The Lion King
Cheech Marin Lyrics


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I never thought hyenas essential
They're crude and unspeakably plain
But maybe they've a glimmer of potential
If allied to my vision and brain
I know that your powers of retention
Are as wet as a warthog's backside
But thick as you are, pay attention
My words are a matter of pride
It's clear from your vacant expressions
The lights are not all on upstairs
But we're talking kings and successions
Even you can't be caught unawares
So prepare for a chance of a lifetime
Be prepared for sensational news
A shining new era
Is tiptoeing nearer
And where do we feature?
Just listen to teacher
I know it sounds sordid
But you'll be rewarded
When at last I am given my dues
And injustice deliciously squared
Be prepared!

It's great that we'll soon be connected
With a king who'll be all-time adored
Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected
To take certain duties on board
The future is littered with prizes
And though I'm the main addressee
The point that I must emphasize is
You won't get a sniff without me!
So prepare for the coup of the century
Be prepared for the murkiest scam
Meticulous planning
Tenacity spanning
Decades of denial
Is simply why I'll
Be king undisputed
Respected, saluted
And seen for the wonder I am
Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared
Be prepared!




Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared
Be prepared!

Overall Meaning

The above song "Be Prepared" is from the 1994 animated movie "The Lion King," directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff. The song is performed by the character Scar, the brother of the king of Pride Rock, Mufasa. In this song, Scar is plotting to kill Mufasa and take over the throne with the help of his hyena allies. The song is full of dark undertones and showcases Scar's cruel intentions as he convinces the hyenas to join him in his sinister plan.


The first stanza describes how Scar perceives hyenas as being of no use but crudely plain. However, he realizes that he can use them to achieve his goals by aligning their potential with his vision and brain. He continues to mock the hyenas while acknowledging their lack of intelligence, but urges them to listen closely to his words as they are a matter of his pride. In the second stanza, Scar explains to the hyenas his plan to seize the throne and shares his vision of a new era for himself as the king, and the hyenas as his subjects. He emphasizes that they'll only attain rewards if they help him in his plan to take the throne. He declares to the hyenas that they must prepare themselves for the coup of the century, indicating that this was a well-planned scheme.


The song has a deeper meaning beyond the plot, showing how people with ulterior motives manipulate those around them to achieve their goals. It showcases a clear example of abuse of power and cunning tactics used to acquire it. The song is a warning, as much as it is entertainment, about how often people with authority exert their power ruthlessly to push their own interests.


Interesting Facts:


Line by Line Meaning

I never thought hyenas essential
I didn't think hyenas were important


They're crude and unspeakably plain
They are unrefined and unimpressive in appearance


But maybe they've a glimmer of potential
Perhaps they have some possibility of being useful


If allied to my vision and brain
If they work with me and my ideas


I know that your powers of retention
I know you have a poor memory


Are as wet as a warthog's backside
Your ability to remember is like a wet, dirty warthog


But thick as you are, pay attention
Despite your lack of intelligence, listen to me


My words are a matter of pride
What I say is important to my reputation


It's clear from your vacant expressions
It's obvious from your blank faces


The lights are not all on upstairs
You're not very bright


But we're talking kings and successions
We are discussing royalty and succession


Even you can't be caught unawares
Even you should be prepared


So prepare for a chance of a lifetime
Get ready for an amazing opportunity


Be prepared for sensational news
Be ready for some exciting news


A shining new era
A bright, new time


Is tiptoeing nearer
Is coming closer quietly


And where do we feature?
And where do we fit in?


Just listen to teacher
Just listen to me


I know it sounds sordid
I know it sounds unpleasant


But you'll be rewarded
But you will get something good in return


When at last I am given my dues
When I finally get the credit I deserve


And injustice deliciously squared
And any wrongs will be made right in a satisfying way


Be prepared!
Be ready!


It's great that we'll soon be connected
It's wonderful that we will soon be working together


With a king who'll be all-time adored
With a king who will be loved forever


Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected
Of course, something is expected from you in return


To take certain duties on board
To take on certain responsibilities


The future is littered with prizes
The future is full of rewards


And though I'm the main addressee
Although I am the main person being addressed


The point that I must emphasize is
What I want to emphasize is


You won't get a sniff without me!
You won't get any part of it without my help!


So prepare for the coup of the century
Be ready for the greatest scheme of all time


Be prepared for the murkiest scam
Be ready for the most deceitful plan


Meticulous planning
Careful planning


Tenacity spanning
Determined effort over a long period


Decades of denial
Many years of rejection


Is simply why I'll
Is the reason why I will


Be king undisputed
Become the king without any opposition


Respected, saluted
Respected and honored


And seen for the wonder I am
Recognized for my greatness


Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared
Yes, I am showing my determination and aspirations


Be prepared!
Be ready!


Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared
Yes, we are all showing our determination and aspirations


Be prepared!
Be ready!




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Walt Disney Music Company, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELTON JOHN, TIM RICE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Ajay Sea

This video was better than the entire 2019 remake.

crystal nicole

Ajay Sea fr lol

crystal nicole

Maico Dayan Hermans wrong

Eva B.

😂😂

Grend Elek

@crystal nicole 🤣🤣🤣

idontknow164

I lasted 5 minutes into the remake. Then walked out. And I was watching it on a plane.

19 More Replies...

Jesso

Jeremy Irons just has the most perfect villain voice. It's incredible

Normie

I agree

Captain James Hook

How about Ian McKellen Patrick Stewart Charles Dance Chiwetel Eijofor tim Curry or Anthony Hopkins? Those have pretty good villain voices as well.

Bhavish Budhoo

George sanders No1 in my list

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