I Just Can't Wait to Be King
Elton John & London Community Gospel Choir Lyrics
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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
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
The song "I Just Can't Wait To Be King" from the Disney movie The Lion King, sung by Elton John, captures the optimistic and rebellious spirit of a young Simba, who can't wait to grow up and become the king of Pride Rock. The lyrics develop two major themes: the first is Simba's eagerness to assume the throne and rule over the vast savannahs that stretch out before him like an endless sea of possibilities; the second is his longing for freedom from the oppressive expectations and responsibilities that come with being a king.
The first verse describes Simba's aspirations for greatness as he surveys the vast expanse of his future kingdom. He envisages himself as the leader of everything and everyone, from "the grandest of the mountains to the humble common ground." He is excited to be in charge and reign over all that he surveys. The chorus of "My reign will be a super awesome thing, Oh, I just can't wait to be king" sums up Simba's enthusiasm for his impending reign. He thinks that everything will be perfect once he is king and all his troubles disappear.
In the second verse, Simba reveals that he wants to be a fair, just, and noble king. However, he acknowledges that he still has a lot to learn and practice before he can become the kind of king he wants to be. He talks about how he prepares for the role by practicing his roar and his regal posturing. However, despite his good intentions, his eagerness leads him to make some rash decisions when he is finally crowned, which ultimately leads to his downfall and exile.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Just Can't Wait To Be King" highlight Simba's youthful eagerness, innocence, naivety, and determination, which are some of the main themes of the movie. Additionally, the song provides an insight into Simba's psyche and his motivations, which help to explain his actions later in the movie.
Line by Line Meaning
Way behind the water hole
Far away from where I currently am
A little down the line
Sometime in the future
The jungle and the plains and peaks
Are scheduled to be mine
I will rule over all the land, from the forest to the mountaintops
I'm gonna be the ruler
Of most everything around
I will have complete control over everything and everyone
From the grandest of the mountains
To the humble common ground
I will have power over both high and low places
My reign will be a super awesome thing
Oh, I just can't wait to be king
I am excited to be a great ruler
I'm gonna be a noble king
Unscrupulously fair
I will be a just ruler, but may resort to unethical means if necessary
I only need a little time
Perhaps a little hair
I just need a bit of time to prepare myself for my reign
I'm gonna be the mane event
Like no king was before
I will be the most important and memorable king of all time
I'm brushing up on looking down
I'm working on my roar
I am practicing my kingly behavior and assertiveness
The fauna and the flora gonna swing
Oh, I just can't wait to be king
Even the animals and plants will be excited for my rule
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
I will have the freedom to do anything I want without anyone telling me what to do
The time has come as someone said
To talk of many things
May be true
But I would rather stick to talking kings
Although there are many important topics to discuss, I would rather focus on the subject of kingship
It's easy to be royal
If you're already leonine
It is easier to be a good king if you are born with natural leadership qualities
It isn't just my right
Even my left will be divine
I have the right to be king, and even my less dominant hand will be amazing
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
The kingdom is eagerly anticipating my reign, and I am ecstatic to be king
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Elton John, Tim Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind