A musical film and visual album based on the music of The Gift was released on July 31, 2020 on Disney+. The film – directed, written, and executive produced by Beyoncé – tells the story of a young African prince who is exiled from his kingdom after the death of his father. As he grows up into a man, the prince undergoes a journey of self-identity, using the guidance of his ancestor, childhood love and his own subconscious to reclaim his throne. The prince's journey acts as an allegory for the African diaspora's journey of discovering, reclaiming and celebrating their culture and heritage, which is echoed by the inclusion of spoken-word poetry in the film that focuses on the question of black identity.
Black Is King was in production for over a year and was filmed across three continents. Beyoncé wanted to recruit a diverse cast and crew and to provide opportunities for new talent. The film's music, dances, costumes, hairstyles and sets were designed to showcase the beauty and richness of the cultures in the African continent and diaspora.
balance
James Earl Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
You need to understand that balance
And respect all the creatures
From the crawling ant
To the leaping antelope
We're all connected in the great circle of life
In this particular song, James Earl Jones is trying to create a metaphorical perspective of the world, by depicting how all creatures/subjects are interconnected and interdependent in maintaining the delicate balance of life. He insists that everything we see around us presents a complex balance, one that needs to be understood and respected in order for life to thrive. He goes on to highlight the importance of recognizing and valuing every creature, including the smallest and the biggest, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope. In essence, this song is a call to everyone to see and appreciate the interconnectedness of life and the importance of maintaining balance for sustainable living.
Through his lyrics, James Earl Jones outlines the importance of every creature, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to the bigger picture of life. He urges us to respect and value them because they are all part of the great circle of life, which encompasses every living and nonliving thing on this earth. He brings to light how the whole world would crumble if one element was missing or not functioning correctly, and that's why we must not take anything for granted. He emphasizes that the universe is constantly changing and adapting to keep the balance, so we all need to play our part in the ecosystem.
Line by Line Meaning
Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance
The world around us is a complex system where all things are interconnected and affect one another.
You need to understand that balance
It is important to comprehend the balance and harmony of nature to appreciate its beauty.
And respect all the creatures
We should treat all living beings with kindness and respect.
From the crawling ant
Even the smallest creatures have a place in the world and contribute to the balance of nature.
To the leaping antelope
Even the largest and most powerful animals depend on the delicate balance of nature to survive.
We're all connected in the great circle of life
We are all part of the same interconnected web of life, and our actions can have a profound impact on others.
Lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company
Written by: Jeff Nathanson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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