Note:
- Any non-underlined song titles above means there are no lyrics currently available on this site for that song.
- RED text in the lyrics below signifies the character who is signing.
- GREEN italicized text in the lyrics below signifies a translation of non English lyrics.
Circle of Life
RAFIKI
From the day we arrive on this planet
And blinking step into the sun
There is more to se 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 with the sun rolling high
In the sapphire sky
Brings 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
RAFIKI/CHORUS
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
The Morning Report
ZAZU
It’s an honor and a priviledge, a duty I perform
With due sense of decorum and with pride
With deference and great respect very much the norm
Plus a hint of sycophancy on the side
To lay before my ruler all the facts about his realm
To fill him in on all the beastly news
MUFASA
Yes, yes, Zazu, get on with it!
ZAZU
In order that His Majesty stands sturdy at the helm
Aware of all the fauna’s latest views
MUFASA
Zazu! The morning report!
ZAZU
Er – yes, Sire – the morning report
Chimps are going ape, giraffes remain above it all
Elephants remember, though just what I can’t recall
Crocodiles are snapping up fresh offers from the banks
Showed interest in my nest egg but I quickly said “No thanks!”
We haven’t paid the hornbills and the vultures have a hunch
Not everyone invited will be coming back from lunch
This is the morning report
Gives you the long and the short
Every grunt, roar, and snort
Not a tale I distort
On the morning report
MUFASA
What are you doing, son?
YOUNG SIMBA
Pouncing
MUFASA
Let an old pro show you how it’s done
| ZAZU The buffalo have got a beef About this season’s grass Warthogs have been thwarted In attempts to save their gas Flamingoes in the pink and Chasing secretary birds Saffron is this season’s color Seen in all the herds Moving down the rank and file To near the bottom rung Far too many beetles are Quite frankly in the dung Aaaaaaaaaak! | MUFASA YOUNG SIMBA MUFASA One more step Then pounce! |
YOUNG SIMBA
This is the morning report
Gives you the long and the short
Every grunt, roar, and snort
Not a tale I distort
On the morning report
MUFASA/ZAZU/YOUNG SIMBA
This is the morning report
Gives you the long and the short
Every grunt, roar, and snort
Not a tale I distort
On the morning report
The Lioness Hunt
CHORUS
We baba zingela siyo zigela baba
Zingela siyo, zingela baba (Hunting, we are going hunting)
Hi ba la qhubekeni siyo zingela (Let us go and hunt)
Ta ta
Mama wele le hay
Ta ta mama wele tata
Zingela baba
Ta ta
Mama wele le hay
Ta ta mama wele tata
Zingela baba
Oo yay ye nibo
(repeat)
I Just Can’t Wait to be King!
YOUNG SIMBA
I’m gonna be a mighty king, so enemies beware!
ZAZU
I’ve never seen a king of beasts
With quite so little hair
YOUNG SIMBA
I’m gonna be the mane event
Like no king was before
I’m brushing up on looking down
I’m working on my roar
ZAZU
Thus far a rather uninspiring thing
YOUNG SIMBA
Oh, I just can’t wait to be king!
YOUNG SIMBA YOUNG NALA YOUNG SIMBA YOUNG SIMBA/YOUNG NALA | ZAZU What I meant was – What you don’t realize – Now see here! |
YOUNG SIMBA
Free to do it all my way
ZAZU
I think it’s time that you and I
Arranged a heart-to-heart
YOUNG SIMBA
Kings don’t need advice
From little hornbills for a start
ZAZU
If this is where the monarchy is headed
Count me out
Out of service, out of Africa
I wouldn’t hang about
This child is getting mildly out of wing
YOUNG SIMBA
Oh, I just can’t wait to be king!
Everybody look left
YOUNG NALA
Everybody look right
YOUNG SIMBA
Everywhere you look I’m –
YOUNG SIMBA/YOUNG NALA
Standing in the spotlight!
ZAZU
Not yet
YOUNG SIMBA/YOUNG NALA/CHORUS
Let every creature go for broke and sing
Let’s hear it on the herd and on the wing
It’s gonna be King Simba’s finest fling
YOUNG SIMBA
Oh, I just can’t wait to be king!
YOUNG NALA
Oh, he just can’t wait to be king!
YOUNG SIMBA
Oh, I just can’t wait…
YOUNG NALA
Just can’t wait
YOUNG SIMBA
To be king!
Chow Down
BANZAI
He called us slobbering!
