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{{Multiple|the 1994 version of "Be Prepared"|[[Be Prepared (stage musical)|the stage musical version]], [[Be Prepared (2019 Version)|the 2019 version]], [[Be Prepared (reprise)|the deleted reprise]], or [[Be Prepared (Festival of The Lion King)|the Festival of The Lion King version]]}}
 +
{{Multiple|the 1994 version of "Be Prepared"|[[Be Prepared (stage musical)|the stage musical version]], [[Be Prepared (2019 Version)|the 2019 version]], [[Be Prepared (reprise)|the deleted reprise]], or [[Be Prepared (Festival of The Lion King)|the ''Festival of The Lion King'' version]]}}
 
{{Clear}}
  
{{Clear}}
 
{{Song infobox
  
{{Song infobox
−
|image = [[File:Lion-king-disneyscreencaps.com-3530.png|350px]]
 +
|image = [[File:Lion-king-disneyscreencaps.com-3530.png|300px]]
 
|composer = [[Elton John]]
  
|composer = [[Elton John]]
 
|lyricist = [[Tim Rice]]
  
|lyricist = [[Tim Rice]]
 
|mixer = [[Jay Rifkin]]
  
|mixer = [[Jay Rifkin]]
−
|performers = [[Jim Cummings]]<br />[[Whoopi Goldberg]]<br />[[Jeremy Irons]]<br />[[Cheech Marin]]
 +
|performers = {{*}} [[Jim Cummings]]<br />{{*}} [[Whoopi Goldberg]]<br />{{*}} [[Jeremy Irons]]<br />{{*}} [[Cheech Marin]]
 
|released = May 31, 1994
  
|released = May 31, 1994
 
|track = 3
  
|track = 3
 
|length = 3:40
  
|length = 3:40
−
|albums = ''[[The Legacy Collection: The Lion King]]''<br />''[[The Lion King (1994 soundtrack)|The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)]]''<br/> ''[[The Lion King: Disney Karaoke Series]]''<br />''[[The Lion King: Special Edition]]''
 +
|albums = {{Scroll|{{*}} ''[[The Legacy Collection: The Lion King]]''<br />{{*}} ''[[The Lion King (1994 soundtrack)|The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)]]''<br/>{{*}} ''[[Disney's Karaoke Series: The Lion King]]''<br />{{*}} ''[[The Lion King: Special Edition]]''<br />{{*}} ''[[The Lion King Collection]]''<br />{{*}} ''[[The Lion King Collection (Deluxe Edition)]]''}}
 
|appearances = ''[[The Lion King]]''
  
|appearances = ''[[The Lion King]]''
−
|versions = {{Audio|Be Prepared.ogg}}
 +
|versions = {{Audio|Be Prepared.ogg|Be Prepared}}
 
}}
  
}}
 
{{Dialogue1|Banzai|What are we supposed to do, kill Mufasa?|Scar|Precisely.|[[Banzai]] and [[Scar]]|The Lion King}}
  
