How Does a Moment Last Forever

"How Does a Moment Last Forever" is a song written by lyricist Tim Rice and composer Alan Menken for the live‑action Disney film Beauty and the Beast (2017), a remake of the 1991 animated musical. The ballad is performed in the film by American actor Kevin Kline in his role as Maurice, reflecting his character's memories of his late wife, the mother of Belle. Later in the story, Belle (Emma Watson) reprises the song when she learns the truth about her mother's past. A separate version was recorded by Canadian singer Celine Dion for the film's soundtrack, released on March 10, 2017; her rendition plays over the end credits.

In the original animated film, Maurice does not sing. The remake expands on the histories of both Belle and the Beast. Belle's backstory provides additional context for her character and her connection to the Beast. Director Bill Condon explained that adding these elements helped audiences understand the characters' motivations: "They're both outsiders, but how did Belle wind up being so different from everybody else in a town where nobody understands her, and how did the Beast become the person who earned that curse? That's the stuff we started to fill in."

"How Does a Moment Last Forever" is a ballad whose lyrics explore themes of nostalgia. Menken described it as a reflection on holding on to meaningful moments. Within the film, it appears twice: first sung by Maurice as he remembers his wife, and later by Belle as she uncovers her mother's fate. Dion was approached to record a pop version of the song; although initially hesitant, she accepted due to the significance that "Beauty and the Beast" had in her career. Because she was unable to promote the track, Disney released "Evermore" as the primary single instead. Dion's version nonetheless achieved modest international impact alongside the film's box‑office success. Critical reception was generally positive, though some reviewers considered the song less memorable compared to other soundtrack recordings in Dion's catalogue.