SHENZI
Said we were mangy!
BANZAI
Did I hear stupid?
ED
Huh?
BANZAI/SHENZI
Tell us again – gee
It’s so incredible
SHENZI
That you’re so rude
BANZAI
When you’re so edible
BANZAI/SHENZI
When you are food!
BANZAI
It’s time to chow down
BANZAI/SHENZI
Chow down!
Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-chow down
SHENZI
I’m chompin’ at the bit, baby
BANZAI
My stomach’s on a growl, son
BANZAI/SHENZI
Chow down!
Chow down!
You both been invited here on a date
Two courses handed to us on a plate
We’ll have you raw, won’t be long to wait
BANZAI/SHENZI/ED
Seeing you’re already toasty brown
Chow down!
Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-chow down!
BANZAI
Your ribs are looking so tasty
SHENZI
Such chewy little chops, chums
BANZAI/SHENZI
Eat up!
SHENZI
Now wasn’t it her mom who ate your dad?
BANZAI/SHENZI
And having parents eaten makes us mad
BANZAI
We’re gonna settle up the score a tad
BANZAI/SHENZI
We’ve never had a snack of such reknown
Chow down!
Chow down!
ED
Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-
SHENZI
What, Ed? What is it?
BANZAI
Hey, did we order this dinner to go?
SHENZI
No
BANZAI
Well, there it goes!
BANZAI/SHENZI
I think we should begin the meal from scratch
So many juicy segments to detach
Be good as gold for you’re as good as carved
SHENZI
Here, kitty kitty…
BANZAI/SHENZI
We’re starved!
They Live in You
CHORUS
Ingonyama nengw’ enamabala
MUFASA
Night
And the spirit of life calling
Mamela
And a voice
With the fear of a child asking
Mamela
Wait
There’s no mountain too great
Hear these words and have faith
Have faith
They live in you
They live in me
They’re watching over
Everything we see
In every creature
In every star
In your reflection
They live in you
They live in you
They live in me
They’re watching over
Everything we see
In every creature
In every star
In your reflection
They live in you
CHORUS
Ingonyama nengw’ enamabala
Be Prepared
SCAR
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
I know that your powers of retention
Are as wet as a warthog’s backside
But think 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 sound sordid
But you’ll be rewarded
When at last I am given my dues!
And justice deliciously squared
Be prepared!
BANZAI
Yeah! Be prepared. We’ll be prepared! For what?
SCAR
For the death of the king
BANZAI
Is he sick?
SCAR
No, fool! We are going to kill him. And Simba, too.
SHENZI
Great idea! Who needs a king?
SHENZI/BANZAI
No king, no king! La la la la la!
SCAR
Idiots! There will be a king!
BANZAI
But you said…
SCAR
I will be king! Stick with me, and you’ll never be hungry again!
BANZAI/SHENZI
Yay, all right! Long live the king!
Long line 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!
HYENAS
So prepare for the coup of the century
| SCAR Be prepared for the murkiest scam Meticulous planning Tenacity spanning Decades of denial Is simply why I’ll Be king undisputed Respected, saluted And seen for the wonder I am Moving down the rank and file | HYENAS We’ll have food! |
SCAR
Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared
SCAR/HYENAS
Be prepared!
Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared
Be prepared!
Rafiki Mourns
RAFIKI
Madi ao (Spilled blood)
Leka sebete chia ho oele sebatha (Try courage so the beasts may fall)
Mo leka geme o tsaba hoa (Those who defy mountains are, in truth, cowards)
Lebo haleng ha o bue ka le ha (Even in anger, you do not speak against wrong…)
Lebo haleng ha o bue ka le ha
Oh, oh
Halala humba heh heh heya heeyahee
Halala humba hela hela hela
Halala humba heh heh heya heeyahee
Halala humba hela hela hela
RAFIKI/LIONESSES
Halala humba heh heh heya heeyahee
Halala humba hela hela hela
Halala humba heh heh heya heeyahee
Halala humba hela hela hela
(repeat)
Hakuna Matata
TIMON
Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase
PUMBAA
Hakuna Matata! Ain’t no passing craze
TIMON
It means no worries for the rest of your days
TIMON/PUMBAA
It’s our problem-free philosophy
TIMON
Hakuna Matata!
YOUNG SIMBA
Hakuna Matata?
PUMBAA
Yeah. It’s our motto!
YOUNG SIMBA
What’s a motto?
TIMON
Nothin’! What’s-a-motto with you?