{{Dialogue1|Banzai|What are we supposed to do, kill Mufasa?|Scar|Precisely.|[[Banzai]] and [[Scar]]|The Lion King}}
−
'''"Be Prepared"''' is a song composed by [[Elton John]] for ''[[The Lion King]]''. It was released on May 31, 1994, as part of the film's [[The Lion King (1994 soundtrack)|soundtrack]]. It is sung by [[Scar]] and the [[Shenzi's clan|hyenas]] in anticipation of [[Mufasa|Mufasa's]] death.
 +
'''"Be Prepared"''' is a song composed by [[Elton John]] for ''[[The Lion King]]''. It was released on May 31, 1994, as part of the film's [[The Lion King (1994 soundtrack)|soundtrack]]. It was re-released on September 30, 2003, as part of the film's [[The Lion King: Special Edition|Special Edition soundtrack]].
  +
  +
==Conception and development==
  +
[[File:Originalbeprepared.png|thumb|left|250px|During early production of ''The Lion King'', Scar sang a reprise of "Be Prepared" when he introduced the lionesses to his hyena allies.]]
  +
The first incarnation of "Be Prepared" was titled "Thanks To Me" and entailed [[Scar]] bragging to the [[hyenas]] about how he had murdered [[Mufasa]] and driven off [[Simba]]. The filmmakers deduced that it would be better to build up to the murder, and so the song was rewritten to take place before the [[stampede]]. Lyricist [[Tim Rice]] also wrote a reprise of "Be Prepared" that was to take place during Scar's [[Scar's coronation|coronation]]. However, deeming it "overkill" to have a lively musical number right after Mufasa's death, the filmmakers ultimately removed the reprise.<ref>{{Cite book|Mouse Under Glass}}</ref>
  +
  +
In the [[King of the Jungle (1992 draft)|1992 draft]] of ''The Lion King'', Scar attempted to make an adult [[Nala]] his [[Ruler of Pride Rock|queen]], only for her to openly reject him and incite a rebellion against him. Furious, he banished her from the [[Pride Lands]], to the lionesses' disapproval. Backed into a corner, Scar introduced the hyenas as his "executive staff," during which he sang a reprise of "Be Prepared".<ref>{{Cite draft|King of the Jungle}}</ref>
  +
  +
==Releases and alternative versions==
  +
"Be Prepared" was released on May 31, 1994, as part of the soundtrack of ''The Lion King''.<ref name="1994 soundtrack">{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-lion-king-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1445732923|title=The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)|accessdate=October 8, 2019|work=iTunes|publisher=Apple}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.soundtrack.net/album/the-lion-king-1994/|title=The Lion King|accessdate=October 8, 2019|work=Soundtrack.Net|publisher=Autotelics}}</ref>
  +
  +
The [[Be Prepared (stage musical)|stage musical version]] of the song was released in 1997 as part of the [[The Lion King (Original Broadway Cast Recording)|original cast recording]].<ref name="OCR">{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-lion-king-original-broadway-cast-recording/1440721415|title=The Lion King (Original 1997 Broadway Cast Recording)|accessdate=October 8, 2019|work=iTunes|publisher=Apple}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Various-The-Lion-King-Original-Broadway-Cast-Recording/master/680296|title=The Lion King - Original Broadway Cast Recording|accessdate=October 8, 2019|work=Discogs|publisher=Zink Media}}</ref>
  +
  +
In 1999, "Be Prepared" was re-released as part of ''[[The Lion King Collection]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/15175810-Various-The-Lion-King-Collection|title=Various – The Lion King Collection|accessdate=January 30, 2023|work=Discogs|publisher=Zink Media}}</ref>
  +
  +
[[File:10730099 656596144454725 6504675388451343875 n.png|thumb|150px|Official artwork of "Be Prepared" from ''The Legacy Collection: The Lion King''.]]
  +
  +
"Be Prepared" was re-released on September 30, 2003, as part of the film's Special Edition soundtrack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-lion-king-special-edition/1440669121|title=The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) <nowiki>[Special Edition]</nowiki>|accessdate=October 11, 2019|work=iTunes|publisher=Apple}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.soundtrack.net/album/the-lion-king/|title=The Lion King|accessdate=October 8, 2019|work=Soundtrack.Net|publisher=Autotelics}}</ref>
  +
  +
Also on September 30, 2003, the karaoke version of "Be Prepared" was released as part of ''[[Disney's Karaoke Series: The Lion King]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/disneys-karaoke-series-the-lion-king/1442950059|title=Disney's Karaoke Series: The Lion King|accessdate=January 20, 2023|work=iTunes|publisher=Apple}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/10736732-Various-Disney-Karaoke-Series-The-Lion-King|title=Various – Disney Karaoke Series: The Lion King|accessdate=January 20, 2023|work=Discogs|publisher=Zink Media}}</ref>
  +
  +
On October 3, 2011, "Be Prepared" was released as part of ''[[The Lion King Collection (Deluxe Edition)]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/the-lion-king-collection-deluxe-edition/714571705|title=The Lion King Collection (Deluxe Edition)|accessdate=January 21, 2023|work=iTunes|publisher=Apple}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.soundtrack.net/album/lion-king-deluxe-collection/|title=The Lion King: Deluxe Collection|accessdate=January 21, 2023|work=Soundtrack.Net|publisher=Autotelics}}</ref>
  +
  +
The song was re-released as part of ''[[The Legacy Collection: The Lion King]]'' on June 24, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/walt-disney-records-the-legacy-collection-the-lion-king/1442812767|title=The Lion King (Motion Picture Soundtrack) <nowiki>[Walt Disney Records: The Legacy Collection]</nowiki>|accessdate=October 8, 2019|work=iTunes|publisher=Apple}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.soundtrack.net/album/the-legacy-collection-the-lion-king/|title=The Legacy Collection: The Lion King|accessdate=October 8, 2019|work=Soundtrack.Net|publisher=Autotelics}}</ref>
  +
  +
"Be Prepared" was reimagined for the [[The Lion King (2019 film)|2019 remake]] of ''The Lion King''. It was released on July 11, 2019, as part of the film's [[The Lion King (2019 soundtrack)|soundtrack]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-lion-king-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1472083270|title=The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)|accessdate=October 8, 2019|work=iTunes|publisher=Apple}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.soundtrack.net/album/the-lion-king-2019/|title=The Lion King|accessdate=October 8, 2019|work=Soundtrack.Net|publisher=Autotelics}}</ref>
  +
  +
==Use==
  +
===In the canon===
  +
[[File:Lion-king-disneyscreencaps.com-3418.png|thumb|left|250px|The hyenas pledge their loyalty to Scar during the "Be Prepared" sequence.]]
  +
"Be Prepared" is the third song heard in ''The Lion King''. It occurs after Scar arrives in the [[Elephant Graveyard]] to feed [[Shenzi]], [[Banzai]], and [[Ed]] a [[Zebras|zebra]] haunch. When he chastises them for having failed to kill Simba and Nala, they protest and question if they should have killed Mufasa. In answer, Scar documents his plan to assassinate both Mufasa and Simba so that he can ascend the throne of [[Pride Rock]] in their stead. The hyenas ultimately agree to help him in his plot in exchange for hunting rights in the Pride Lands.<ref>{{Cite film|The Lion King}}</ref>
  +
  +
"Be Prepared" is heard as an instrumental in ''[[The Lion King 1½]]'' when [[Timon]] and [[Pumbaa]] stray into the Elephant Graveyard and witness the hyenas marching past Scar.<ref>{{Cite film|The Lion King 1½}}</ref>
  +
  +
===In other media===
  +
A reimagined version of "Be Prepared" is heard in the 2019 remake of ''The Lion King''. It plays during the same sequence of events as its 1994 counterpart.<ref>{{Cite film|The Lion King (2019 film)}}</ref>
  +
  +
The stage musical version of "Be Prepared" is much the same as the original, occurring during the same sequence of events. However, there is a brief instrumental break in the middle of the song, during which the hyenas dance.<ref name="OCR" />
  +
  +
An instrumental version of "Be Prepared" is heard in the 1994 video game ''[[The Lion King (video game)|The Lion King]]''. There are two slightly different versions of the song: one for Genesis and one for SNES.<ref>{{Cite video game|The Lion King}}</ref>
   
