The Lions Sleeps Tonight
Barbados Lyrics


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Ee-e-e-oh-mum-oh-weh
Ee-e-e-oh-mum-oh-weh

Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the quiet jungle
The lion sleeps tonight

Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh

Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the quiet village
The lion sleeps tonight
Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh

Hush my darling, don′t fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
Hush my darling, don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight

Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh

Ee-e-e-oh-mum-a-weh
Ee-e-e-oh-mum-a-weh

Overall Meaning

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is a classic, upbeat song about the lion sleeping in the jungle. The song is filled with the repetitive repetition of "wimoweh" as a chorus. The song is symbolic of the peacefulness of the forest without the ferociousness of the lion. The lyrics begin with "In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight," and then repeats with "Near the village, the peaceful village, the lion sleeps tonight," signifying that even near a populated village, the lion does not disrupt the peace.


The song has an underlying message about the harmony of nature that is disrupted by humankind's greed and aggressive tendencies. It is a call for human beings to come together and live in harmony with the natural world. The positivity of the song and its optimistic message have helped ensure its lasting popularity.


Line by Line Meaning

Ee-e-e-oh-mum-oh-weh
Repetitive chant meant to mimic the sound of a tribal celebration in the jungle


Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh
Another repetitive chant of the same tribal celebration meant to signify the beating of a drum


In the jungle, the mighty jungle
Describes the location of the lion's habitat as being deep in the heart of the jungle


The lion sleeps tonight
The lion is resting and not causing any trouble for the other animals in the jungle


Near the village, the peaceful village
Describes the proximity of the lion to a small, peaceful village


The lion sleeps tonight
The lion is resting and not causing any trouble for the people living in the nearby village


Hush my darling, don′t fear my darling
The singer is reassuring someone, likely a child or loved one, that the lion is sleeping and not a threat


Ee-e-e-oh-mum-a-weh
Continuation of the celebratory chant from earlier in the song




Writer(s): George David Weiss, Hugo E Peretti, Luigi Creatore

Contributed by Christopher E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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