PUMBAA
Those two words will solve all your problems
TIMON
That’s right. Take Pumbaa here
Why…when he was a young warthog…
PUMBAA
When I was a young warthog
TIMON
Very nice
PUMBAA
Thanks
He found his aroma lacked a certain appeal
He could clear the savannah after every meal
PUMBAA
I’m a sensitive soul though I seem thick skinned
And it hurt that my friends never stood downwind
| PUMBAA And, oh, the shame Thought of changing my name And I got downhearted Every time that I… | TIMON He was ashamed What’s in a name? How did ya feel? |
TIMON
Hey! Pumbaa! Not in front of the kids!
PUMBAA
Oh. Sorry
TIMON/PUMBAA
Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase
Hukuna Matata! Ain’t no passing craze
YOUNG SIMBA
It means no worries for the rest of your days
YOUNG SIMBA/PUMBAA/TIMON
It’s our problem-free philosophy
Hakuna Matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna Matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna Matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna Matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna-
SIMBA
It means no worries for the rest of your days
TIMON/PUMBAA/SIMBA
It’s our problem-free philosophy
Hakuna Matata! (repeat)
PUMBAA
I say “Hakuna”
TIMON
I say “Matata”
One By One
CHORUS
Ibabeni njalo bakithi (Hold on tight, my people)
Ninga dinwa (Don’t get weary)
Niga phelelwa mga mandla (Don’t lose your strength)
Siya ba bona (We can see)
Bebe fun’ ukusi xeda (They wanted to hold us back)
One by one
Ngeke ba lunge (They will not succeed)
One by one
Sizo nqoba (We will win)
One by one
Mgeke ba lunge (They will not succeed)
One by one
(repeat)
Sizo nqoba (We will win)
Ngoba thina (Because)
Siya zazi (We know who we are)
Ngoba thina (Because)
Siya zazi (We know who we are)
(repeat)
Zobona bayabaleka (Come and see)
Zobon, zobona (The cowards are running away)
Zobon, zobona
Zobon, zobona
Zobon
Amagwala
Ibala lami (The color of my skin)
Elimnyama (That is dark)
Ndiya zidla ngalo (I’m proud of it)
Ibala lami (The color of my skin)
Elimnyama (That is dark)
Ndiza kufa nala (I will die with it)
Ibala lami (The color of my skin)
Elimnyama (That is dark)
Ndiya zidla ngalo (I’m proud of it)
Kumnandi (Oh yes)
Kwelakakith Eafrica (It’s beautiful in Africa)
The Madness of King Scar
SCAR
Zazu, why am I not loved?
I am that rare and awesome thing
I’m every inch a king
Yet I feel a twinge of doubt
As I go walk about
BANZAI
Hey, boss!
SCAR
When my name is whispered through the pride
Is this talk of love or regicide?
SHENZI
Reggie who?
SCAR
Tell me I’m adored
Please tell me I’m adored
BANZAI
Hey, boss!
SCAR
Oh, what is it?
BANZAI
We got a bone to pick with you
SHENZI
There’s no food, no water-
BANZAI
Yeah. It’s dinnertime, and there ain’t no stinkin’ entrées!
SCAR
You and your petty complaints. You don’t know what real hunger is. Day after day in gnaws at the very core of my being
BANZAI
I had that once. It was worms
SCAR
No, no, no…it’s like an itch…deep, presistant, profound…
BANZAI
That’s it – worms! When they get really bad all you gotta do is…hunker down and scoot
SCAR
Thanks for the tip. Ingrates! If it weren’t for me you’d be beating off the buzzards for your next bite!
HYENAS
Yeah, you’re our savior, thanks a bunch
But how about some lunch?
It doesn’t matter if it’s fresh
I need a fix of flesh
My bones have moved to where they’ve never been
They’re on the outside looking in
SCAR
Are you blaming me?
BANZAI/SHENZI
Oh no, it’s the lionesses
HYENAS/ZAZU
You are so adored
Oh, you are so adored
SCAR
That’s more like it
HYENAS
But what I’d give for one more hit
Of wildebeest kielbasa
Or maybe hornbill on the spit…
ZAZU
Oh, how I miss Mufasa
SCAR
Mufasa?! Mufasa?! How dare you! I told you never to mention that name!
ZAZU
Note taken. I shall never mention “M-m-m” again
SCAR
Even in death, his shadow looms over me
There he is!
No! There he is!
And there!