 
==Lyrics==
  
==Lyrics==
  +
<poem>
−
{| width="340"
  
  +
'''Scar:'''
−
|-
  
  +
''I know that your powers of retention''
−
|'''Scar:'''
  
  +
''Are as wet as a warthog's backside''
−
|-
  
  +
''But thick as you are, pay attention!''
−
|I know that your powers of retention<br />
  
  +
''My words are a matter of pride''
−
|-
  
−
|Are as wet as a warthog's backside<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|But thick as you are, pay attention!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|My words are a matter of pride<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|It's clear from your vacant expressions<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|The lights are not all on upstairs<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|But we're talking kings and successions<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Even you can't be caught unawares!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|So prepare for the chance of a lifetime<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Be prepared for sensational news<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|A shining new era<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Is tiptoeing nearer<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Shenzi:'''
  
−
|-
  
−
|And where do we feature?<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Scar:'''
  
−
|-
  
−
|Just listen to teacher<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|I know it sounds sordid<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|But you'll be rewarded<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|When at last I am given my dues<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|And injustice deliciously squared<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Be prepared!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Banzai:''' (spoken)
  
−
|-
  
−
|Yeah! Be prepared!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Yeah-heh! We'll be prepared! Heh!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|For what?<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Scar:''' (spoken)
  
−
|-
  
−
|For the death of the king.<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Banzai:''' (spoken)
  
−
|-
  
−
|Why? Is he sick?<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Scar:''' (spoken)
  
−
|-
  
−
|No, fool. We're gonna kill him.<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|And Simba, too.<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Shenzi:''' (spoken)
  
−
|-
  
−
|Great idea!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Who needs a king?<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Banzai and Shenzi:'''
  
−
|-
  
−
|No king! No king!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|La, la, la, la, la, la!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Scar:''' (spoken)
  
−
|-
  
−
|Idiots!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|There will be a king!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Banzai:''' (spoken)
  
−
|-
  
−
|Hey, but you said-<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Scar:''' (spoken)
  
−
|-
  
−
|I will be king!
  
