The 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
10 facts about this song
OriginsInitially, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was a South African folk song titled "Mbube," which was written by Solomon Linda in 1939. The lyrics were primarily in Zulu, his native language.
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First RecordingSolomon Linda, along with his group The Evening Birds, was the first to record the song. It gained huge popularity in South Africa with approximately 100,000 copies sold during the 1940s.
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Western IntroductionThe song was introduced to Western audiences in a modified version by American musicologist Alan Lomax. George Weiss, Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore, known as The Weavers, further adapted the song and named it "Wimoweh".
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Kingston Trio VersionIn 1959, the Kingston Trio released their version of the song as "Wimoweh". This version helped popularize the song among folk music audiences in the United States.
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The Tokens VersionThe song gained international fame when The Tokens, a popular American doo-wop group, released their take on it as "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" in 1961. This version topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Linda's RoyaltiesDespite the immense success of the song, Solomon Linda saw little financial benefit until 2006, a few years after his death, when a court ruled that the song’s royalties be paid to Linda's estate.
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Multimedia AppearanceThe song has appeared in several forms of media including film, television, and stage performances. Most notably, it was featured in the 1994 Disney film "The Lion King" and its subsequent Broadway adaptation.
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Cover Versions and ParodiesThere have been numerous cover versions and parodies of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Notably, it was covered by artists including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Miriam Makeba, and R.E.M. It was also parodied in the comedy film "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" starring Jim Carrey.
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Cultural ImpactThe spiking falsetto bridge of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" has become one of the most recognizable moments in American pop music. The song continues to be recognized and beloved by multiple generations.
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Grammy Hall of FameIn 2018, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, acknowledging its historical significance in the music world.
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Citation
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"The Lion Sleeps Tonight Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/18273623/The+Tokens/The+Lion+Sleeps+Tonight>.
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