The iconic chant “Wimoweh!” resonates through the hearts of Disney fans everywhere, thanks to its unforgettable use in “The Lion King.” The song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” holds a special place in the film, but its history is far richer than many realize. Let’s delve into this beloved melody.
The Lion Sleeps Tonight Lyrics
[Refrain]
Weeheeheehee, dee heeheeheehee, weeoh aweem away
Weeheeheehee, dee heeheeheehee, weeoh aweem away
[Chorus]
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
[Verse 1]
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the quiet jungle
The lion sleeps tonight, ho, ho!
[Chorus]
Weeheeheehee, dee heeheeheehee, weeoh aweem away
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
Weeheeheehee, dee heeheeheehee weeoh aweem away
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
[Verse 2]
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the quiet village
The lion sleeps tonight, ho, ho!
[Chorus]
Weeheeheehee, dee heeheeheehee, weeoh aweem away
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
Rrrrrr, lalalaba, weeoh aweem away
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
[Bridge]
[Verse 3]
Hush, my darling, don’t fear, my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
Hush, my darling, don’t fear, my darling
The lion sleeps tonight, ho, ho!
[Chorus]
Whoa, whoa, whoa; whoa, whoa, whoa; whoa, whoa, aweem away
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
Weeheeheehee, dee heeheeheehee, weeoh aweem away
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
[Refrain]
Weeheeheehee, dee heeheeheehee, weeoh aweem away
Weeheeheehee, dee heeheeheehee, weeoh aweem away
Weeheeheehee, dee heeheeheehee, weeoh aweem away
Fun Facts
- “Wimoweh” Misinterpretation: The now-famous chant “Wimoweh” is believed to be a misinterpretation of the Zulu lyric “Uyimbube,” meaning “you are a lion.”
- Cover Craze: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” is one of the most covered songs in history, with artists across genres putting their unique spin on its melody.
- Movie Magic: Besides “The Lion King,” this catchy tune has appeared in other films like “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls” and “George of the Jungle.”
About The Lion Sleeps Tonight Lyrics
Disney Magic: In Disney’s animated masterpiece, “The Lion King,” Timon and Pumbaa joyfully introduce Simba to a carefree life guided by the philosophy of “Hakuna Matata.” During this lighthearted scene, they break into a whimsical rendition of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” This version popularized the song for a new generation of Disney fans.
South African Roots: The song’s surprising origins lie in a 1930s South African Zulu melody called “Mbube,” meaning “lion.” Written and recorded by Solomon Linda, it was an instant success within South Africa.
American Adaptation: In the 1950s, American folk singers like Pete Seeger and The Weavers discovered “Mbube.” They adapted the song to Western audiences under “Wimoweh.”
Pop Sensation: The Tokens, a doo-wop group, transformed the song into a global sensation in 1961. Their version, complete with English lyrics, became known as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and skyrocketed to #1 on music charts.
Disney’s “The Lion King” breathed new energy into “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Its timeless message of peace resonated perfectly with the film’s themes. With catchy lyrics and fascinating history, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” remains a beloved reminder of the magic of Disney and music.
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