I Just Can't Wait to Be King

Elton John

About I Just Can't Wait to Be King

"I Just Can't Wait to Be King" is a song written by Elton John (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics) for the Disney animated feature film The Lion King (1994). The song is performed by American actor and singer Jason Weaver as Simba, with English actor Rowan Atkinson and American actress Laura Williams providing supporting vocals in their roles as Zazu and Nala. The song was featured in the 2019 film adaptation, performed by JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph, and John Oliver.


Year:
1994
3:37
139 
#1

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Way behind the water hole
A little down the line
The jungle and the plains and peaks
Are scheduled to be mine

I'm gonna be the ruler
Of most everything around
From the grandest of the mountains
To the humble common ground

My reign will be a super awesome thing
Oh, I just can't wait to be king

I'm gonna be a noble king
Unscrupulously fair
I only need a little time
Perhaps a little hair

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

The fauna and the flora gonna swing
Oh, I just can't wait to be king

No one saying do this
No one saying be there
No one saying stop that
No one saying see here
Free to run around all day
I'll be free to do it my way

No one saying do this
No one saying be there
No one saying stop that
No one saying see here
Free to run around all day
Free to do it my way

The time has come as someone said
To talk of many things
May be true
But I would rather stick to talking kings

It's easy to be royal
If you're already leonine
It isn't just my right
Even my left will be divine

The monarchy is waiting to go zing
Oh, I just can't wait to be king
Oh, I just can't wait to be king

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947) is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor. He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriter partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums to date. more »

45 fans

Written by: Elton John, Tim Rice

Lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin and Composition
"I Just Can't Wait to Be King" is a song from Disney's highly popular 1994 animated film, "The Lion King." The song was composed by the renowned musician Elton John and written by the prolific lyricist Tim Rice.
Character Performance
The song is performed within the movie by the young Simba, a lion cub who can't wait to assume his role as the king of the Pride Lands. The actual voices behind the characters were provided by actors Jason Weaver (Young Simba), Laura Williams (Young Nala), and Rowan Atkinson (Zazu).
Elton John's Version
Although Elton John composed the song, he also recorded his own version of it for the movie's soundtrack. This version was not included in the film but can be heard on the movie's official soundtrack.
Musical Style
"I Just Can't Wait to Be King" stands out for its vibrant and infectious Afro-pop style, fused with elements of American pop. This is a significant departure from Elton John's usual rock and pop styles.
Narrative Role
The song plays a crucial role narratively in "The Lion King" as it introduces audiences to Simba's initial naïve enthusiasm for becoming king, unaware of the real responsibilities the role entails.
Chart Performance
While not released as a single, "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" contributed to the overall success of "The Lion King" soundtrack, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified Diamond by the RIAA, confirming sales over 10 million units in the US.
Awards
The entire soundtrack, including "I Just Can't Wait to Be King," won the Grammy for Best Musical Album for Children in 1995.
Cultural Impact
Overwhelmingly popular, the song has been covered by different artists and featured in numerous Lion King spin-offs such as sequels and Broadway adaptations.
2019 Remake
The song was remade for the 2019 CGI remake of "The Lion King," with JD McCrary voicing the young Simba. Elton John endorsed the new version and applauded the film's musical director, Pharrell Williams.
Music Video
The original film's music video features a vibrant and dazzling animation sequence showing young Simba and Nala escaping from Zazu, reinforcing Simba's desire for independence and authority.

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