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| Circle of Life (stage musical) | |
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| Attribution information | |
| Composer | |
| Lyricist | |
| Performers | |
| Release information | |
| Released |
1997 |
| Track |
1 |
| Length |
4:29 |
| Albums | |
| Appearances |
The Lion King (stage musical) |
| Samples | |
| Versions | |
"Circle of Life" is a song composed by Elton John and Hans Zimmer for the stage musical version of The Lion King. It was released in 1997 as part of the original cast recording.
Use[]
In the musical adaption, the opening sequence is altered noticeably in certain ways; for example, the song is sung by Rafiki, who is accompanied by a chorus of multiple background singers garbed in unusual, distinctive costumes or manipulating animal puppets.
As the sun rises over the Pride Lands, Rafiki commences the start of the production by kicking off the song and summoning the various animals of the surrounding area for Simba's presentation. As the first two verses of the musical number end, a representation of Pride Rock appears onstage, carrying its two reigning rulers: King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi, who is cradling the small puppet that represents Simba. As the choir chants excitedly in the background, Rafiki joins the monarchs atop Pride Rock to bless the prince before raising him high into the air, singing joyfully alongside the bowing chorus.
At the end of Act II, Simba's friends and family acknowledge him as the rightful king of the Pride Lands. Rafiki crowns Simba with the mantle of kingship after his victory, and Simba ascends Pride Rock. He then gives a mighty roar across the whole kingdom, and the animals come back to the Pride Lands to recognize Simba as the rightful king. The lionesses appear to celebrate with the other animals as Rafiki holds up Simba and Nala's newborn cub. A blackout finishes Act II and leads to the curtain call at the end.
Lyrics[]
Rafiki:
Nants ingonyama bakithi baba Here comes a lion, Father
Choir:
Sithi hu ingonyama We hail the lion
Ngonyama nengwe bo A lion and a leopard
Antelope:
Mai ba bo
Ha ingonyama baba
Rafiki:
Nants ingonyama bakithi baba
Choir:
Sithi hu ingonyama
Ngonyama nengwe bo
Antelope:
Oh! Kusani bo
Pheki akalela
Rafiki:
Nants ingonyama bakithi baba
Choir:
Sithi hu ingonyama
Rafiki:
Helele Go for it
Choir:
Ingonyama Lion
Rafiki:
Sizonqoba baba helele We're going to win, Father Go for it
Choir:
Ingonyama
Rafiki:
Oh, sizonqoba, baba We're going to win, Father
Choir:
Ingonyama
Chant:
Ingonyama nengw' enamabala The royal lion wears his leopard spots
(Repeat)
Antelope:
Ingonyama! Enamabala
Rafiki:
From the day we arrive on this planet
And, blinking, step into the sun
There is more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There is far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round
It's the circle of life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle
The circle of life
Choir:
Bayede. Ndabe zitha. Nkhosi yama khosi. Hail Your Majesty, King of Kings.
Siya bongababa. Bayede. We thank you, Father. Hail.
Mkokeli we sizwe. Ndabe zitha. Leader of our nation. Your Majesty.
Wena we zulu. Siya bongababa. You of the heavens. Thank you, Father.
Awu siya bongababa. Oh, yes, we thank you, Father.
Kwath' uma' ufika kwakhal'umhlaba. When you arrived, the earth cried.
Kwath' uma' ufika kwakhal'umhlaba. When you arrived, the earth cried.
Siya bongababa. Bayede. We thank you, Father. Hail!
Rafiki:
It's the circle of life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle
The circle of life
Media[]
| The Lion King (Original Broadway Cast Recording) |
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