When Lin-Manuel Miranda envisioned Encanto’s music, he didn’t just compose a soundtrack—he crafted an emotional odyssey.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, who revealed his inspiration for the soundtrack, said, “I was really inspired by the 90s rock-en-español movement. And it was about finding those Colombian rhythms that are so unique.”
This influence is deeply felt in the film’s music, particularly in What Else Can I Do.
Among the film’s many gems, What Else Can I Do stands out, not only as a fan favourite but as a defining moment for Isabela Madrigal, voiced by Diane Guerrero, alongside Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel.
This song’s infectious melody and poignant lyrics resonate beyond its upbeat rhythm, tapping into themes of self-discovery and liberation from societal expectations.
A Symphony of Imperfection
What Else Can I Do flips the script on perfection. Isabela, long celebrated for her flawless floral creations, is exhausted by the endless expectation to be picture perfect.
The song kicks off after a groundbreaking moment—literally. Isabela discovers she can grow a cactus, a far cry from her usual “rows and rows of roses.”
The lyrics, “I’m so sick of pretty, I want something true, don’t you?”, encapsulate her desire to embrace authenticity over appearances.
It’s a declaration of freedom, made even more powerful by the rock-en-español vibe Miranda infuses into the track, inspired by the iconic sounds of artists like Shakira and Robby Rosa—a deliberate nod to the 1990s’ Latin rock movement.
What Do the Lyrics of “What Else Can I Do” Mean?
Diane Guerrero’s Isabela uses this song to unravel years of self-imposed pressure.
The line “Can I deliver us a river of sundew?” hints at breaking free from a life of control, while “What can you do when you know who you wanna be isn’t perfect, but I’ll still be okay” is an anthem of self-acceptance.
Paired with Mirabel’s playful interjections, the lyrics showcase how familial bonds can inspire personal growth.
The song’s visuals complement its lyrical depth. From colorful blooms to unruly vines, every frame reflects Isabela’s transformation, symbolising her journey from controlled beauty to chaotic authenticity.
Fans have even debated key moments, such as Mirabel’s exclamation—is it “Booyah” or “Tabebuia”? Either way, it’s a playful nod to their dynamic.
Musical Layers: A Shakira-esque Rock Ballad
Miranda’s choice to give What Else Can I Do a Latin rock backbone was no accident.
The genre mirrors Isabela’s emotional journey—bold, rebellious, and unapologetically raw.
Unlike the pop anthems typically associated with Disney, this song feels grounded in cultural and musical authenticity.
Drawing from Colombian traditions, the song incorporates rhythms and instruments like vallenato and tambora, weaving them into an electric tapestry of self-expression.
The result is a track that’s as much about breaking molds as it is about breaking into song.
Where Does “What Else Can I Do?” Fit in Encanto?
As the fifth track in Encanto’s soundtrack, What Else Can I Do serves as a pivotal moment in the story.
Isabela’s realisation—that she doesn’t need to conform to perfection—parallels Mirabel’s quest to prove her worth in a magical family.
This dynamic creates one of the most relatable sibling moments in the film, bridging their differences with mutual understanding.
This track is a thematic sibling to Encanto’s other hits, like Surface Pressure and We Don’t Talk About Bruno.
While Luisa’s ballad reflects external burdens and Mirabel’s song conveys familial chaos, Isabela’s anthem is about internal liberation—a narrative shift that resonates universally.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
Since its release, What Else Can I Do has sparked conversations online.
TikTok trends, Reddit debates, and fan art have turned this track into a cultural touchstone.
Many fans connect with Isabela’s struggle for authenticity, turning her journey into their own.
One Redditor humorously noted, “My life has been a lie. I thought it was ‘Booyah,’ but it’s ‘Tabebuia’”—a lighthearted take that underscores the song’s playful and relatable nature.
Beyond memes, the song has become a rallying cry for embracing imperfection in all its forms.
The Secret Sauce: Diane Guerrero & Stephanie Beatriz’s Chemistry
The duet between Guerrero and Beatriz isn’t just vocally stunning; it’s emotionally charged.
Guerrero’s commanding voice captures Isabela’s fiery resolve, while Beatriz’s grounding warmth brings depth to Mirabel’s playful encouragement.
Their synergy elevates the song, making it one of the most memorable moments in Encanto.
How “What Else Can I Do?” Defines Encanto’s Legacy
Released on November 19, 2021, as part of the Encanto (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), Beyond its chart success, What Else Can I Do encapsulates Encanto’s core message: the beauty of individuality.
The film’s soundtrack, bolstered by this track, has redefined what Disney music can achieve.
Its blend of cultural authenticity and universal themes ensures that What Else Can I Do will remain timeless.
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Diane Guerrero & Stephanie Beatriz What Else Can I Do? Lyrics
ISABELA
I just made something unexpected
Something sharp, something new
It’s not symmetrical or perfect
But it’s beautiful, and it’s mine
What else can I do?
MIRABEL & ISABELA
Bring it in, bring it in
Good talk bring it in, bring it in (What else can I do? )
Let’s walk, bring it in, bring it in
Free hugs, bring it in, bring it in
ISABELA
I grow rows and rows of roses
Flor de mayo, by the mile
I make perfect, practiced poses
So much hides behind my smile
What could I do if I just grew what I was feelin’ in the moment?
MARIBEL
Do you know where you’re goin’? Woah!
ISABELA
What could I do if I just knew it didn’t need to be perfect?
It just needed to be? And they’d let me be?
ISABELA & MIRABEL
A hurricane of jacarandas
Strangling figs(Big)
Hanging vines(This is fine)
Palma de cera fills the air as I climb
And I push through
What else can I do?
ISABELA
Can I deliver us a river of sundew?
Careful, it’s carnivorous, a little just won’t do
I wanna feel the shiver of something new
I’m so sick of pretty, I want something true, don’t you?
MIRABEL & ISABELA
You just seem like your life’s been a dream (Woah)
Since the moment you opened your eyes
ISABELA
How far do these roots go down?
MIRABEL & ISABELA
All I know are the blossoms you grow (Woah)
But it’s awesome to see how you rise
How far can you rise? (How far can I rise?)
MIRABEL & ISABELA
Through the roof, to the skies, let’s go
ISABELA & MIRABEL
A hurricane of jacarandas(Whoo!)
Strangling figs (Go!)
Hanging vines (Grow!)
Palma de cera fills the air as I climb
And I push through
MIRABEL
What else, what else?
ISABEL & MIRABEL
What can you do when you are deeply, madly, truly in the moment?
MIRABEL
Seize the moment, keep goin’
ISABEL & MIRABEL
What can you do when you know who you wanna be isn’t perfect?
ISABELA
But I’ll still be okay
MIRABEL
Hey, everybody clear the way, whoo!
ISABELA & MIRABEL
I’m comin’ through with tabebuia (She’s comin’ through with that booyah!)
Making waves (Making waves)
Changing minds (You’ve changed mine)
ISABELA
The way is clearer ’cause you’re here
And, well, I owe this all to you
What else can I do?
MIRABEL
Show ’em what you can do
ISABELA
What else can I do?
MIRABEL
There’s nothing you can’t do
ISABELA
What else can I do?