ZAZU
Calm yourself, Sire, or you’ll get another one of your splitting headaches!
SCAR
I am perfectly fine!
I’m better than Mufasa was!
I’m revered
I am reviled
I’m idolized
I am despised
I’m keeping calm
I’m going wild!
I tell myself I’m fine
Yes I am, no you’re not
Yes I am, no you’re not
I tell myself I’m fine
No you’re not, yes I am, no you’re not
Yes I am
No you’re not
Yes, no, yes, no, who am I talknig to…?
ZAZU
Oh, pull yourself together, Sire!
SCAR
Oh, very well. Zazu? Zazu, Zazu, Zazu…?
ZAZU
Yes, Sire?
SCAR
Nobody loved me, there’s the rub, not even as a cub
What did my brother have that I don’t have?
ZAZU
Do you want the short list or the long?
SCAR
Whatever!
ZAZU
Well, he had adoring subjects…a loving family…a devoted queen…
SCAR
That’s it! I need a queen!
ZAZU
A what?
SCAR
A queen, man! A queen! Without a queen, what am I? A dead end, no line, no decendants, no future
With a queen, I’ll have cubs… Immortality will be mine! Immortality will be mine!
NALA
Scar
SCAR
Ah, Nala… Your timing couldn’t have been more perfect. My how you’ve grown
NALA
Scar, you have got to do something. We’re being forced to overhunt
SCAR
She’s got those assets feminine
NALA
You’re the king. Control the hyenas
SCAR
I have to make her mine
NALA
You’re destroying the Pridelands
SCAR
Nobility in every gene
NALA
If we stop now… Don’t you see…
SCAR
She has to be my queen
NALA
…there’s still a chance for things to be all right again…
SCAR
Come, sweet Nala
It’s written in the stars
NALA
What are you doing? Are you listening to me?
SCAR
We’ll create a host of little Scars
NALA
What are you talking about?
SCAR
Tell me I’m adored
NALA
Get away from me
SCAR
Tell me I’m adored
Oh, Nala…you know how I loathe violence… One way or another, you will be mine
NALA
Never, Scar. Never!
SCAR
You belong to me
You all belong to me
Shadowland
CHORUS
Fatshe leso lea halalela (This land of our ancestors is holy)
Fatshe leso lea halalela
NALA
Shadowland
The leaves have fallen
This shadowed land
This was our home
The river’s dry
The ground has broken
So I must go
Now I must go
And where the journey may lead me
Let your prayers be my guide
I cannot stay here, my family
But I’ll remember my pride
| CHORUS Prideland My land Tear-stained Dry land Take this With you Fatshe leso | NALA Take this prayer |
CHORUS
And where the journey may lead you
Let this prayer be your guide
Though it may take you so far away
Always remember your pride
| CHORUS Fatshe leso lea halalela Fatshe leso lea halalela | RAFIKI: (chant) NALA: Fatshe leso lea halalela |
NALA/CHORUS
And where the journey may lead you
Let this prayer be your guide
Though it may take you so far away
Always remember your pride
CHORUS Though it may take you so far away | NALA Giza buyabo, giza buyabo I will return, I will return. Besa bo Giza buyabo, I will return Giza buyabo, oh giza buyabo |
NALA
Beso bo, my people, beso bo
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Lala kahle (Sleep well)
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
Chorus:
Imbube
(repeat)
Ingonyama ifile (The lion’s 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
Chorus
Ingonyama ilele (The lion sleeps)
Hush my darling, don’t fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
Hush my darling, don’t fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
Chant: He, ha helelemama- He, hahelelemama – lion
Ohi’mbube
Chorus
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
Chorus
My little darling
Don’t fear my little darling
My little darling
Don’t fear my little darling
Ingonyama ilele (The lion sleeps)
(repeat to fade)
Endless night
SIMBA
Where has the starlight gone?
Dark is the day
How can I find my way home?