−
|-
  
−
|Stick with me, and you'll never go hungry again!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Banzai and Shenzi:''' (spoken)
  
−
|-
  
−
|Yay! All right! All right!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Long live the king!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Hyenas:''' (spoken)
  
−
|-
  
−
|Long live the king!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Long live the king!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|It's great that we'll soon be connected<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|With a king who'll be all-time adored.<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''Scar:'''
  
−
|-
  
−
|Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|To take certain duties on board<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|The future is littered with prizes<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|And though I'm the main addressee<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|The point that I must emphasize is<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|You won't get a sniff without me!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|So prepare for the coup of the century<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Be prepared for the murkiest scam<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Meticulous planning<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|(We'll have food!)<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Tenacity spanning<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|(Lots of food!)<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Decades of denial<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|(We repeat!)<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Is simply why I'll<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|(Endless meat!)<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Be king undisputed<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Respected, saluted<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|And seen for the wonder I am!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Be prepared!<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|'''All:'''
  
−
|-
  
−
|Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared<br />
  
−
|-
  
−
|Be prepared!<br />
  
−
|}
  
   
  +
''It's clear from your vacant expressions''
−
==Trivia==
  
  +
''The lights are not all on upstairs''
−
===General===
  
  +
''But we're talking kings and successions''
−
* This song is briefly heard in ''[[The Lion King 1½]]'' when [[Timon]] and [[Pumbaa]] wander into the [[Elephant Graveyard]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXmkz2L7Yhk&t=1m30s]</ref>
  
  +
''Even you can't be caught unawares!''
   
  +
''So prepare for the chance of a lifetime''
−
* In ''[[Festival of The Lion King]]'', this song is performed as the theater takes on a darker tone.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=891&v=UKRCI1Imh80&t=14m48s]</ref>
  
  +
''Be prepared for sensational news''
  +
''A shining new era''
  +
''Is tiptoeing nearer''
   
  +
'''Shenzi:'''
−
* In the [[The Lion King (stage musical)|stage musical]] and the [[The Lion King (1994 soundtrack)|official soundtrack]], the song starts with these lyrics:<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7uwV7pzCVw]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR_xyWIX5xU]</ref>
  
  +
''And where do we feature?''
   
  +
'''Scar:'''
−
::"I never thought hyenas essential.
  
  +
''Just listen to teacher''
−
::They're crude and unspeakably plain.
  
  +
''I know it sounds sordid''
−
::But maybe they've a glimmer of potential,
  
  +
''But you'll be rewarded''
−
::If allied to my vision and brain."
  
  +
''When at last I am given my dues''
  +
''And injustice deliciously squared''
  +
''Be prepared!''
   
  +
'''Banzai:''' (spoken)
−
* [[Jeremy Irons]] sang the beginning of the song, but he damaged his vocal chords singing, "You won't get a sniff without me!" [[Jim Cummings]] was brought in to finish the song.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-hill/lion-king-voice-actors_b_968140.html]</ref>
  
  +
Yeah! Be prepared!
  +
Yeah-heh! We'll be prepared! Heh!
  +
For what?
   
  +
'''Scar:''' (spoken)
−
* Though [[Jeremy Irons]] is often credited for singing the song, [[Jim Cummings]] has stated that he sang most of the song, while Irons only did some of the talking.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wmrdn9eFTK8&feature=youtu.be&t=3m15s]</ref>However, footage from the film's recording sessions available on the film's 2017 Blu-ray release reveals that Irons sang the entire first verse of the song, while a cursory analysis of the recording suggests (due to a subtle but evident shift in vocal timbre heard in Scar's lead vocal) that Cummings only sang the final verse ("Be prepared for the coup of the century" and onwards etc.) in the final cut of the film. Cummings has also confirmed this in other interviews, claiming that he sang this last verse due to Irons developing vocal problems during the recording session.<ref>[https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_968140]</ref>
  
  +
For the death of the king.
   
  +
'''Banzai:''' (spoken)
−
===In Development===
  
  +
Why? Is he sick?
−
* In early drafts of the film, "Be Prepared" was titled "Thanks to Me" and focused on [[Scar]] gloating to the [[Shenzi's clan|hyenas]] about murdering [[Mufasa]] and chasing off [[Simba]].<ref name="Mouse">[[File:Mug3.png|50px]]</ref>
  
   
  +
'''Scar:''' (spoken)
−
* [[Tim Rice]] wrote a post-stampede [[Be Prepared (reprise)|reprise]] of the song in which [[Scar]] introduces the [[Shenzi's clan|hyenas]] to the [[Pride Landers|pride]]. However, it was ultimately scrapped due to a lively musical number being deemed inappropriate so shortly after the death of [[Mufasa]].<ref name="Mouse"></ref>
  
  +
No, fool. We're gonna kill him.
  +
And Simba, too.
   
