Lion Sleeps Tonight

The Tokens

About Lion Sleeps Tonight

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is a song originally written and recorded by Solomon Linda under the title "Mbube" for the South African Gallo Record Company in 1939. Linda's original was written in Zulu, while the English version's lyrics were written by George David Weiss. The song was adapted and covered internationally by many pop and folk revival artists in the 1950s and 1960s, including the Weavers, Jimmy Dorsey, Yma Sumac, Miriam Makeba, and the Kingston Trio. In 1961, it became a number one hit in the United States as adapted in English with the best-known version by the doo-wop group the Tokens. It went on to earn millions in royalties from cover versions and film licensing. The pop group Tight Fit had a number one hit in the UK with the song in 1982. 


Year:
1961
117 
#3

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A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh

In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle the quiet jungle
The lion sleeps tonight

A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh

Near the village the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village the quiet village
The lion sleeps tonight

A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh

Hush my darling don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
Hush my darling don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight

A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh

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The Tokens

The Tokens are an American male doo-wop-style vocal group from Brooklyn, New York. They are known best for their chart-scoring 1961 single, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" ( sample (help·info)). more »

1 fan

Written by: George David Weiss, Hugo E Peretti, Luigi Creatore, Solomon Linda

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Historical Background
Originally, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is based on the African Zulu song called “Mbube,” which means “lion” in Zulu. The original was written and recorded by Solomon Linda, a South African musician, in 1939.
Chart Success
The version by The Tokens, an American doo-wop group, became the most successful adaptation. It topped the "Billboard Hot 100" chart in 1961 and remained there for three consecutive weeks.
Name Transformations
Before becoming "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," the song took on several names. "Wimoweh" was used by "The Weavers," and the original Zulu version was titled "Mbube."
Legal Issues
Despite millions of sales worldwide, the original writer Solomon Linda received only a small upfront fee and no further royalties for the song. His family pursued a legal battle for decades and eventually, in 2006, won a settlement against Disney as it was used in "The Lion King" without proper credit.
Pop Culture Influence
The song has been covered by numerous artists from different music genres and is especially popular in the film and advertising industry. It's most famously featured in the Disney movie, "The Lion King."
Melody Composition
The song is characterized by its iconic falsetto and yodeling melody. At its heart is a repeated A cappella phrase displaying a rich blend of vocal harmonies.
Use in TV Shows
"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" has been used in various television series and commercials over the decades. For instance, it featured in an episode of the popular sitcom "Friends," where the character Ross teaches the song to his pet monkey.
Cultural Impact
Despite its African origins, the song is often associated with Western popular culture due to its success by The Tokens and later reusage in "The Lion King."
The Tokens' Recognition
The Tokens' version of the song is included in "1,001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die," an expansive anthology book of significant songs throughout history.

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