One Jump Ahead

"One Jump Ahead" is a song sung by the film's main protagonist Aladdin in Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. The music and lyrics were written by Alan Menken and Tim Rice.

Summary
It is sung as Aladdin and Abu escape Razoul and his guards after stealing a loaf of bread.

A few minutes later, the song is reprised in a softer, more dramatic tone as Aladdin contemplates his life and desires for more.

The melody is a recurring theme throughout the film's score, often used as a musical representation of Aladdin himself.

Lyrics
Aladdin: Gotta keep One jump ahead of the breadline One swing ahead of the sword I steal only what I can't afford And that's everything!

One jump ahead of the lawmen That's all, and that's no joke These guys don't appreciate I'm broke

Guards: Riffraff! Street rat! Scoundrel!

Aladdin: Take that! Just a little snack, guys

Guards: Rip him open! 'Round the back, guys!

Aladdin: I can take a hint, Gotta face the facts You're my only friend, Abu

Harem Girls: Huh?!? Oh, it's sad, Aladdin's hit the bottom He's become a one-man rise in crime

Massage Parlor Manager: I'd blame parents, except he hasn't got 'em

Aladdin: Gotta eat to live, Gotta steal to eat Tell you all about it when I got the time!

One jump ahead of the slowpokes One skip ahead of my doom Next time gonna use a nom de plume

One jump ahead of the hitmen One hit ahead of the flock I think I'll take a stroll around the block

Jewelry Vendor: Stop, thief! Vandal!

Aladdin: Abu!

Jewelry Customer: Scandal!

Aladdin: Let's not be too hasty

Lady: Still, I think he's rather tasty

Aladdin: Gotta eat to live, Gotta steal to eat Otherwise, we'd get along

Guards: Wrong!

Aladdin: One jump ahead of the hoofbeats (Guards: Riffraff!) One hop ahead of the hump (Guards: Street rat!) One trick ahead of disaster (Guards: Scoundrel!) They're quick, but I'm much faster Here goes: Better throw my hand in Wish me happy landin' All I gotta do is jump!

Cast

 * Brad Kane and Mena Massoud as Aladdin