 2011 |title=Into the Woods rises above the glut of revisionist fairy tales |url=https://creativeloafing.com/content-168723-into-the-woods-rises-above-the-glut-of-revisionist-fairy |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=Creative Loafing Atlanta}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Miraudo |first=Simon |date=December 28, 2010 |title=A little rebellion – Tangled Review |url=https://www.quickflix.com.au/News/Article/7196 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Quickflix]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lillejord |first=Kacie |date=July 28, 2022 |title=11 Reasons Mother Gothel Is The Most Underrated Disney Villain |work=[[Screen Rant]] |url=https://screenrant.com/tangled-mother-gothel-most-underrated-disney-villain/ |access-date=September 15, 2022}}</ref> A writer for [[Disney.com]] observed, "The creepiness of this song lies in the fact that the very untrustworthy Mother Gothel is positioning herself as a helpful figure to Rapunzel".<ref name=":10">{{cite web |date=2014 |title=Disney Villain Signature Songs On A Scale From 1 to Fabulous |url=http://blogs.disney.com/oh-my-disney/2013/04/13/disney-villain-signature-songs-on-a-scale-from-1-to-fabulous/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224053337/http://blogs.disney.com/oh-my-disney/2013/04/13/disney-villain-signature-songs-on-a-scale-from-1-to-fabulous/ |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Disney.com]] |quote=jazzy little number}}</ref>
 At one point during the scene, Gothel actually contradicts herself, forbidding Rapunzel from asking to leave the tower ever again by the end of the musical number.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Elizabeth |first=Teena |date=June 1, 2014 |title=Best 5 Dark Songs In Colourful Disney Movies |url=http://in.bookmyshow.com/entertainment/best-5-dark-songs-colourful-disney-movies-2/40558 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=BookMyShow}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Fuchs |first=Cynthia |date=November 24, 2010 |title=''Tangled'': Why Would He Like You? |url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/134060-tangled/ |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[PopMatters]]}}</ref> According to Amid Amidi of [[Cartoon Brew]], the scene alternates between being funny and scary, citing Gothel's "theatrical gestures" and "[[claustrophobia]]-inducing stark black backgrounds" as examples of each.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Amidi |first=Amid |date=December 3, 2010 |title=Five Things I Liked About "Tangled" |url=http://www.cartoonbrew.com/disney/five-things-i-liked-about-tangled-32556.html |access-date=February 27, 2015 |website=[[Cartoon Brew]]}}</ref> [[Moviefone]]'s William Goss cited the musical number as an example of "[[fear mongering|fear-mongering]]".<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |last=Goss |first=William |date=November 22, 2010 |title=''Tangled'' Review: A Disney Twist on the Princess Formula |url=http://news.moviefone.com/2010/11/22/tangled-review/ |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Moviefone]]}}</ref> According to Jennie Punter of ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', the sequence "hilariously convey[s] the fear and guilt that have kept Rapunzel in the tower of her own free will".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Punter |first=Jennie |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Tangled: The roots of animated tradition, with 3-D highlights |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/tangled-the-roots-of-animated-tradition-with-3-d-highlights/article4348975/ |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[The Globe and Mail]]}}</ref> In her book ''Marvels & Tales'', author Kendra Magnusson observed that, during the "Mother Knows Best" musical sequence, "the manipulation of Rapunzel's hair leaves the heroine's body wrenched in one moment and bound up in it the next", depicting that, while Rapunzel's hair can be used to defend herself, "it is simultaneously a liability" and can just as well be used to harm her.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Marvels & Tales|last = Kendra|first = Magnusson|publisher = Wayne State University Press|year = 2012|location = United States|pages = 296–298|url = http://muse.jhu.edu/login?auth=0&type=summary&url=/journals/marvels_and_tales/v026/26.2.magnusson.html}}</ref>
-In the book ''How Fairy Tales Live Happily Ever After: (Analyzing) the Art of Adapting Fairy Tales'', author Conny Eisfeld observed that "Mother Knows Best" emphasizes Gothel's "status of superiority" over Rapunzel, in spite of the fact that "her existence solely depend[s] on Rapunzel".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Eisfeld |first=Conny |url=https://www.google.ca/books/edition/How_Fairy_Tales_live_happily_ever_after/mTZDCwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover |title=How Fairy Tales Live Happily Ever After: (Analyzing) The Art of Adapting Fairy Tales |publisher=Anchor Academic Publishing |year=2014 |isbn=9783954891016 |location=United States |page=63 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> A writer for ''[[Bitch (magazine)|Bitch]]'' felt "Mother Knows Best" is Gothel's strongest demonstration of being an abusive mother that the entire film has to offer,<ref name=":25" /> with Charlie Ridgley of [[Comicbook.com]] writing that it establishes "just how little she actually cares for Rapunzel".<ref name=":29" /> Critics have often identified the sequence as one of the film's darkest and edgiest moments.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |last=Starnes |first=Joshua |date=2010 |title=TANGLED, 2010 |url=http://www.wildsound-filmmaking-feedback-events.com/tangled.html |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=WILDsound Filmmmaking Feedback Events}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2010 |title=Tangled Up In New: Disney's New Feature Braids Together Classical and Contemporary to Winning Effect |url=http://cinemasiren.com/cinema-siren/tangled-up-in-new-disneys-new-feature-braids-together-classical-and-contemporary-to-winning-effect/ |access-date=February 27, 2015 |website=ArtInsights Magazine}}</ref> Glen Chapman of [[Den of Geek]] wrote that the scene "strikes a balance between melodic and narrative sophistication, as well as being equal parts sweet and sinister."<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/17456/music-in-the-movies-alan-menken|title = Music in the movies: Alan Menken|date = May 16, 2011|access-date = February 25, 2015|website = Den of Geek|publisher = [[Dennis Publishing Limited]].|last = Chapman|first = Glen}}</ref> Gothel later reprises the song "in indelible fashion."<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.dustinputman.com/reviews/t/10_tangled.htm|title = Tangled (2010)|date = November 10, 2010|access-date = February 25, 2015|website = Dustin Putman|last = Putman|first = Dustin}}</ref> According to Barry Levitt of ''[[/Film]]'', the reprise finally allows Rapunzel "to see just how cruel and manipulative her captor-mother can be".<ref name=":34" />
+In the book ''How Fairy Tales Live Happily Ever After: (Analyzing) the Art of Adapting Fairy Tales'', author Conny Eisfeld observed that "Mother Knows Best" emphasizes Gothel's "status of superiority" over Rapunzel, in spite of the fact that "her existence solely depend[s] on Rapunzel".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Eisfeld |first=Conny |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mTZDCwAAQBAJ |title=How Fairy Tales Live Happily Ever After: (Analyzing) The Art of Adapting Fairy Tales |publisher=Anchor Academic Publishing |year=2014 |isbn=9783954891016 |location=United States |page=63 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> A writer for ''[[Bitch (magazine)|Bitch]]'' felt "Mother Knows Best" is Gothel's strongest demonstration of being an abusive mother that the entire film has to offer,<ref name=":25" /> with Charlie Ridgley of [[ComicBook.com]] writing that it establishes "just how little she actually cares for Rapunzel".<ref name=":29" /> Critics have often identified the sequence as one of the film's darkest and edgiest moments.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |last=Starnes |first=Joshua |date=2010 |title=TANGLED, 2010 |url=http://www.wildsound-filmmaking-feedback-events.com/tangled.html |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=WILDsound Filmmmaking Feedback Events}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2010 |title=Tangled Up In New: Disney's New Feature Braids Together Classical and Contemporary to Winning Effect |url=http://cinemasiren.com/cinema-siren/tangled-up-in-new-disneys-new-feature-braids-together-classical-and-contemporary-to-winning-effect/ |access-date=February 27, 2015 |website=ArtInsights Magazine}}</ref> Glen Chapman of [[Den of Geek]] wrote that the scene "strikes a balance between melodic and narrative sophistication, as well as being equal parts sweet and sinister."<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/17456/music-in-the-movies-alan-menken|title = Music in the movies: Alan Menken|date = May 16, 2011|access-date = February 25, 2015|website =[[Den of Geek]]|publisher = [[Dennis Publishing Limited]].|last = Chapman|first = Glen}}</ref> Gothel later reprises the song "in indelible fashion."<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.dustinputman.com/reviews/t/10_tangled.htm|title = Tangled (2010)|date = November 10, 2010|access-date = February 25, 2015|website = Dustin Putman|last = Putman|first = Dustin}}</ref> According to Barry Levitt of ''[[/Film]]'', the reprise finally allows Rapunzel "to see just how cruel and manipulative her captor-mother can be".<ref name=":34" />
