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| The Lion Sleeps Tonight | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| Attribution information | |||
| Composer |
Solomon Linda | ||
| Lyricist |
Solomon Linda | ||
| Performers | |||
| Release information | |||
| Length |
2:37 | ||
| Albums |
| ||
| Appearances |
• The Lion King | ||
| Samples | |||
| Versions | |||
"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is a song originally written by Solomon Linda as "Mbube" that was sung by Lebo M with his South African choir. The song was first used in The Lion King franchise by Timon and Pumbaa, who sung the song in the original film. Lebo M recorded the song for the Rhythm of the Pride Lands CD, which was later heard in The Lion King 1½. The song was also used in The Lion King stage musical productions and a music video featured as part of the 3rd episode of The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa, where Timon and Pumbaa (and Rafiki) sing the song while they are unaware that they're being stalked by a real lion, which turns out to be Simba. The music video was produced by Ashley Quinn and directed by Darrell Van Citters and the song was arranged and produced by Randy Petersen. It premiered on September 16, 1995, alongside "Brazil Nuts" and "South Sea Sick".
Disney's use of this song in the film and musical stage productions of The Lion King prompted a lawsuit on behalf of the descendants of Solomon Linda. In July 2004, the court ruled that Disney owed $1.6 million in royalties for the use of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" to Linda's descendants.
The Tokens were famous for this song in the 1960's.
Lyrics[]
Lebo M:
Lala kahle Sleep well
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
Imbube
Imbube
Ingonyama ifile The lion is in peace
Ingonyama ilele The lion sleeps.
Thula Hush.
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Imbube
Imbube
Ingonyama ifile
Ingonyama ilele
Thula
Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
He, ha helelemama. He, ha helelemama.
Ohi'mbube. Lion.
Imbube
Imbube
Ingonyama ifile
Ingonyama ilele
Thula
Ixesha lifikile Time has come
Lala Sleep
Lala kahle Sleep well
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Imbube
Imbube
My little darling
Don't fear, my little darling
My little darling
Don't fear, my little darling
Ingonyama ilele The lion sleeps
Media[]
| Rhythm of the Pride Lands |
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| The Lion King Collection |
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| The Lion King Collection (Deluxe Edition) |
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| Return to Pride Rock |
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| The Lion King 1½: Songs From Timon and Pumbaa's Hilarious Adventure |
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| Best of The Lion King |
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