Lion Sleeps Tonight
The Tokens
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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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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 BackgroundOriginally, "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.
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Chart SuccessThe 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.
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Name TransformationsBefore 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."
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Legal IssuesDespite 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.
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Pop Culture InfluenceThe 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."
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Melody CompositionThe 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.
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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.
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Cultural ImpactDespite 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."
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The Tokens' RecognitionThe 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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Citation
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"Lion Sleeps Tonight Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 9 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/10394332/The+Tokens/Lion+Sleeps+Tonight>.
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