This unique version fit in well with the punk and new wave music of those days.
The Nylons – “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (1982 – original from 1939)
This original version of this song was written and recorded in 1939 by the South African musician Solomon Linda. It was titled “Mbubu” (Zulu for “lion” ) and the lyrics were in the Zulu language. It became a hit in South Africa and beyond.
Sing What?
Eventually, the lyrics were translated into English, and the new version was recorded by Pete Seeger and his folk band The Weavers. Instead of the original chorus – “Uyimbube,” which in Zulu means “You are a lion” – the chorus had been mistakenly transcribed as “a-wimoweh.”
Over the years, numerous bands have covered this song, including the 1961 doo-wop hit by The Tokens. Other fine versions include those by Brian Eno and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. However, few of them compare to this naturally excellent “a capella” version by The Nylons. (Image source)
The Lion Stirs, and Stirs Up Controversy
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” was featured in the 1994 movie “The Lion King.” Its success resulted in a lawsuit, which claimed that Linda’s heirs were owed royalties worth $1.6 million for the use of the song.
In 2006, the heirs and the licensing company reached a settlement, which stated that the earnings from the song would be placed in a trust.
The Nylons
The Nylons are a Canadian “a capella” band that has been active since 1978.
Beached and Beatled
The group is primarily known for its covers of pop songs. They’ve recorded versions of songs by everyone from The Beach Boys and The Beatles to the Zulus.Voices of the Time
(Image source) Nevertheless, amidst the energetic punk and the innovative new wave of those days, their unique renditions seemed a natural fit. Hearing their beautiful voices was always a welcome and refreshing change. It remains so today.
(A-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh) [4x]
In the jungle, the mighty jungle The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the quiet jungle
The lion sleeps tonight (A-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh) [4x] Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the quiet village
The lion sleeps tonight (A-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh) [4x] 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-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh) [4x]
Solomon Linda & The Evening – “Mbube” (Right-click to hear on YouTube)
Lyrics by George David Weiss, Hugo E. Peretti, Luigi Creatore, courtesy of – Lyrics.com
Reference – Wikipedia
Reference – Wikipedia
Reference – Wikipedia
Reference – SongFacts.com
Into your ears … through 5 channels
The various posts are categorized into 5 channels (Right-Click to see details)1 – “Music to Your Ears” (MTYE)
2 – “Cover Versions”
3 – “Honor Roll”
4 – “Documentaries”
5 – “Mock’n’Roll”
More “Cover Versions” ...
Cover Versions – Music to Your Ears – "Posts 1~20"Cover Versions – Music to Your Ears – "Posts 21~40"
Links to my other series ...
Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"
Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"
Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part One – My Lyrics Posts 3~30”
Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part Two – My Lyrics Posts 31~60”
Vocab-Ability – "Introduction to Vocab-Ability"
Vocab-Ability – "Index" to all Chapters and Sections
Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part One – Notes 1~50"
Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part Two – Notes 51~87"
Cool song!!! Under it, I am completely involuntarily starting to immersed in myself.
Glad you like it. It is quite mesmerizing, isn't it?
Of course. I think this song could appeared as a modernized ritual mantra of African shamans.
Nothing short of expectations! Thanks for sharing this great song. I watched the Lion King as a lad and can say that this song added colour to the movie. Perfect review too. Cheers!
I still listen to this song once in a month.. lion king was one of the cartoons that made my childhood . This song along side he lives in me were my best
He lives in me always makes me sad for some reason I can't seem to understand.
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” though, just happy vibes
I don't know it gave me strength somehow..never made me sad for once..
I get it right
Definitely, one of my favourite scenes in the cartoon was when I got to sing that song.
The song is legendary
Glad you like it. Since the song originated on your continent, I thought of you when composing this post and when uploading it.
Wow. This sounds very sweet and nice. I am humbled hearing this. Well, you come to mind anytime someone talks about Canada or Thai. Cheers!
Really really good history..i just learnt a new thing..
These cover is great, but I might be biased though because I always have a thing for covers.
Brings back a strong nostalgic feeling.
I think I'm definitely going to go watch The Lion King
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