Home is an empty dream
Lost to the night
Father, I feel so alone
You promised you’d be there
Whenever I needed you
Whenever I call your name
You’re not anywhere
I’m trying to hold on
Just waiting to hear your voice
One word, just a word will do
To end this nightmare
When will the dawning break
Oh endless night
Sleepless I dream of the day
When you were by my side
Guiding my path
Father, I can’t find the way
You promised you’d be there
Whenever I needed you
Whenever I call your name
You’re not anywhere
I’m trying to hold on
Just waiting to hear your voice
One word, just a word will do
To end this nightmare
CHORUS
I know that the night must end
And that the sun will rise
And that the sun will rise
I know that the clouds must clear
And that the sun will shine
And that the sun will shine
SIMBA/CHORUS
I know that the night must end
And that the sun will rise
And that the sun will rise
I know that the clouds must clear
And that the sun will shine
And that the sun will shine
(repeat to end)
SIMBA
I know
Yes, I know
The sun will rise
Yes, I know
I know
The clouds must clear
I know that the night must end
I know that the sun will rise
And I’ll hear your voice deep inside
I know that the night must end
And that the clouds must clear
The sun
The sun will rise
The sun
The sun will rise
Can You Feel the Love Tonight
| TIMON I can see what’s happening And they don’t have a clue They’ll fall in love and here’s the bottom line Our trio’s down to two | PUMBAA Oh |
TIMON
The sweet caress of twilight
There’s magic everywhere
And with all this romantic atmosphere
Disaster’s in the air
CHORUS
Can you feel the love tonight
The peace the evening brings
The world for once in perfect harmony
With all its living things
SIMBA
So many things to tell her
But how to make her see
The truth about my past, impossible
She’d turn away from me
NALA
He’s holding back, he’s hiding
But what, I can’t decide
Why won’t he be the king I know he is
The king I see inside?
SIMBA/NALA
Can you feel the love tonight
The peace the evening brings
The world for once in perfect harmony
With all its living things
SIMBA/NALA/CHORUS
Can you feel the love tonight
You needn’t look too far
Stealing through the night’s uncertainties
Love is where they are
NALA
And if he feels the love tonight
In the way I do
SIMBA
It’s enough for this restless wanderer
SIMBA/NALA
Just to be with you
He Live in You (reprise)
CHORUS
Ingonyama nengw’ enamabala
RAFIKI
Night and the spirit of life calling mamela
And a voice just the fear of a child answers mamela
Ubu khosi bo khokho (This is the throne of our ancestors)
CHORUS
We ndodana ye sizwe sonke
Oh, son of the nation
RAFIKI
Wait, there’s no mountain too great
Hear these words and have faith
Have faith
He lives in you
He lives in me
He watches over
Everything we see
Into the water
Into the truth
In your reflection
He lives in you
RAFIKI/CHORUS
He lives in you
He lives in me
He watches over
Everything we see
Into the water
Into the truth
In your reflection
He lives in you
CHORUS
He lives in you
He lives in you
He lives in you
He lives in you
RAFIKI
He lives in you
SIMBA
He lives in me
RAFIKI/CHORUS
He watches over
Everything we see
Into the water
Into the truth
In your reflection
He lives in you
SIMBA/RAFIKI/CHORUS
He lives in you
He lives in me
He watches over
Everything we see
Into the water
Into the truth
In your reflection
He lives in you
King of Pride Rock / Circle of Life (reprise)
CHORUS
Ndabe zitha (King of kings)
Nkosi yethu (Our king)
Mholi wezwe lethu (Rule of our land)
Lefatshe la bonata rona (This land of our ancestors)
Lea helalela (Is holy)
Busa le lizwe bo (Rule this land)
Busa le lizwe bo
Busa le lizwe bo
Lethu busa ngoxolo (Rule with peace)
Is’khathi sifkile (The time has come)
Is’khathi busa lyo (It’s time, rule)
Is’khathi sifkile (The time has come)
Busa lomhlaba (Rule this land)
Is’khathi sifkile (The time has come)
Is’khathi sifkile
Busa Simba (Rule, Simba)
Busa Simba
Hem na iyo
Hem na iyo
Hem na nkosi bo (Rule, our king)
Busa Simba iyo (Rule, Simba)
Hem na iyo Hem na iyo Hem na nkosi bo | Oh busa Simba iyo (Oh, rule Simba) Oh busa nkosi bo (Ah, king of kings) Oh busa Simba iyo (Oh, rule Simba) Busa Simba iyo (Rule, Simba) |
Ubuse ngo thando (Rule with love)
Ubuse ngo thando
Ubuse ngo xolo (Rule with peace)
Busa Simba, busa Simba (Rule, Simba, rule, Simba)
Ubuse ngo xolo (Rule with peace)
Ubuse ngo thando (Rule with love)
Ubuse ngo xolo
Ubuse ngo thando
Ubuse ngo xolo
RAFIKI/SIMBA/NALA/PUMBAA/TIMON/ZAZU/CHORUS
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle
The circle of life
Circle of life