  +
'''Shenzi:''' (spoken)
−
* Another short [[The Madness of King Scar (deleted)|reprise]] was written in which [[Scar]] tries to seduce [[Nala]] into being his [[Ruler of Pride Rock|queen]]. When she rejects him, he sings a longer reprise of Be Prepared as he introduces the [[Pride Landers|pride]] to his executive staff, the [[Shenzi's clan|hyenas]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl8gDjaHWWA&t=2m1s]</ref>
  
  +
Great idea!
  +
Who needs a king?
  +
  +
'''Banzai and Shenzi:'''
  +
No king! No king!
  +
La, la, la, la, la, la!
  +
  +
'''Scar:''' (spoken)
  +
Idiots!
  +
There will be a king!
  +
  +
'''Banzai:''' (spoken)
  +
Hey, but you said-
  +
  +
'''Scar:''' (spoken)
  +
I will be king!
  +
Stick with me, and you'll never go hungry again!
  +
  +
'''Banzai and Shenzi:''' (spoken)
  +
Yay! All right! All right!
  +
Long live the king!
  +
  +
'''Hyenas:''' (spoken)
  +
Long live the king!
  +
Long live the king!
  +
  +
'''Hyenas:'''
  +
''It's great that we'll soon be connected''
  +
''With a king who'll be all-time adored''
  +
  +
'''Scar:'''
  +
''Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected''
  +
''To take certain duties on board''
  +
''The future is littered with prizes''
  +
''And though I'm the main addressee''
  +
''The point that I must emphasize is''
  +
''You won't get a sniff without me!''
  +
  +
''So prepare for the coup of the century''
  +
''Be prepared for the murkiest scam''
  +
''Meticulous planning''
  +
''(We'll have food!)''
  +
''Tenacity spanning''
  +
''(Lots of food!)''
  +
''Decades of denial''
  +
''(We repeat!)''
  +
''Is simply why I'll''
  +
''(Endless meat!)''
  +
''Be king undisputed''
  +
''Respected, saluted''
  +
''And seen for the wonder I am!''
  +
''Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared''
  +
''Be prepared!''
  +
  +
'''Hyenas:'''
  +
''Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared''
  +
  +
'''All:'''
  +
''Be prepared!''
  +
</poem>
  +
  +
==Trivia==
  +
* In the 1994 soundtrack and the stage musical soundtrack, "Be Prepared" opens with additional lyrics:
  +
::"I never thought hyenas essential
  +
::They're crude and unspeakably plain
  +
::But maybe they've a glimmer of potential
  +
::If allied to my vision and brain"<ref name="1994 soundtrack" /><ref name="OCR" />
  +
  +
* [[Jeremy Irons]] sang the beginning of "Be Prepared" but damaged his vocal chords on the line "You won't get a sniff without me!" As a result, [[Jim Cummings]] was brought in to finish the song.<ref name="Huffpost">{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lion-king-voice-actors_b_968140|title=Has Disney Been 'Lion' About Jeremy Irons' Singing Voice?|accessdate=January 21, 2023|work=Huffington Post|publisher=BuzzFeed}}</ref>
  +
** Though Jeremy Irons is often credited with singing "Be Prepared", Jim Cummings has stated that he sang most of the song, while Irons only did some of the talking.<ref>{{Youtube|video=Wmrdn9eFTK8|text=Jim Cummings on Hakuna Matata and Be Prepared|channel=@BroadwayMatinee|channelname=BroadwayMatinee}}</ref> However, footage from the film's recording sessions, available on the film's 2017 Blu-ray release, reveals that Irons sang the entire first verse of the song, while a cursory analysis of the recording suggests (due to a subtle but evident shift in vocal timbre heard in Scar's lead vocal) that Cummings only sang the final verse in the final cut of ''The Lion King''. Cummings has also confirmed this in other interviews, claiming that he sang this last verse due to Irons developing vocal problems during the recording session.<ref name="Huffpost" />
   
 
==Media==
  
==Media==
 
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"Be Prepared"|The "Be Prepared" sequence in ''The Lion King''
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The Lion King- Be Prepared - Sing-A-Long - Disney|The "Be Prepared" sequence in ''The Lion King''
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Be Prepared (Vocal)
  
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Be Prepared (Instrumental)
  
 
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==References==
  
==References==
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[[Category:Scar songs]]
 
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Latest revision as of 03:21, 31 January 2023

BigLovableChunkOfWarthogHere
"Do you see any other big, lovable chunk of warthog here?"
This article is about the 1994 version of "Be Prepared".
You may be looking for the stage musical version, the 2019 version, the deleted reprise, or the Festival of The Lion King version.


