Sleep
I.M.M. Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Lala kahle [Sleep well]
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight

(Chorus)
Imbube

Ingonyama ifile [The lion's in peace]
Ingonyama ilele [The lion sleeps]
Thula [Hush]

Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight

(Chorus)
Ingonyama ilele (The lion sleeps)
Hush my darling, don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
Hush my darling, don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight

He, ha helelemama [He, ha helelemama]
Ohi'mbube [lion]

(Chorus)
Ixesha lifikile [Time has come]
Lala [Sleep]
Lala kahle [Sleep well]

Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight

(Chorus)
My little darling
Don't fear my little darling
My little darling
Don't fear my little darling





Ingonyama ilele [The lion sleeps]

Overall Meaning

The song "Sleep" by I.M.M. is a rendition of the iconic song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," which was originally written in Zulu as "Mbube" by a South African musician named Solomon Linda. The lyrics of the song essentially describe how the lion sleeps peacefully in the jungle while the villagers in nearby villages enjoy their peaceful lives. The word "lala kahle" which means "sleep well" is repeated several times throughout the song, emphasizing the theme of rest and peace.


The chorus of the song features the repeated line "Ingonyama ilele," which translates to "The lion sleeps." This line is meant to emphasize the overarching theme of the song, which is the peaceful coexistence of humans and animals in their respective habitats. The word "thula" which means "hush" is also used to calm any fears that the listener may have about the lion's presence in the village.


The song is not only a delightful and catchy tune but also carries a significant cultural and historical significance. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" song traveled from South Africa to New York in the hands of the Weavers, and the 1961 version by The Tokens became a worldwide hit. However, despite its commercial success, the song's original composer, Solomon Linda, received none of the royalties for the song until years later when his estate fought for his rights.


Line by Line Meaning

Lala kahle [Sleep well]
Wishing someone a peaceful night’s sleep


In the jungle, the mighty jungle The lion sleeps tonight
A description of the peaceful sleeping environment of a lion in the jungle


Near the village, the peaceful village The lion sleeps tonight
The description of the same peaceful sleeping environment for a lion near a village


Ingonyama ifile [The lion's in peace] Ingonyama ilele [The lion sleeps] Thula [Hush]
A comforting message to someone feeling restless to settle down and sleep like a lion


Hush my darling, don't fear my darling The lion sleeps tonight
A reassurance to a darling child, who does not need to worry as the lion in their story is sleeping well beside them


He, ha helelemama [He, ha helelemama] Ohi'mbube [lion]
Sounds that evoke the image of a lion sleeping


Ixesha lifikile [Time has come] Lala [Sleep] Lala kahle [Sleep well]
A reminder to sleep and rest well when it's time


My little darling Don't fear my little darling My little darling Don't fear my little darling Ingonyama ilele [The lion sleeps]
Reassurance to a child as they fall asleep to the sound of the lion sleeping


Chorus: Imbube Ingonyama ilele (The lion sleeps)
Repetition of the narrative of the lion sleeping soundly, set to music




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: George David Weiss, Hugo E. Peretti, Luigi Creatore

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

No One Star

I resonate. :( And... I sincerely hope that these words bring you solace, joy, understanding, hope, or better yet: Reflection.

------------

"Before I start, I must see my end.
Destination known, my mind’s journey now begins.
Upon my chariot, heart and soul’s fate revealed:
In time, all points converge, hope’s strength re-steeled.
But to earn final peace at the universe’s endless refrain,
We must see all in nothingness... before we start again."
------------
-- 'Diamond Dragons' (book I)



No One Star

Staying in bed indefinitely sounds pretty good at this point. Despite the work I've been trying to accomplish.


------------
"Before I start, I must see my end.
Destination known, my mind’s journey now begins.
Upon my chariot, heart and soul’s fate revealed:
In time, all points converge, hope’s strength re-steeled.
But to earn final peace at the universe’s endless refrain,
We must see all in nothingness... before we start again."
------------
-- 'Diamond Dragons' (book I)



All comments from YouTube:

Restful Sleeping Music

You are not alone if you can't sleep because you're worried; we'll get through this together.

Google Lol

Amen..

Elise garcia

I'm literally with my mother and true

1 More Replies...

51_Uno_Cinco_15

Today I had my first ever concert in band. I messed up a lot and didn’t always sound great but I kept going. I hope whoever’s reading this finds the courage to continue things, even when feeling frightened or discouraged and good luck to everyone throughout all your struggles!

seri ifinity

Thank you for this 😓

51_Uno_Cinco_15

@BasedVtecLover nahhhh, I sounded like a chicken and a pig mixed together with a hint of flute 😂😂

dakyah

I wish all the best to you and hope you also overcome your struggles and never give up. Everything happens for a reason 🙏🏽

Samantha Lopez

​@51_Uno_Cinco_15 I'm a flute player in top band and we can play good you just can't hear us💀 its so sad like why are we even there of you can't hear us

51_Uno_Cinco_15

@Samantha Lopez trust me, I get it. During my most recent concert at the last school year during spring, the trumpets were like THIS LOUD and I couldn’t even hear myself.

My besties and I were trying not to laugh at that, like, my flute friend and I were giggling while my percussion friend was full on DYING because of how loud it was.

And they had pretty small parts of the songs too so it was normal song and then 🎺BFFZT🎺 and then normal song CONSTANTLY.

Jung&Yu

Remember, it's just a bad day, not a bad life. Keep smiling everyone :)!😀

More Comments

More Versions