 == Music and lyrics ==
-According to the song's official [[sheet music]], "Mother Knows Best" is performed "with [[rubato]]" in the key of [[F major]], at a moderate [[tempo|speed]] of 66 [[beats per minute]].<ref name=":8">{{cite web |last=Menken |first=Alan |author-link=Alan Menken |last2=Slater |first2=Glenn |author-link2=Glenn Slater |date=2010 |title=Mother Knows Best By Donna Murphy – Digital Sheet Music |url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0089523 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=Musicnotes.com |publisher=[[Walt Disney Music Publishing]]}}</ref> Critics have described the song as a "brash",<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Lindsey |date=November 23, 2010 |title=Easy to get caught up in ''Tangled'' |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Reviews/T/Tangled/2010/11/23/16278071.html |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> [[Broadway musical|Broadway]]-style ballad.<ref name=":35">{{Cite news |last=Bajgrowicz |first=Brooke |date=July 1, 2019 |title=The 10 Best Disney Villain Songs |work=[[Screen Rant]] |url=https://screenrant.com/disney-villain-songs-best/ |access-date=September 15, 2022}}</ref><ref name=":27" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitty |first=Stephen |date=November 23, 2010 |title=''Tangled'' review: Disney returns to its magical roots with this golden girl |url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/movies/index.ssf/2010/11/tangled_review_disney_returns_to_its_magical_roots_with_this_golden_girl.html |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[NJ.com]]}}</ref> Lasting three minutes and ten seconds, "Mother Knows Best" is the second-longest song on the film's soundtrack, behind the [[Mandy Moore]]-[[Zachary Levi]] duet "[[I See the Light]]".<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2010 |title=Tangled (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) |url=https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/tangled-soundtrack-from-motion/id402057913 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[iTunes]]}}</ref> According to Tom Charity of [[CNN]], "Mother Knows Best" is a "grand, theatrical number",<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last=Charity |first=Tom |date=November 24, 2010 |title=''Tangled'' is old, yet new |website=[[CNN]] |publisher= |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/24/tangled.movie.review/ |access-date=February 24, 2015}}</ref> which some reviewers have stated also contains jazz and pop influences.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Monger |first=James Christopher |date=2010 |title=Alan Menken / Glenn Slater Tangled [Original Score] |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/tangled-original-score-mr0003212094 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[AllMusic]] |quote=“Mother Knows Best,” [is] cut from the same pop cloth as all of the late 20th/early 21st century Disney offerings}}</ref> Michael Smith of the ''[[Tulsa World]]'' referred to the song as "a bouncy little [[Freudian]] nightmare",<ref name=":0" /> and ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''{{'}}s [[Justin Chang]] dubbed it an "authoritarian anthem".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chang |first=Justin |author-link=Justin Chang |date=November 7, 2010 |title=Review: ''Tangled'' |url=https://variety.com/2010/film/reviews/tangled-1117943999/ |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> Describing "Mother Knows Best" as a "fiery" musical number, Andrew L. Urban of Urban Cinefile said the song is "as theatrical as is [its] character".<ref>{{cite web |last=Urban |first=Andrew L |date=2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=17442&s=Reviews |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=Urban Cinefile}}</ref> According to Anthony Quinn of ''[[The Independent]]'', "Mother Knows Best" is a "creepy-funny ode to self-interest",<ref name=":5">{{cite news |last=Quinn |first=Anthony |date=January 28, 2011 |title=Tangled (PG) |website=[[The Independent]] |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/tangled-pg-2196242.html |access-date=February 24, 2015}}</ref> whereas Joe Williams of the ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]'' described its musical undertones as "mercenary".<ref name=":27">{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Joe |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Limp humor, weak songs mar Disney's ''Tangled'' |url=http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/movies/reviews/article_af81ac49-a674-5fd3-a82a-8ac64869206e.html |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]}}</ref> A writer for [[Filmtracks.com]] observed that its "lovely romantic melody and instrumentation is betrayed by its absolutely evil lyrics".<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2010 |title=Tangled: (Alan Menken) |url=http://www.filmtracks.com/titles/tangled.html |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Filmtracks.com]]}}</ref> Similarly, Softonic.com reported that "never before has such a sweet tune hidden so much evil".<ref name=":32" />
+According to the song's official [[sheet music]], "Mother Knows Best" is performed "with [[rubato]]" in the key of [[F major]], at a moderate [[tempo|speed]] of 66 [[beats per minute]].<ref name=":8">{{cite web |last1=Menken |first1=Alan |author-link=Alan Menken |last2=Slater |first2=Glenn |author-link2=Glenn Slater |date=2010 |title=Mother Knows Best By Donna Murphy – Digital Sheet Music |url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0089523 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311202349/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0089523 |archive-date=March 11, 2018 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=Musicnotes.com |publisher=[[Walt Disney Music Publishing]]}}</ref> Critics have described the song as a "brash",<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Lindsey |date=November 23, 2010 |title=Easy to get caught up in ''Tangled'' |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Reviews/T/Tangled/2010/11/23/16278071.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131209044653/http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Reviews/T/Tangled/2010/11/23/16278071.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=December 9, 2013 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Canoe.ca]]}}</ref> [[Broadway musical|Broadway]]-style ballad.<ref name=":35">{{Cite news |last=Bajgrowicz |first=Brooke |date=July 1, 2019 |title=The 10 Best Disney Villain Songs |work=[[Screen Rant]] |url=https://screenrant.com/disney-villain-songs-best/ |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915182350/https://screenrant.com/disney-villain-songs-best/ |archive-date=September 15, 2022}}</ref><ref name=":27" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitty |first=Stephen |date=November 23, 2010 |title=''Tangled'' review: Disney returns to its magical roots with this golden girl |url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/movies/index.ssf/2010/11/tangled_review_disney_returns_to_its_magical_roots_with_this_golden_girl.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422224940/https://www.nj.com/entertainment/movies/2010/11/tangled_review_disney_returns_to_its_magical_roots_with_this_golden_girl.html |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[NJ.com]]}}</ref> Lasting three minutes and ten seconds, "Mother Knows Best" is the second-longest song on the film's soundtrack, behind the [[Mandy Moore]]-[[Zachary Levi]] duet "[[I See the Light]]".<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2010 |title=Tangled (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) |url=https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/tangled-soundtrack-from-motion/id402057913 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929172808/https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/tangled-soundtrack-from-motion/id402057913 |archive-date=September 29, 2017 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[iTunes]]}}</ref> According to Tom Charity of [[CNN]], "Mother Knows Best" is a "grand, theatrical number",<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last=Charity |first=Tom |date=November 24, 2010 |title=''Tangled'' is old, yet new |website=[[CNN]] |publisher= |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/24/tangled.movie.review/ |access-date=February 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828144046/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/24/tangled.movie.review/ |archive-date=August 28, 2022}}</ref> which some reviewers have stated also contains jazz and pop influences.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Monger |first=James Christopher |date=November 16, 2010 |title=Alan Menken / Glenn Slater Tangled [Original Score] |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/tangled-original-score-mr0003212094 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[AllMusic]] |quote=“Mother Knows Best,” [is] cut from the same pop cloth as all of the late 20th/early 21st century Disney offerings}}</ref> Michael Smith of the ''[[Tulsa World]]'' referred to the song as "a bouncy little [[Freudian]] nightmare",<ref name=":0" /> and ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''{{'}}s [[Justin Chang]] dubbed it an "authoritarian anthem".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chang |first=Justin |author-link=Justin Chang |date=November 7, 2010 |title=Review: ''Tangled'' |url=https://variety.com/2010/film/reviews/tangled-1117943999/ |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> Describing "Mother Knows Best" as a "fiery" musical number, Andrew L. Urban of Urban Cinefile said the song is "as theatrical as is [its] character".<ref>{{cite web |last=Urban |first=Andrew L |date=2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=17442&s=Reviews |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=Urban Cinefile}}</ref> According to Anthony Quinn of ''[[The Independent]]'', "Mother Knows Best" is a "creepy-funny ode to self-interest",<ref name=":5">{{cite news |last=Quinn |first=Anthony |date=January 28, 2011 |title=Tangled (PG) |website=[[The Independent]] |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/tangled-pg-2196242.html |access-date=February 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308103022/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/tangled-pg-2196242.html |archive-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> whereas Joe Williams of the ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]'' described its musical undertones as "mercenary".<ref name=":27">{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Joe |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Limp humor, weak songs mar Disney's ''Tangled'' |url=http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/movies/reviews/article_af81ac49-a674-5fd3-a82a-8ac64869206e.html |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]}}</ref> A writer for [[Filmtracks.com]] observed that its "lovely romantic melody and instrumentation is betrayed by its absolutely evil lyrics".<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2010 |title=Tangled: (Alan Menken) |url=http://www.filmtracks.com/titles/tangled.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024060952/http://www.filmtracks.com/titles/tangled.html |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Filmtracks.com]]}}</ref> Similarly, Softonic.com reported that "never before has such a sweet tune hidden so much evil".<ref name=":32" />
+[[File:Stephen Sondheim - smoking.JPG|left|thumb|260x260px|Music critics likened "Mother Knows Best" to the work of Broadway composer [[Stephen Sondheim]]. ]]
+Featuring [[Dark humor|dark, humorous]] lyrics,<ref name=":35" /> "Mother Knows Best" is about overprotecting someone in order to hide the truth from them.<ref name=":32" /> Being about maintaining control over someone, "Mother Knows Best" is distinguished from ''Tangled''<nowiki/>'s other more empowering, adventurous songs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Tom |date=2018 |title=The Five Best Songs from the Tangled Soundtrack |work=[[TV Overmind]] |url=https://tvovermind.com/the-five-best-songs-from-the-tangled-soundtrack/ |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914144508/https://tvovermind.com/the-five-best-songs-from-the-tangled-soundtrack/ |archive-date=September 14, 2022}}</ref> [[Io9]] contributor Meredith Goerner described the ballad as a "twisted song about" a mother "sheltering her fake daughter from the real world so she can live forever".<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Woerner |first=Meredith |date=January 24, 2013 |title=The 36 Greatest Supervillain Musical Numbers of All Time |url=http://io9.com/5978701/the-35-greatest-supervillain-musical-numbers-of-all-time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429024512/http://io9.com/5978701/the-35-greatest-supervillain-musical-numbers-of-all-time |archive-date=April 29, 2018 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[io9]]}}</ref> The song's lyrics cite several factors Gothel claims are a danger to Rapunzel's well-being,<ref name=":6" /> such as ruffians, thugs, [[poison ivy]], [[quicksand]], [[Human cannibalism|cannibals]], snakes, and the [[Plague (disease)|plague]], to deter her from leaving their secluded tower.<ref name=":13" /> Using [[Passive-aggressive behavior|passive-aggressive]] insults,<ref name=":35" /><ref name="Scotsman">{{cite web |last=H |first=A |date=January 27, 2011 |title=<nowiki>Film reviews: Biutiful | Barney's Version | Tangled | How Do You Know | The Mechanic</nowiki> |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/film-reviews-biutiful-barney-s-version-tangled-how-do-you-know-the-mechanic-1-1498638 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201182034/https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/film-reviews-biutiful-barney-s-version-tangled-how-do-you-know-the-mechanic-1-1498638 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[The Scotsman]]}}</ref> the song opens with Murphy speaking, "You want to go outside? Why, Rapunzel!",<ref name=":8" /> and features the line "skip the drama, stay with mama".<ref>{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Catherine |date=January 28, 2011 |title=FILM REVIEW: Tangled |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/film-tv/film-review-tangled-3386328 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303204527/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/film-tv/film-review-tangled-3386328 |archive-date=March 3, 2021 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Liverpool Echo]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Turan |first=Kenneth |author-link=Kenneth Turan |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Movie review: ''Tangled'' |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-et-tangled-20101124-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218091426/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-et-tangled-20101124-story.html |archive-date=February 18, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref name=":35" /> John Roebuck of ''ReelGood'' said its lyrics are essentially "Snide remarks ... disguised as a mothers concern".<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Roebuck |first=John |date=August 14, 2013 |title=Top Ten Disney Villain Songs |url=http://www.reelgood.com.au/top-ten-disney-villain-songs/ |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=Reel Good}}</ref> Writing for ''[[Slant Magazine]]'', Christian Blauvelt found its lyrics similar to "[[Out There (Disney song)|Out There]]" from Disney's ''[[The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996 film)|The Hunchback of Notre Dame]]'' (1996), specifically [[Claude Frollo (Disney character)|Judge Claude Frollo]]'s verse;<ref name=":9">{{cite web |last=Blauvelt |first=Christian |date=November 18, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/tangled |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Slant Magazine]]}}</ref> both songs were composed by Menken.<ref name=":13" /> Also comparing the song to Menken's previous work, [[AllMusic]]'s James Christopher Monger said "Mother Knows Best" is "cut from the same pop cloth as all of the late 20th/early 21st century Disney offerings".<ref name=":17" />