Be Prepared
Lion-king-disneyscreencaps.com-3530
Attribution information
Composer

Elton John

Lyricist

Tim Rice

Mixer

Jay Rifkin

Performers

 •  Jim Cummings
 •  Whoopi Goldberg
 •  Jeremy Irons
 •  Cheech Marin

Release information
Released

May 31, 1994

Track

3

Length

3:40

Albums
Appearances

The Lion King

Samples
Versions

Anonymous Audio File Icon Clip ArtBe Prepared (help·info)

“ Banzai: What are we supposed to do, kill Mufasa?
Scar: Precisely.
—Banzai and Scar[src]
 ”

"Be Prepared" is a song composed by Elton John for The Lion King. It was released on May 31, 1994, as part of the film's soundtrack. It was re-released on September 30, 2003, as part of the film's Special Edition soundtrack.

Conception and development

Originalbeprepared

During early production of The Lion King, Scar sang a reprise of "Be Prepared" when he introduced the lionesses to his hyena allies.

The first incarnation of "Be Prepared" was titled "Thanks To Me" and entailed Scar bragging to the hyenas about how he had murdered Mufasa and driven off Simba. The filmmakers deduced that it would be better to build up to the murder, and so the song was rewritten to take place before the stampede. Lyricist Tim Rice also wrote a reprise of "Be Prepared" that was to take place during Scar's coronation. However, deeming it "overkill" to have a lively musical number right after Mufasa's death, the filmmakers ultimately removed the reprise.[1]

In the 1992 draft of The Lion King, Scar attempted to make an adult Nala his queen, only for her to openly reject him and incite a rebellion against him. Furious, he banished her from the Pride Lands, to the lionesses' disapproval. Backed into a corner, Scar introduced the hyenas as his "executive staff," during which he sang a reprise of "Be Prepared".[2]

Releases and alternative versions

"Be Prepared" was released on May 31, 1994, as part of the soundtrack of The Lion King.[3][4]

The stage musical version of the song was released in 1997 as part of the original cast recording.[5][6]

In 1999, "Be Prepared" was re-released as part of The Lion King Collection.[7]

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Official artwork of "Be Prepared" from The Legacy Collection: The Lion King.

"Be Prepared" was re-released on September 30, 2003, as part of the film's Special Edition soundtrack.[8][9]

Also on September 30, 2003, the karaoke version of "Be Prepared" was released as part of Disney's Karaoke Series: The Lion King.[10][11]

On October 3, 2011, "Be Prepared" was released as part of The Lion King Collection (Deluxe Edition).[12][13]

The song was re-released as part of The Legacy Collection: The Lion King on June 24, 2014.[14][15]

"Be Prepared" was reimagined for the 2019 remake of The Lion King. It was released on July 11, 2019, as part of the film's soundtrack.[16][17]

Use

In the canon

Lion-king-disneyscreencaps

The hyenas pledge their loyalty to Scar during the "Be Prepared" sequence.

"Be Prepared" is the third song heard in The Lion King. It occurs after Scar arrives in the Elephant Graveyard to feed Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed a zebra haunch. When he chastises them for having failed to kill Simba and Nala, they protest and question if they should have killed Mufasa. In answer, Scar documents his plan to assassinate both Mufasa and Simba so that he can ascend the throne of Pride Rock in their stead. The hyenas ultimately agree to help him in his plot in exchange for hunting rights in the Pride Lands.[18]

"Be Prepared" is heard as an instrumental in The Lion King 1½ when Timon and Pumbaa stray into the Elephant Graveyard and witness the hyenas marching past Scar.[19]

In other media

A reimagined version of "Be Prepared" is heard in the 2019 remake of The Lion King. It plays during the same sequence of events as its 1994 counterpart.[20]

The stage musical version of "Be Prepared" is much the same as the original, occurring during the same sequence of events. However, there is a brief instrumental break in the middle of the song, during which the hyenas dance.[5]

An instrumental version of "Be Prepared" is heard in the 1994 video game The Lion King. There are two slightly different versions of the song: one for Genesis and one for SNES.[21]

Lyrics

Scar:
I know that your powers of retention
Are as wet as a warthog's backside
But thick as you are, pay attention!
My words are a matter of pride

It's clear from your vacant expressions
The lights are not all on upstairs
But we're talking kings and successions
Even you can't be caught unawares!

So prepare for the chance of a lifetime
Be prepared for sensational news
A shining new era
Is tiptoeing nearer

Shenzi:
And where do we feature?

Scar:
Just listen to teacher
I know it sounds sordid
But you'll be rewarded
When at last I am given my dues
And injustice deliciously squared
Be prepared!

Banzai: (spoken)
Yeah! Be prepared!
Yeah-heh! We'll be prepared! Heh!
For what?

Scar: (spoken)
For the death of the king.

Banzai: (spoken)
Why? Is he sick?

Scar: (spoken)
No, fool. We're gonna kill him.
And Simba, too.

Shenzi: (spoken)
Great idea!
Who needs a king?

Banzai and Shenzi:
No king! No king!
La, la, la, la, la, la!

Scar: (spoken)
Idiots!
There will be a king!

Banzai: (spoken)
Hey, but you said-

Scar: (spoken)
I will be king!
Stick with me, and you'll never go hungry again!

Banzai and Shenzi: (spoken)
Yay! All right! All right!
Long live the king!

Hyenas: (spoken)
Long live the king!
Long live the king!

Hyenas:
It's great that we'll soon be connected
With a king who'll be all-time adored

Scar:
Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected
To take certain duties on board
The future is littered with prizes
And though I'm the main addressee
The point that I must emphasize is
You won't get a sniff without me!

So prepare for the coup of the century
Be prepared for the murkiest scam
Meticulous planning
(We'll have food!)
Tenacity spanning
(Lots of food!)
Decades of denial
(We repeat!)
Is simply why I'll
(Endless meat!)
Be king undisputed
Respected, saluted
And seen for the wonder I am!
Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared
Be prepared!

Hyenas:
Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared

All:
Be prepared!

Trivia

  • In the 1994 soundtrack and the stage musical soundtrack, "Be Prepared" opens with additional lyrics:
"I never thought hyenas essential
They're crude and unspeakably plain
But maybe they've a glimmer of potential
If allied to my vision and brain"[3][5]
  • Jeremy Irons sang the beginning of "Be Prepared" but damaged his vocal chords on the line "You won't get a sniff without me!" As a result, Jim Cummings was brought in to finish the song.[22]
    • Though Jeremy Irons is often credited with singing "Be Prepared", Jim Cummings has stated that he sang most of the song, while Irons only did some of the talking.[23] However, footage from the film's recording sessions, available on the film's 2017 Blu-ray release, reveals that Irons sang the entire first verse of the song, while a cursory analysis of the recording suggests (due to a subtle but evident shift in vocal timbre heard in Scar's lead vocal) that Cummings only sang the final verse in the final cut of The Lion King. Cummings has also confirmed this in other interviews, claiming that he sang this last verse due to Irons developing vocal problems during the recording session.[22]

