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


Be Prepared (stage musical)
Broadway Album
Attribution information
Composer

Elton John

Lyricist

Tim Rice

Performers

   Kevin Cahoon
   Tracy Nicole Chapman
   John Vickery
   Stanley Wayne Mathis

Release information
Released

1997

Track

8

Length

3:26

Albums

   The Lion King (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
   Best of The Lion King
   The Lion King Collection (Deluxe Edition)

Appearances

The Lion King (stage musical)

Samples
Versions

Anonymous Audio File Icon Clip ArtBe Prepared (musical).ogg 

"Be Prepared" is a song composed by Elton John for the stage musical version of The Lion King. It was released in 1997 as part of the original cast recording.

Lyrics[]

Scar: (spoken)
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

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

Shenzi: (spoken)
And where do we feature?

Scar: (spoken)
Just listen to teacher.

Scar:
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. We'll be prepared. For what?

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

Banzai: (spoken)
Is he sick?

Scar: (spoken)
No, fool! We're going to kill him...and Simba, too!

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

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

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

Banzai: (spoken)
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! 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!

Scar and hyenas:
So prepare for the coup of the century

Scar:
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

Scar and hyenas:
Be prepared!
Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared
Be prepared!

Media[]


The Lion King (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Circle of Life    Grasslands Chant    The Morning Report    The Lioness Hunt    I Just Can't Wait to Be King    Chow Down    They Live In You    Be Prepared    The Stampede    Rafiki Mourns    Hakuna Matata    One By One    The Madness of King Scar    Shadowland    The Lion Sleeps Tonight    Endless Night    Can You Feel the Love Tonight    He Lives In You (Reprise)    Simba Confronts Scar    King of Pride Rock / Circle of Life (Reprise)
Best of The Lion King
Circle of Life    I Just Can't Wait to Be King    Can You Feel the Love Tonight    Warthog Rhapsody    Lea Halalela    Hakuna Matata    Digga Tunnah Dance    Upendi    One of Us    The Lion Sleeps Tonight    Be Prepared    They Live In You
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
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