+Murphy's [[vocal range]] on the song spans approximately two octaves, from [[F (musical note)|F<sub>3</sub>]] to [[C (musical note)|C<sub>5</sub>]].<ref name=":8" /> According to James Kendrick of QNetwork Entertainment Portal, the song allows Murphy "to stretch her Broadway vocal chops",<ref name=":7">{{cite web |last=Kendrick |first=James |date=2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.qnetwork.com/index.php?page=review&id=2537 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=QNetwork Entertainment Portal}}</ref> which Proma Khosla of [[Mashable]] likened to "a true Broadway diva going in for the kill".<ref name=":30" /> ''[[Playbill]]'''s Ruthie Fierberg felt Murphy discovered "new ways to use her belt and her delicate [[coloratura]]".<ref name=":31" /> Writing for ''[[Little White Lies (magazine)|Little White Lies]]'', Georgie Hobbs said the actress "performs  ... with a [[schizophrenic]] frenzy", likening "Mother Knows Best" to the work of Broadway songwriter [[Stephen Sondheim]].<ref name=":4">{{cite web |last=Hobbs |first=Georgie |date=January 27, 2011 |title=Tangled Review |url=http://www.littlewhitelies.co.uk/theatrical-reviews/tangled-13713 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213001851/http://www.littlewhitelies.co.uk/theatrical-reviews/tangled-13713 |archive-date=December 13, 2014 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Little White Lies (magazine)|Little White Lies]]}}</ref> Dan Kois of ''[[The Village Voice]]'' compared the song to Sondheim's musical ''[[Gypsy (musical)|Gypsy]]'',<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Kois |first=Dan |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Tangled Looks and Feels Great, So Why Is Disney Selling It Short? |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-11-24/film/tangled-looks-and-feels-great-so-why-is-disney-selling-it-short/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307034344/http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-11-24/film/tangled-looks-and-feels-great-so-why-is-disney-selling-it-short/ |archive-date=March 7, 2015 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[The Village Voice]]}}</ref> while Norman Wilner of ''[[Now (newspaper)|Now]]'' said Murphy's vocals reminded him of Broadway actress [[Patti LuPone]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Wilner |first=Norman |date=November 18, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=https://nowtoronto.com/movies/reviews/tangled/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402161401/https://nowtoronto.com/movies/reviews/tangled/ |archive-date=April 2, 2016 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Now (newspaper)|Now]]}}</ref> which according to Marjorie Baumgarten of ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]'' "drip[s] with [[sarcasm]] and biting wit".<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Baumgarten |first=Marjorie |date=November 26, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/film/2010-11-26/tangled/ |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[The Austin Chronicle]]}}</ref> Meanwhile, Tim Robey of ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' likened Murphy's performance to actress and singer [[Julie Andrews]], describing it jokingly as "Julie-Andrews-on-[[stimulant]]s".<ref>{{cite web |last=Robey |first=Tim |date=December 25, 2013 |title=Tangled, review |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/8286988/Tangled-review.html |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}</ref>
-Featuring dark, humorous lyrics,<ref name=":35" /> "Mother Knows Best" is about overprotecting someone in an effort to hide the truth from them.<ref name=":32" /> Being about maintaining control over someone, the song is distinguished from ''Tangled''<nowiki/>'s other songs that are empowering and adventurous.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Tom |date=2018 |title=The Five Best Songs from the Tangled Soundtrack |work=[[TV Overmind]] |url=https://tvovermind.com/the-five-best-songs-from-the-tangled-soundtrack/ |access-date=September 14, 2022}}</ref> [[Io9]] contributor Meredith Goerner described the ballad as a "twisted song about" a mother "sheltering her fake daughter from the real world so she can live forever".<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Woerner |first=Meredith |date=January 24, 2013 |title=The 36 Greatest Supervillain Musical Numbers of All Time |url=http://io9.com/5978701/the-35-greatest-supervillain-musical-numbers-of-all-time |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[io9]]}}</ref> Essentially about manipulating one's daughter,<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Galindo |first=Brian |date=October 15, 2013 |title=Counting Down The 12 Greatest Disney Villain Songs |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/the-12-greatest-disney-villain-songs#.ixneJL7N4a |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[BuzzFeed]]}}</ref> the song's lyrics mention several ideas Gothel claims are a danger to Rapunzel.<ref name=":6" /> Featuring "[[Mommie Dearest (film)|Mommie Dearest]]-style [[passive-aggressive]] [[putdowns]]",<ref name=":35" /><ref name="Scotsman">{{cite web |date=January 27, 2011 |title=<nowiki>Film reviews: Biutiful | Barney's Version | Tangled | How Do You Know | The Mechanic</nowiki> |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/film-reviews-biutiful-barney-s-version-tangled-how-do-you-know-the-mechanic-1-1498638 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[The Scotsman]]}}</ref> the song opens with Murphy speaking, "You want to go outside? Why, Rapunzel!",<ref name=":8" /> and features the line "skip the drama, stay with mama".<ref>{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Catherine |date=January 28, 2011 |title=FILM REVIEW: Tangled |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/film-tv/film-review-tangled-3386328 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Liverpool Echo]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Turan |first=Kenneth |author-link=Kenneth Turan |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Movie review: ''Tangled'' |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-et-tangled-20101124-story.html |access-date=February 25, 2015 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> As Gothel, Murphy lists several things Rapunzel should fear, such as ruffians, thugs, [[poison ivy]], [[quicksand]], [[cannibals]], snakes, and the [[Plague (disease)|plague]] to deter her from leaving their secluded tower.<ref name=":13" /> Teena Elizabeth of ''BookMyShow'' observed that the song contradicts itself, with its lyrics initially implying that Rapunzel can leave "soon, but not yet", only to conclude that Gothel actually has no intentions of permitting this by the end.<ref name=":13" /> John Roebuck of ''ReelGood'' said its lyrics are essentially "Snide remarks on [Gothel's] stolen daughter's appearance and abilities ... disguised as a mothers concern".<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Roebuck |first=John |date=August 14, 2013 |title=Top Ten Disney Villain Songs |url=http://www.reelgood.com.au/top-ten-disney-villain-songs/ |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=Reel Good}}</ref> Writing for ''[[Slant Magazine]]'', Christian Blauvelt found the song's lyrics similar to "[[Out There (Disney song)|Out There]]" from Disney's ''[[The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996 film)|The Hunchback of Notre Dame]]'' (1996), specifically [[Judge Claude Frollo (Disney)|Judge Claude Frollo]]'s verse;<ref name=":9">{{cite web|url = http://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/tangled|title = Tangled|date = November 18, 2010|access-date = February 25, 2015|website = Slant Magazine|last = Blauvelt|first = Christian}}</ref> both songs were composed by Menken.<ref name=":13" /> Also comparing the song to Menken's previous work, [[AllMusic]]'s James Christopher Monger wrote that "Mother Knows Best" is "cut from the same pop cloth as all of the late 20th/early 21st century Disney offerings".<ref name=":17" />
-Murphy's [[vocal range]] on the song spans approximately two octaves, from the low note of [[F (musical note)|F<sub>3</sub>]] to the high note of [[C (musical note)|C<sub>5</sub>]].<ref name=":8" /> According to James Kendrick of QNetwork Entertainment Portal, the song offers Murphy an opportunity "to stretch her Broadway vocal chops",<ref name=":7">{{cite web |last=Kendrick |first=James |date=2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.qnetwork.com/index.php?page=review&id=2537 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=QNetwork Entertainment Portal}}</ref> which Proma Khosla of [[Mashable]] likened to "a true Broadway diva going in for the kill".<ref name=":30" /> ''[[Playbill]]''<nowiki/>'s Ruthie Fierberg felt Murphy discovered "new ways to use her belt and her delicate coloratura to serve the character".<ref name=":31" /> Writing for ''[[Little White Lies (magazine)|Little White Lies]]'', Georgie Hobbs opined that the actress "performs  ... with a [[schizophrenic]] frenzy", likening the song to the work of Broadway songwriter [[Stephen Sondheim]].<ref name=":4">{{cite web |last=Hobbs |first=Georgie |date=January 27, 2011 |title=Tangled Review |url=http://www.littlewhitelies.co.uk/theatrical-reviews/tangled-13713 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213001851/http://www.littlewhitelies.co.uk/theatrical-reviews/tangled-13713 |archive-date=December 13, 2014 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Little White Lies (magazine)|Little White Lies]]}}</ref> Dan Kois of ''[[The Village Voice]]'' compared the song to Sondheim's musical ''[[Gypsy (musical)|Gypsy]]'',<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Kois |first=Dan |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Tangled Looks and Feels Great, So Why Is Disney Selling It Short? |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-11-24/film/tangled-looks-and-feels-great-so-why-is-disney-selling-it-short/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307034344/http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-11-24/film/tangled-looks-and-feels-great-so-why-is-disney-selling-it-short/ |archive-date=March 7, 2015 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[The Village Voice]]}}</ref> while Jeff Bayer of The Scorecard Review compared it to "[[Songs from Les Misérables#Master of the House|Master of the House]]" from the musical ''[[Les Misérables (musical)|Les Misérables]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bayer |first=Jeff |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://thescorecardreview.com/review/film-reviews/2010/11/24/tangled/15086 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=The Scorecard Review}}</ref> Norman Wilner of ''[[Now (newspaper)|Now]]'' said Murphy's vocals reminded him of Broadway actress [[Patti LuPone]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nowtoronto.com/movies/reviews/tangled/ |title=Tangled |last=Wilner |first=Norman |date=November 18, 2010 |website=NOW |publisher=NOW Communications Inc. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402161401/https://nowtoronto.com/movies/reviews/tangled/ |archive-date=April 2, 2016 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> which according to Marjorie Baumgarten of ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]'' "drip[s] with [[sarcasm]] and biting wit".<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Baumgarten |first=Marjorie |date=November 26, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/film/2010-11-26/tangled/ |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[The Austin Chronicle]]}}</ref> Meanwhile, Tim Robey of ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' likened Murphy's performance to actress and singer [[Julie Andrews]], describing it jokingly as "Julie-Andrews-on-[[stimulant]]s".<ref>{{cite web |last=Robey |first=Tim |date=December 25, 2013 |title=Tangled, review |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/8286988/Tangled-review.html |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/films/tangled-film-review-35803.html|title = Tangled (12A)|date = January 27, 2011|access-date = February 24, 2015|website = View London|last = Turner|first = Michael}}</ref>
 According to ''Bitch'', the song's reprise "features far darker [[harmonies]] and a slightly revised melody as compared to the original rendition of the song."<ref name=":25" /> Additionally, the reprise serves as a "dark twist on the original performance with a much more ominous sound in both the singing and the [[orchestration]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bennettsreviews.blogspot.ca/2011/10/tangled-review.html |title=Tangled review |date=October 1, 2011 |access-date=February 28, 2015 |website=Ben's film-music reviews |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213115205/http://bennettsreviews.blogspot.ca/2011/10/tangled-review.html |archive-date=December 13, 2013 }}</ref>
 ==Reception==
+"Mother Knows Best" has garnered widespread acclaim from film and music critics, several of whom praised the song despite being otherwise unimpressed with most of ''Tangled''<nowiki/>'s musical numbers.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Hucks |first=Dustin |date=November 30, 2010 |title=Review: Tangled |url=http://filmschoolrejects.com/reviews/review-tangled.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303223550/http://filmschoolrejects.com/reviews/review-tangled.php |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Film School Rejects]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vejvoda |first=Jim |date=November 23, 2010 |title=Tangled Review |url=http://ca.ign.com/articles/2010/11/23/tangled-review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809043226/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/11/23/tangled-review |archive-date=August 9, 2014 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref name=":28" /> Writing for ''[[Toledo Blade|The Blade]]'', Kirk Baird said the film's songs "aren't particularly memorable" apart from "Mother Knows Best".<ref>{{cite web |last=Baird |first=Kirk |date=November 23, 2010 |title=Get 'Tangled' up in Rapunzel's adventure |url=http://www.toledoblade.com/Movies/2010/11/24/Get-8216-Tangled-up-in-Rapunzel-s-adventure.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903082031/http://www.toledoblade.com/Movies/2010/11/24/Get-8216-Tangled-up-in-Rapunzel-s-adventure.html |archive-date=September 3, 2018 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Toledo Blade]]}}</ref> Lindsey Ward of [[Canoe.ca]] agreed, writing that "Murphy alone turns [the song] into a giant spectacle with her voice".<ref name=":15" /> [[Richard Corliss]] of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' called "Mother Knows Best" "a pot of poisoned honey".<ref name=":28">{{cite magazine |last=Corliss |first=Richard |author-link=Richard Corliss |date=November 26, 2010 |title=Tangled: Disney's Ripping Rapunzel |url=http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,2033166,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704155529/http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,2033166,00.html |archive-date=July 4, 2021 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> Michael Smith, writing for the ''[[Tulsa World]]'', felt the song's darkness offers ''Tangled "''a bitter balance for the sugar and spice" by recalling "the nasty bits of the original [[Brothers Grimm|Grimm]]'s fairy tale".<ref name=":0" /> Mal Vincent of ''[[The Virginian-Pilot]]'' described the song as "a good villain entry".<ref>{{cite web |last=Vincent |first=Mal |date=November 25, 2010 |title=Review: ''Tangled'' has a few kinks |url=http://hamptonroads.com/2010/11/review-tangled-has-few-kinks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406004717/http://hamptonroads.com/2010/11/review-tangled-has-few-kinks |archive-date=April 6, 2016 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[The Virginian-Pilot|HamptonRoads.com]]}}</ref> Critics have unanimously hailed "Mother Knows Best" as the film's best song.<ref name="Scotsman" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Andrews |first=Nigel |date=January 26, 2011 |title=Reviews including ''Hereafter'', ''Biutiful'', ''Barney's Version'' and ''Men on the Bridge'' |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/56c2d1f4-2974-11e0-bb9b-00144feab49a.html#axzz1CBYWaCZ2 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Financial Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Hanke |first=Ken |date=November 30, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://mountainx.com/movies/reviews/tangled/ |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Mountain Xpress]]}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite web |last=Crocker |first=Jonathan |date=January 14, 2011 |title=Tangled review |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/tangled-review/ |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[GamesRadar]]}}</ref> Declaring it the musical standout of ''Tangled'', Georgie Hobbs of ''[[Little White Lies (magazine)|Little White Lies]]'' deemed the ballad "worthy of the very best of [Stephen] Sondheim's crazed heroines".<ref name=":4" /> Calling it a "potential Broadway showstopper", Steve Persall of the ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' described "Mother Knows Best" as "a knockout".<ref>{{cite web |last=Persall |first=Steve |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Review: Disney's ''Tangled'' is enchanted holiday treat |url=http://www.tampabay.com/features/movies/review-disneys-tangled-is-enchanted-holiday-treat/1136155 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010085558/http://www.tampabay.com/features/movies/review-disneys-tangled-is-enchanted-holiday-treat/1136155 |archive-date=October 10, 2014 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref> Also singling out the track as the film's "finest number", Dan Kois of ''[[The Village Voice]]'' felt the track was worthy of [[Gypsy (musical)|Mama Rose]] from the musical ''[[Gypsy (musical)|Gypsy]]'' (1959),<ref name=":18" /> a sentiment echoed by Andrea Gronvall of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' who wrote "Murphy channel[ed] all the monstrous smothering power of Mama Rose in ''Gypsy''".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gronvall |first=Andrea |date=2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/tangled/Film?oid=2663143 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> According to an article written by William Bibbiani of [[Mandatory (company)|Mandatory]] in 2017, "Mother Knows Best" remains one of Menken's richest, most subversive Disney compositions.<ref name=":33" /> Calling the song as "terrifically catchy", Barry Levitt of ''/Film'' described "Mother Knows Best" as "a masterclass in manipulation and passive-aggressiveness".<ref name=":34" />[[File:Donna Murphy.jpg|left|thumb|269x269px|Critics praised [[Donna Murphy]]'s vocal performance.]]Murphy's vocals have also been enthusiastically reviewed,<ref>{{cite web |last=Ellerton |first=Julie |date=November 23, 2010 |title=TANGLED... Holiday Magic! -Interviews with the Cast- |url=http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-521251 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918030336/http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-521251 |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[iReport]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodwin |first=Hannah |date=2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.cbn.com/entertainment/screen/tangled-movie-review-goodwyn.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126072121/http://www.cbn.com/entertainment/screen/tangled-movie-review-goodwyn.aspx |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Christian Broadcasting Network]]}}</ref> which [[Filmtracks.com]] felt were "more accomplished" than Moore's.<ref name=":23" /> Critics likened her vocals to performances by Patti LuPone and Julia Andrews.<ref name=":35" /> [[Rolling Stone (magazine)|''Rolling Stone'']] film critic [[Peter Travers]] hailed them as "comic bliss with a sting in its tail".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Travers |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Travers |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/tangled-20101124 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> ''[[7x7 (magazine)|7x7]]''{{'}}s Rossiter Drake called her efforts "a welcome revelation",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Drake |first=Rossiter |date=November 26, 2010 |title=Rapunzel Lets Down Her Bountiful Blonde Hair in Disney's Winning New Musical |url=http://www.7x7.com/arts/rapunzel-lets-down-her-bountiful-blonde-hair-disneys-winning-new-musical |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329234344/http://www.7x7.com/arts/rapunzel-lets-down-her-bountiful-blonde-hair-disneys-winning-new-musical |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[7x7 (magazine)|7x7]]}}</ref> while ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]''{{'}}s Marjorie Baumgarten praised Murphy's [[Showmanship (performing)|showmanship]].<ref name=":16" /> Tom Charity of [[CNN]] commended the actress for treating the musical number like "the showstopper it deserves to be".<ref name=":1" /> Describing "Mother Knows Best" as "belted out wonderfully by Murphy", Linda Cook of the ''[[Quad-City Times]]'' concluded that the actress "makes the purchase of the soundtrack worthwhile".<ref>{{cite web |last=Cook |first=Linda |date=November 22, 2010 |title="Tangled" a clever twist on Rapunzel |url=http://qctimes.com/entertainment/columnists/linda-cook/article_d9c0a5c0-f681-11df-b000-001cc4c002e0.html |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Quad-City Times]]}}</ref> Christian Blauvelt of ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' wrote, "If a couple of Menken's songs feel less than soaring, it's due only to the limited pop-star vocals of Mandy Moore", but "when Broadway vet Murphy takes to scaling Menken's octave-climbing melodies like a vocal escalator, it's a different story".<ref name=":9" /> Sandie Angulo Chen of [[Common Sense Media]] said Murphy's vocals are "on fabulous display in the amazing number",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Sandie Angulo |date=November 14, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/tangled# |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Common Sense Media]]}}</ref> and William Goss of [[Moviefone]] said she belts it "perfectly".<ref name=":19" /> In review of the film's soundtrack, [[AllMusic]] critic James Christopher Monger observed that both Murphy and Moore "take on the lion's share of the work, and ... deliver the goods".<ref name=":17" /> Josh Spiegel of ScreenCrush said Murphy is "a caustic delight" in "Mother Knows Best".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spiegel |first=Josh |date=November 7, 2018 |title=The 20 Best Disney Villains Ever |url=https://screencrush.com/best-disney-villains/ |access-date=September 16, 2022 |website=[[ScreenCrush]]}}</ref>
-[[File:Donna Murphy.jpg|left|thumb|315x315px|Critics praised [[Donna Murphy]]'s vocal performance.]]
-"Mother Knows Best" has garnered widespread acclaim from film and music critics, several of whom praised the song despite being otherwise unimpressed with most of ''Tangled''<nowiki/>'s musical numbers.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Hucks |first=Dustin |date=November 30, 2010 |title=Review: Tangled |url=http://filmschoolrejects.com/reviews/review-tangled.php |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Film School Rejects]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vejvoda |first=Jim |date=November 23, 2010 |title=Tangled Review |url=http://ca.ign.com/articles/2010/11/23/tangled-review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809043226/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/11/23/tangled-review |archive-date=August 9, 2014 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref name=":28" /> Writing for ''[[Toledo Blade|The Blade]]'', Kirk Baird said the film's songs "aren't particularly memorable" apart from "Mother Knows Best".<ref>{{cite web |last=Baird |first=Kirk |date=November 23, 2010 |title=Get 'Tangled' up in Rapunzel's adventure |url=http://www.toledoblade.com/Movies/2010/11/24/Get-8216-Tangled-up-in-Rapunzel-s-adventure.html |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Toledo Blade]]}}</ref> Lindsey Ward of [[Canoe.ca]] agreed, writing that "Murphy alone turns [the song] into a giant spectacle with her voice".<ref name=":15" /> [[Richard Corliss]] of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' called "Mother Knows Best" "a pot of poisoned honey".<ref name=":28">{{cite web |last=Corliss |first=Richard |author-link=Richard Corliss |date=November 26, 2010 |title=Tangled: Disney's Ripping Rapunzel |url=http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,2033166,00.html |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> Michael Smith, writing for the ''[[Tulsa World]]'', felt the song's darkness offers ''Tangled "''a bitter balance for the sugar and spice" by being reminiscent of "the nasty bits of the original [[Brothers Grimm|Grimm]]'s fairy tale".<ref name=":0" /> Mal Vincent of ''[[The Virginian-Pilot]]'' described the song as "a good villain entry".<ref>{{cite web |last=Vincent |first=Mal |date=November 25, 2010 |title=Review: ''Tangled'' has a few kinks |url=http://hamptonroads.com/2010/11/review-tangled-has-few-kinks |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[The Virginian-Pilot|HamptonRoads.com]]}}</ref> Critics have unanimously hailed "Mother Knows Best" as the film's best song.<ref name="Scotsman" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Andrews |first=Nigel |date=January 26, 2011 |title=Reviews including ''Hereafter'', ''Biutiful'', ''Barney's Version'' and ''Men on the Bridge'' |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/56c2d1f4-2974-11e0-bb9b-00144feab49a.html#axzz1CBYWaCZ2 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Financial Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Hanke |first=Ken |date=November 30, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://mountainx.com/movies/reviews/tangled/ |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Mountain Xpress]]}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite web |last=Crocker |first=Jonathan |date=January 14, 2011 |title=Tangled review |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/tangled-review/ |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[GamesRadar]]}}</ref> Declaring it the musical standout of ''Tangled'', Georgie Hobbs of ''[[Little White Lies (magazine)|Little White Lies]]'' deemed the ballad "worthy of the very best of [Stephen] Sondheim's crazed heroines".<ref name=":4" /> Calling it a "potential Broadway showstopper", Steve Persall of the ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' described "Mother Knows Best" as "a knockout".<ref>{{cite web |last=Persall |first=Steve |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Review: Disney's ''Tangled'' is enchanted holiday treat |url=http://www.tampabay.com/features/movies/review-disneys-tangled-is-enchanted-holiday-treat/1136155 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010085558/http://www.tampabay.com/features/movies/review-disneys-tangled-is-enchanted-holiday-treat/1136155 |archive-date=October 10, 2014 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref> Also singling out the track as the film's "finest number", Dan Kois of ''[[The Village Voice]]'' felt the track was worthy of [[Gypsy (musical)|Mama Rose]] from the musical ''[[Gypsy (musical)|Gypsy]]'' (1959),<ref name=":18" /> a sentiment echoed by Andrea Gronvall of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' who wrote "Murphy channel[ed] all the monstrous smothering power of Mama Rose in ''Gypsy''".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gronvall |first=Andrea |date=2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/tangled/Film?oid=2663143 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> Lou Lumenick of the ''[[New York Post]]'' felt the songwriters had reserved the film's true showstopper for Murphy.<ref name=":20" /> According to an article written by William Bibbiani of [[Mandatory (company)|Mandatory]] in 2017, "Mother Knows Best" remains one of Menken's richest, most subversive Disney compositions.<ref name=":33" /> Calling the song as "terrifically catchy", Barry Levitt of ''/Film'' described "Mother Knows Best" as "a masterclass in manipulation and passive-aggressiveness".<ref name=":34" />
+In a mixed review, Wesley Morris of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' enjoyed the quality of the song itself and Menken's songwriting, but felt that it was unnecessary and [[melodramatic]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Wesley |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://archive.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2010/11/24/tangled_gets_undercut_by_old_fashioned_concept/ |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=The Boston Globe}}</ref> [[James Berardinelli]] of ''[[ReelViews]]'' gave the song a negative review, feeling that it was equally as unmemorable as the other tracks and writing, "It's hard to imagine someone humming ... 'Mother Knows Best' when leaving the theater".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berardinelli |first=James |author-link=James Berardinelli |date=November 22, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.reelviews.net/php_review_template.php?identifier=2215 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218091439/https://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/tangled |archive-date=February 18, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[ReelViews]]}}</ref>
-Murphy's vocals have also been enthusiastically reviewed,<ref>{{cite web |last=Ellerton |first=Julie |date=November 23, 2010 |title=TANGLED... Holiday Magic! -Interviews with the Cast- |url=http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-521251 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[iReport]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodwin |first=Hannah |date=2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://www.cbn.com/entertainment/screen/tangled-movie-review-goodwyn.aspx |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Christian Broadcasting Network]]}}</ref> which [[Filmtracks.com]] felt were "more accomplished" than Moore's musical contributions.<ref name=":23" /> Critics compared her vocals to Patti LuPone and Julia Andrews.<ref name=":35" /> ''[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]'' film critic [[Peter Travers]] hailed them as "comic bliss with a sting in its tail".<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/tangled-20101124|title = Tangled|date = November 24, 2010|access-date = February 25, 2015|website = Rolling Stone|last = Travers|first = Peter}}</ref> ''[[7x7 (magazine)|7x7]]''{{'}}s Rossiter Drake called her efforts "a welcome revelation".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Drake |first=Rossiter |date=November 26, 2010 |title=Rapunzel Lets Down Her Bountiful Blonde Hair in Disney's Winning New Musical |url=http://www.7x7.com/arts/rapunzel-lets-down-her-bountiful-blonde-hair-disneys-winning-new-musical |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[7x7 (magazine)|7x7]]}}</ref> ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]''{{'}}s Marjorie Baumgarten praised Murphy for "bring[ing] stage [[Showmanship (performing)|showmanship]] to her musical interludes".<ref name=":16" /> Tom Charity of [[CNN]] commended the actress for treating the musical number like "the showstopper it deserves to be".<ref name=":1" /> Describing "Mother Knows Best" as "belted out wonderfully by Murphy", Linda Cook of the ''[[Quad-City Times]]'' concluded that the actress "makes the purchase of the soundtrack worthwhile".<ref>{{cite web |last=Cook |first=Linda |date=November 22, 2010 |title="Tangled" a clever twist on Rapunzel |url=http://qctimes.com/entertainment/columnists/linda-cook/article_d9c0a5c0-f681-11df-b000-001cc4c002e0.html |access-date=February 24, 2015 |website=[[Quad-City Times]]}}</ref> Christian Blauvelt of ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' wrote, "If a couple of Menken's songs feel less than soaring, it's due only to the limited pop-star vocals of Mandy Moore", but "when Broadway vet Murphy takes to scaling Menken's octave-climbing melodies like a vocal escalator, it's a different story".<ref name=":9" /> Sandie Angulo Chen of [[Common Sense Media]] said Murphy's vocals are "on fabulous display in the amazing number",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Sandie Angulo |date=November 14, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/tangled# |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[Common Sense Media]]}}</ref> and William Goss of [[Moviefone]] said she belts it "perfectly".<ref name=":19" /> In review of the film's soundtrack, [[AllMusic]] critic James Christopher Monger observed that both Murphy and Moore "take on the lion's share of the work, and ... deliver the goods".<ref name=":17" />
+[[TVOvermind]] and Mashable ranked "Mother Knows Best" Disney's fifth best villain song.<ref name=":30" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mason |first=Aiden |date=2018 |title=The Top 20 Disney Villain Songs of All-Time |work=[[TVOvermind]] |url=https://tvovermind.com/top-20-disney-villain-songs/ |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> According to ''[[Screen Rant]]'''s Jordan Payeur, who ranked "Mother Knows Best" the third-best Disney villain song, the tune "portrays how selfish and manipulative she is".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Payeur |first=Jordan |date=June 25, 2022 |title=The 10 Best Disney Villain Songs, According to Reddit |work=[[Screen Rant]] |url=https://screenrant.com/best-disney-villain-songs-according-reddit/ |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> Hillary Busis of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' ranked "Mother Knows Best" Disney's ninth best villain song, writing that Gothel "can't elevate it higher than the middle of the pack" despite her "admirable swagger".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Busis |first=Hillary |date=June 13, 2022 |title=20 Disney villain songs, ranked |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/05/10/disney-villain-songs-ranked/ |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> Ranking the song seventh, [[ComicBook.com]]'s Charlie Ridgely believes "the intention behind the lyrics are what really set it apart as one of the great Disney villain numbers".<ref name=":29">{{Cite news |last=Ridgley |first=Charlie |date=April 22, 2020 |title=Disney's 10 Best Villain Songs, Ranked |work=[[ComicBook.com]] |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/best-disney-villain-songs-top-10/#5 |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> [[Io9.com|Io9]] ranked the song 11th on the website's list of "The 36 Greatest [[Supervillain]] Musical Numbers of All Time."<ref name=":14" /> [[BuzzFeed]] ranked "Mother Knows Best" 9th on its list of "The 12 Greatest Disney Villain Songs".<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Galindo |first=Brian |date=October 15, 2013 |title=Counting Down The 12 Greatest Disney Villain Songs |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/the-12-greatest-disney-villain-songs#.ixneJL7N4a |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[BuzzFeed]]}}</ref> Selecting it as a top audition song for female singers, Rebecca Strassberg of ''[[Backstage (magazine)|Backstage]]'' said "Mother Knows Best" "allows singers to get gritty".<ref name=":36">{{Cite news |last=Strassberg |first=Rebecca |date=April 26, 2022 |title=7 Disney Audition Songs for Female Singers |work=[[Backstage (magazine)|Backstage]] |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/great-disney-audition-songs-women-6453/ |access-date=September 16, 2022}}</ref>
-In a mixed review, Wesley Morris of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' enjoyed the quality of the song itself and Menken's songwriting, but felt that it was unnecessary and [[melodramatic]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Wesley |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Tangled |url=http://archive.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2010/11/24/tangled_gets_undercut_by_old_fashioned_concept/ |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=The Boston Globe}}</ref> [[James Berardinelli]] of ''[[ReelViews]]'' gave the song a negative review, feeling that it was equally as unmemorable as the other tracks and writing, "It's hard to imagine someone humming ... 'Mother Knows Best' when leaving the theater."<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.reelviews.net/php_review_template.php?identifier=2215|title = Tangled|date = November 22, 2010|access-date = February 25, 2015|website = ReelViews|publisher = James Berardinelli|last = Berardinelli|first = James}}</ref>
