He has appeared in many roles since, but is best known as the sinister voice of Lord Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy. Darth Vader was portrayed in costume by Dave Prowse in the original trilogy, with Jones dubbing Vader's dialogue in postproduction. At his own request, he was originally uncredited for the first two released films:
“ When Linda Blair did the girl in The Exorcist, they hired Mercedes McCambridge to do the voice of the devil coming out of her. And there was controversy as to whether Mercedes should get credit. I was one who thought no, she was just special effects. So when it came to Darth Vader, I said, no I'm just special effects. But it became so identified that by the third one, I thought, OK I've been denying it, I've been saying it sounds like the uncola nut guy Holder. Geoffrey Holder! ... But for the third one, I said OK, I'll let them put my name on it. ”
While many assume he is the uncredited, briefly heard voice of Darth Vader at the conclusion of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Jones, when specifically asked if he had supplied the voice, either newly or from a previous recording, told Newsday, "You'd have to ask Lucas about that. I don't know". Matthew Wood, a sound technician for the film who also voiced General Grievous, claims that the voice is indeed Jones'.
Over the years, James Earl Jones reprised his role as the voice of Vader several times: He credited in the movie Robots with the voice of Lord Darth Vader from a voice module. He also vocally appeared as Vader in the comedy film The Benchwarmers and the video game Monopoly Star Wars.
The Morning Report
James Earl Jones Lyrics
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(Good morning, Zazu)
Checking in with the morning report
(Fire away)
Chimps are going ape, giraffes remain above it all
Elephants remember, though just what I can't recall
Crocodiles are snapping up fresh offers from the banks
We haven't paid the hornbills and the vultures have a hunch
Not everyone invited will be coming back from lunch
This is the morning report
Gives you the long and the short
Every grunt, roar, and snort
Not a tale I distort
On the morning report
(What are you doing, son?)
(Pouncing)
(Let an old pro show you how it's done)
Oh, the buffalo have got a beef
(Stay low) about this season's grass
(To the ground) warthogs have been thwarted in attempts to save their gas
(Yeah, okay) flamingoes in the pink and
(Stay low to the ground, right) chasing secretary birds
(Shh, not a sound) saffron is this season's color
Seen in all the heards
(Take it slow) moving down the rank and file
(One more step) to near the bottom rung
(Then) far too many beetles are quite frankly in the dung
This is the morning report
Gives you the long and the short
Every grunt, roar, and snort
Not a tale I distort
On the morning report
The Morning Report is a song sung by Zazu, a hornbill who serves as an advisor to Mufasa, the king of Pride Rock in Disney's The Lion King. In this song, Zazu is reporting to Mufasa about the state of affairs in the animal kingdom at the start of a new day. Zazu covers a wide range of animal activity, from chimpanzees going ape, giraffes standing tall and proud, elephants remembering something, and crocodiles snapping up fresh offers. He also discusses a series of events happening in the lower ranks of the food chain, such as buffaloes having a beef over the grass, warthogs not being able to save gas, and beetles in the dung. These events are representative of the circle of life depicted throughout The Lion King and underline the fact that everything is connected within the animal kingdom.
The song is lighthearted, and Zazu's words are delivered in a singsong fashion, which makes it an enjoyable watch for viewers of all ages. There is also a humorous moment when Zazu tries to teach Simba, Mufasa's young son, how to pounce, but Simba ends up tackling Zazu instead.
Line by Line Meaning
Good morning, Sire
Zazu greets the King of the Jungle.
Checking in with the morning report
Zazu provides a rundown of the latest animal news to Mufasa.
Chimps are going ape, giraffes remain above it all
The chimpanzees are acting wildly, while the giraffes appear aloof and unaffected.
Elephants remember, though just what I can't recall
Zazu notes that elephants have powerful memories, but can't remember what exactly they're recalling at the moment.
Crocodiles are snapping up fresh offers from the banks
Crocodiles are seizing financial opportunities that have recently become available.
Showed interest in my nest egg but I quickly said "no thanks"
Zazu declined an investment offer from the crocodiles.
We haven't paid the hornbills and the vultures have a hunch
The hornbills haven't been compensated and the vultures suspect something is amiss.
Not everyone invited will be coming back from lunch
Some animals won't make it back from their hunting or grazing trips.
Oh, the buffalo have got a beef
The buffalo are upset about an issue.
(Stay low) about this season's grass
Zazu advises Simba to stay alert and cautious about grazing grounds.
(To the ground) warthogs have been thwarted in attempts to save their gas
Warthogs have unsuccessfully attempted to preserve their resources.
(Yeah, okay) Flamingoes in the pink and
Flamingoes are doing well.
(Stay low to the ground, right) chasing secretary birds
Zazu instructs Simba to stay quiet while the flamingoes are chasing after secretary birds.
(Shh, not a sound) saffron is this season's color
Zazu reminds Simba to remain silent before announcing the trending seasonal color.
Seen in all the heards
Saffron has been observed in all the herds.
(Take it slow) moving down the rank and file
Zazu advises Simba to carefully observe every level of the animal hierarchy.
(One more step)o near the bottom rung
Simba is getting closer to the lowest level of the hierarchy.
(Then) far too many beetles are quite frankly in the dung
Zazu notes there are an excessive amount of beetles in the excrement.
This is the morning report
Zazu reminds everyone that this is the morning news round-up.
Gives you the long and the short
Zazu covers all the major and minor stories in the report.
Every grunt, roar, and snort
Zazu shares all the animal sounds that are relevant to the news.
Not a tale I distort
Zazu promises to report objectively and truthfully.
On the morning report
Zazu is giving the news update in the morning.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Elton John, Tim Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind