GOD HELP THE OUTCASTS (FROM THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME)

Music and Text: Alan Menken
Text: Stephen Schwartz
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

Written by 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, “God Help the Outcasts” made its first appearance in the 1996 animated feature The Hunchback of Notre Dame, loosely based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel. This power ballad, sung by the character of Esmeralda in the movie, is a heartfelt prayer for divine protection on behalf of all those who, like Esmeralda herself, have suffered because of selfishness, bigotry, and discrimination. 

While Esmeralda prays for the outcasts, the prideful townspeople pray instead for wealth, fame, and glory. “God Help the Outcasts” was sung on the film soundtrack by Heidi Mollenhauer and has also been recorded by Bette Midler, Lara Fabian, and many others.