-[[TVOvermind]] and Mashable ranked "Mother Knows Best" Disney's fifth best villain song.<ref name=":30" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mason |first=Aiden |date=2018 |title=The Top 20 Disney Villain Songs of All-Time |work=[[TVOvermind]] |url=https://tvovermind.com/top-20-disney-villain-songs/ |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> According to [[Screen Rant]]'s Jordan Payeur, who ranked "Mother Knows Best" the third-best Disney villain song, the tune "portrays how selfish and manipulative she is".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Payeur |first=Jordan |date=June 25, 2022 |title=The 10 Best Disney Villain Songs, According to Reddit |work=[[Screen Rant]] |url=https://screenrant.com/best-disney-villain-songs-according-reddit/ |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> Hillary Busis of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' ranked "Mother Knows Best" Disney's ninth best villain song, writing that Gothel "can't elevate it higher than the middle of the pack" despite her "admirable swagger".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Busis |first=Hillary |date=June 13, 2022 |title=20 Disney villain songs, ranked |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/05/10/disney-villain-songs-ranked/ |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> Ranking the song seventh, [[Comicbook.com]]'s Charlie Ridgely believes "the intention behind the lyrics are what really set it apart as one of the great Disney villain numbers".<ref name=":29">{{Cite news |last=Ridgley |first=Charlie |date=April 22, 2020 |title=Disney's 10 Best Villain Songs, Ranked |work=[[ComicBook.com]] |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/best-disney-villain-songs-top-10/#5 |access-date=September 9, 2022}}</ref> [[Io9.com|Io9]] ranked the song 11th on the website's list of "The 36 Greatest [[Supervillain]] Musical Numbers of All Time."<ref name=":14" /> [[BuzzFeed]] ranked "Mother Knows Best" 9th on its list of "The 12 Greatest Disney Villain Songs".<ref name=":11" /> [[Disney.com]] awarded the song a score of six out of 10, complimenting Murphy's "amazing singing voice and showmanship."<ref name=":10" /> The lyric "mother knows best" was recognized and quoted in the book ''The Quotable Mom: Appreciation from the Greatest Minds in History'' by Familius.<ref>{{Cite book|title = The Quotable Mom: Appreciation from the Greatest Minds in History|publisher = Familius|year = 2014|isbn = 9781938301599|location = United States|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=MrRQAwAAQBAJ&q=mother+knows+best+tangled&pg=PT57}}</ref>
 == Live performances and use in media ==
-Actress [[Melora Hardin]] and partner [[Artem Chigvintsev]] performed a [[Jazz dance|jazz]] routine to Hardin's cover of "Mother Knows Best" on the [[Dancing with the Stars (American season 30)|30th season]] of the reality dance competition ''[[Dancing with the Stars (American TV series)|Dancing With the Stars]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Handel |first=Erica |date=October 14, 2021 |title=DWTS: How Melora Hardin Is Slaying The Competition |work=[[Screen Rant]] |url=https://screenrant.com/dancing-stars-how-contestant-melora-hardin-slaying-competition/ |access-date=September 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Samhan |first=Jamie |date=November 8, 2021 |title=Melora Hardin Finally Earns Her Perfect Score On ‘DWTS’ |work=[[Entertainment Tonight Canada]] |url=https://etcanada.com/news/835625/melora-hardin-finally-earns-her-perfect-score-on-dwts/ |access-date=September 14, 2022}}</ref> Hardin's routine received unanimous praise from the judges, earning the highest score of the "Disney Villains"-themed episode, as well as the season's first 10.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Montgomery |first=Daniel |date=October 12, 2021 |title=Melora Hardin (‘Dancing with the Stars’) got the first 10 of the season and defends Jan from ‘The Office’ [WATCH] |work=[[GoldDerby]] |url=https://www.goldderby.com/article/2021/melora-hardin-dancing-with-the-stars-disney-villains-night-jazz/ |access-date=September 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Joest |first=Mick |date=October 12, 2021 |title=Watch Dancing With The Stars’ Melora Hardin Go Full Tangled For A Top Score On Disney Night |work=[[CinemaBlend]] |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/watch-dancing-with-the-stars-melora-hardin-go-full-tangled-for-a-top-score-on-disney-night |access-date=September 14, 2022}}</ref>
+In 2021, actress [[Melora Hardin]] and professional dance partner [[Artem Chigvintsev]] performed a [[Jazz dance|jazz]] routine to Hardin's cover of "Mother Knows Best" on the [[reality television]] dance competition ''[[Dancing with the Stars (American TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Handel |first=Erica |date=October 14, 2021 |title=DWTS: How Melora Hardin Is Slaying The Competition |work=[[Screen Rant]] |url=https://screenrant.com/dancing-stars-how-contestant-melora-hardin-slaying-competition/ |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914152523/https://screenrant.com/dancing-stars-how-contestant-melora-hardin-slaying-competition/ |archive-date=September 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Samhan |first=Jamie |date=November 8, 2021 |title=Melora Hardin Finally Earns Her Perfect Score On 'DWTS' |work=[[Entertainment Tonight Canada]] |url=https://etcanada.com/news/835625/melora-hardin-finally-earns-her-perfect-score-on-dwts/ |access-date=September 14, 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914194748/https://etcanada.com/news/835625/melora-hardin-finally-earns-her-perfect-score-on-dwts/ |archive-date=September 14, 2022}}</ref> Hardin's performance received unanimous praise from the judges, earning the highest score of the "Disney Villains"-themed portion of the episode, as well as the season's first 10.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Montgomery |first=Daniel |date=October 12, 2021 |title=Melora Hardin ('Dancing with the Stars') got the first 10 of the season and defends Jan from 'The Office' [WATCH] |work=[[GoldDerby]] |url=https://www.goldderby.com/article/2021/melora-hardin-dancing-with-the-stars-disney-villains-night-jazz/ |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407094047/https://www.goldderby.com/article/2021/melora-hardin-dancing-with-the-stars-disney-villains-night-jazz/ |archive-date=April 7, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Joest |first=Mick |date=October 12, 2021 |title=Watch Dancing With The Stars' Melora Hardin Go Full Tangled For A Top Score On Disney Night |work=[[CinemaBlend]] |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/watch-dancing-with-the-stars-melora-hardin-go-full-tangled-for-a-top-score-on-disney-night |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914152103/https://www.cinemablend.com/television/watch-dancing-with-the-stars-melora-hardin-go-full-tangled-for-a-top-score-on-disney-night |archive-date=September 14, 2022}}</ref>
-== Notes ==
+==Certifications==
+{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Mother Knows Best"}}
+{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Donna Murphy|title=Mother Knows Best|award=Silver|relyear=2010|certyear=2023|id=18743-6252-1|access-date=February 17, 2023}}
+{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|artist=Donna Murphy|title=Mother Knows Best|award=Gold|relyear=2010|certyear=2023|access-date=February 17, 2023}}
+{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
+==Notes==
 <references group="lower-alpha" responsive="1"></references>
 ==References==
-{{reflist|3}}
+{{Reflist|3}}
 {{Tangled}}
+{{Authority control}}
-{{authority control}}
 [[Category:2010 songs]]
@@ Line 79: / Line 79: @@
 [[Category:Songs with music by Alan Menken]]
 [[Category:Song recordings produced by Alan Menken]]
+[[Category:Songs about mothers]]

v t e Disney's Tangled
Films	Tangled (2010) Tangled Ever After (2012) Tangled: Before Ever After (2017)
Characters	Rapunzel Flynn Rider Pascal and Maximus Mother Gothel
Music	"When Will My Life Begin?" "Mother Knows Best" "I've Got a Dream" "I See the Light"
TV series	Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure Episodes Season 1 Season 2 Season 3
Video games	Tangled: The Video Game (2010) Disney Princess: Enchanting Storybooks (2011) Disney Princess: My Fairytale Adventure (2012) Disney Infinity (2013) Disney Magic Kingdoms (2016) Kingdom Hearts III (2019) Disney Mirrorverse (2022) Disney Dreamlight Valley (2023)
Related	Disney Princess Sofia the First: The Curse of Princess Ivy (2013-2018) Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) Lego Disney Princess: The Castle Quest (2023) Once Upon a Studio (2023) What Once Was Mine: A Twisted Tale Fantasy Springs
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