Yeah, I will be that person to write about The Lion King. Here’s some background information if you either managed not to see this film or you’ve gotten so old, that you’ve forgotten about it. The Lion King came out in June 24, 1994, it surprisingly came out again in November 18, 1994. The movie is about a pride of lions that are under the rule of Mufasa who heirs a son named Simba. Simba after witnessing his father’s death was then manipulated, by his power hungry uncle, Scar to run away. After a few years of living with a meerkat and a warthog he is found by an old childhood friend, who then becomes his lover, Nala; and she convinces Simba to return and take throne on Pride Rock as rightful ruler. Simba faces his uncle in a fiery war and after defeating him, banishes Scar from the pride lands.
So now that you’re all caught up time for the song, the joyous song that many pet lovers celebrate to. The song that nobody really knows how to say the Zulu words, and seems to be generational repetitiveness of butchery, the song that starts the whole movie off, The Circle of Life. Now there are two versions of the song, both of which are equally amazing, the other more pop version of the song is sang by Elton John himself, he takes away the African language and switches some words around, but who can complain he wrote it after all. The Circle of Life was written by Elton John and Tim Rice, the version that is played in the movie is sang by Lebo M and Carmen Twillie.
Before delving into the Zulu language, lets talk about the all over song, the song consists of two main sounds, being vocals and percussion, there is at one point where some sort of wind instrument is being played. The song starts softly and stays that way with a consistent beat and calm singing, up until a minute and thirty seconds in, then the crescendo erupts.
As previously stated the song starts off in an African language called Zulu, the words being:
“Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba
Sithi uhm ingonyama
Nants ingonyama bagithi baba
Sithi uhhmm ingonyama
Ingonyama
Siyo Nqoba
Ingonyama
Ingonyama nengw’ enamabala”
The translation of the language turns to be
“Here comes a lion, father Oh yes it’s a lion
Here comes a lion, father Oh yes it’s a lion A lion We’re going to conquer A lion A lion and a leopard come to this open place”
Its hard to tell who speaks the words, I personally assume it has to be a creature in the crowd. Anyway, I found the incorporation of the language to be beautiful, I personally believe that inclusions of other cultures with your own can help make the world a wonderful place, one of harmony.
The overall song is quite self explanatory, talking about the circle of life and all, but I will note that the chorus is the big take away, the part everyone in unison can sing with no falter:
“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”
So till we all find our place, I hope you enjoyed todays blog and live happily.
Cliffs 