Media

References

  1. ↑ Keoenig, David. Mouse Under Glass (June 2, 1994). ISBN: 0964060515.
  2. ↑ Revealed in Disney's King of the Jungle (1992).
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). iTunes. Apple. Retrieved on October 8, 2019.
  4. ↑ The Lion King. Soundtrack.Net. Autotelics. Retrieved on October 8, 2019.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 The Lion King (Original 1997 Broadway Cast Recording). iTunes. Apple. Retrieved on October 8, 2019.
  6. ↑ The Lion King - Original Broadway Cast Recording. Discogs. Zink Media. Retrieved on October 8, 2019.
  7. ↑ Various – The Lion King Collection. Discogs. Zink Media. Retrieved on January 30, 2023.
  8. ↑ The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Special Edition]. iTunes. Apple. Retrieved on October 11, 2019.
  9. ↑ The Lion King. Soundtrack.Net. Autotelics. Retrieved on October 8, 2019.
  10. ↑ Disney's Karaoke Series: The Lion King. iTunes. Apple. Retrieved on January 20, 2023.
  11. ↑ Various – Disney Karaoke Series: The Lion King. Discogs. Zink Media. Retrieved on January 20, 2023.
  12. ↑ The Lion King Collection (Deluxe Edition). iTunes. Apple. Retrieved on January 21, 2023.
  13. ↑ The Lion King: Deluxe Collection. Soundtrack.Net. Autotelics. Retrieved on January 21, 2023.
  14. ↑ The Lion King (Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Walt Disney Records: The Legacy Collection]. iTunes. Apple. Retrieved on October 8, 2019.
  15. ↑ The Legacy Collection: The Lion King. Soundtrack.Net. Autotelics. Retrieved on October 8, 2019.
  16. ↑ The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). iTunes. Apple. Retrieved on October 8, 2019.
  17. ↑ The Lion King. Soundtrack.Net. Autotelics. Retrieved on October 8, 2019.
  18. ↑ Revealed in Disney's The Lion King (1994). Written by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton, and directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff. Distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.
  19. ↑ Revealed in Disney's The Lion King 1½ (2004). Written by Tom Rogers and directed by Bradley Raymond. Distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
  20. ↑ Revealed in Disney's The Lion King (2019). Written by Jeff Nathanson and directed by Jon Favreau. Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
  21. ↑ Revealed in The Lion King (1994). Developed by Westwood Studios and published by Virgin Interactive Entertainment.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Has Disney Been 'Lion' About Jeremy Irons' Singing Voice?. Huffington Post. BuzzFeed. Retrieved on January 21, 2023.
  23. ↑ YouTube favicon Jim Cummings on Hakuna Matata and Be Prepared on the BroadwayMatinee YouTube channel


The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Circle of Life  •  I Just Can't Wait to Be King  •  Be Prepared  •  Hakuna Matata  •  Can You Feel the Love Tonight  •  This Land  •  ...To Die For  •  Under the Stars  •  King of Pride Rock  •  Circle of Life  •  I Just Can't Wait to Be King  •  Can You Feel the Love Tonight
The Lion King Collection
He Lives in You  •  Circle of Life  •  Lea Halalela  •  Upendi  •  Busa  •  One of Us  •  Love Will Find a Way  •  Can You Feel the Love Tonight  •  We Are One  •  One By One  •  It's Time  •  Noyana  •  In Youpendi  •  Be Prepared  •  He Lives In You  •  My Lullaby  •  Hakuna Matata  •  I Just Can't Wait to Be King  •  The Lion Sleeps Tonight
The Lion King: Special Edition
Circle of Life  •  I Just Can't Wait to Be King  •  Be Prepared  •  Hakuna Matata  •  Can You Feel the Love Tonight  •  The Morning Report  •  This Land  •  ...To Die For  •  Under the Stars  •  King of Pride Rock  •  Circle of Life  •  I Just Can't Wait to Be King  •  Can You Feel the Love Tonight (End Title)  •  Can You Feel the Love Tonight (Remix)  •  The Hyenas
The Lion King Collection (Deluxe Edition)
He Lives in You  •  Circle of Life  •  Lea Halalela  •  Upendi  •  Busa  •  One of Us  •  Love Will Find a Way  •  Can You Feel the Love Tonight  •  We Are One  •  One By One  •  It's Time  •  Noyana  •  In Youpendi  •  Be Prepared  •  He Lives In You  •  My Lullaby  •  Hakuna Matata  •  I Just Can't Wait to Be King  •  The Lion Sleeps Tonight  •  Circle of Life  •  Grazing in the Grass  •  Can You Feel the Love Tonight  •  Warthog Rhapsody  •  Kube  •  This Land  •  Digga Tunnah Dance  •  The Morning Report  •  Love Will Find a Way (End Title)  •  The Lion Sleeps Tonight  •  Be Prepared  •  They Live In You
The Legacy Collection: The Lion King
Circle of Life  •  Didn't Your Mother Tell You Not to Play With Your Food  •  We Are All Connected  •  Hyenas in the Pride Land  •  I Just Can't Wait to Be King  •  Elephant Graveyard  •  I Was Just Trying to Be Brave  •  Be Prepared  •  Simba, It's to Die For  •  Stampede  •  Mufasa Dies  •  If You Ever Come Back We'll Kill You  •  Bowling for Buzzards  •  Hakuna Matata  •  We Gotta Bone to Pick With You  •  Kings of the Past  •  Nala, Is It Really You?  •  Can You Feel the Love Tonight  •  Remember Who You Are  •  This Is My Home  •  The Rightful King  •  The Morning Report  •  Warthog Rhapsody  •  Circle of Life  •  I Just Can't Wait to Be King  •  Can You Feel the Love Tonight
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