Episode I
John Williams Lyrics


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Kor-ah, Mah-tah, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah. Yood-hah, Kor-ah.
Kor-ah, Syahd-ho. Rah-tah-mah, Daan-yah.
Kor-ah, Kee-lah, Daan-yah.
Nyo-hah, Kee-lah, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
Syahd-ho, Kee-la, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
Kor-ah, Daa-nyah. Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
Kor-ah, Daa-nyah. Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.




Nyo-hah, Kee-lah, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
Syahd-ho, Kee-la, Daan-yah, Rah-tah-mah. Kor-ah!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to John Williams's song Duel of the Fates from Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace may seem like gibberish at first glance but they actually have meaning. The words are a chant sung in a fictional language created for the Star Wars universe called "Aurebesh." The first line "Kor-ah, Mah-tah, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah" translates to "The heart, the essence, the heart, the flow." These lines are then followed by a mix of other Aurebesh phrases that, when put together, create a powerful and mystical chant.


The song is an intense and dramatic piece that is played during the iconic lightsaber duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Darth Maul. The lyrics add an additional layer of depth to the fight scene, enhancing the sense of tension and drama. The chant is performed by a choir, adding to the grandeur and epic nature of the scene.


Overall, the lyrics are a representation of the emotions and spiritualism that are central to the story of Star Wars. They are an essential part of the atmosphere and mood of the movie, elevating it to a level of myth and legend.


Line by Line Meaning

Kor-ah, Mah-tah, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
The cycle of life and death, represented by the repeating phrases 'Kor-ah' and 'Rah-tah-mah'.


Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah. Yood-hah, Kor-ah.
The importance of balance, as represented by the call and response of 'Kor-ah' and 'Rah-tah-mah', and the addition of 'Yood-hah' to bring harmony.


Kor-ah, Syahd-ho. Rah-tah-mah, Daan-yah.
The clash between opposing forces, as represented by the pairing of 'Kor-ah' and 'Syahd-ho' and 'Rah-tah-mah' and 'Daan-yah'.


Kor-ah, Kee-lah, Daan-yah.
The interplay of different elements, balanced as represented by the combination of 'Kor-ah', 'Kee-lah' and 'Daan-yah'.


Nyo-hah, Kee-lah, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
The need for unity and cooperation, as represented by the progression from 'Nyo-hah' (newcomer) to 'Kee-lah' (follower) to 'Kor-ah' (leader) and 'Rah-tah-mah' (father of all).


Syahd-ho, Kee-la, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
The interdependence of all things, as represented by the pairing of 'Syahd-ho' and 'Kee-la' to balance 'Kor-ah' and 'Rah-tah-mah'.


Kor-ah, Daa-nyah. Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
The cyclical nature of existence, as represented by the repetition of 'Kor-ah' and 'Rah-tah-mah' and the introduction of 'Daa-nyah' to emphasize continuity.


Nyo-hah, Kee-lah, Kor-ah, Rah-tah-mah.
The importance of unity and cooperation, as reiterated by the repetition of the earlier line.


Syahd-ho, Kee-la, Daan-yah, Rah-tah-mah. Kor-ah!
The call to action, bringing together all the elements and urging forward progress towards balance and harmony.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN T. WILLIAMS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Christian Bounty

Il y a 1000 fois plus de créativité dans star wars épisode 1 que dans toute la nouvelle trilogie Disney. Merci pour ce tribute de l'épisode 1 ! 🙂

Naleśniki ze Szpinakiem

Dude. '99 Star Wars are pure gold.

Legolas Greenleaf

darth maul was such a cool villian, he was"nt annoying, he hardly said a word and he did"nt even need to, he let his lightsaber do all the talking, and he looks so sinister

Alex Fischer

Credits to Sam Witwer for bringing far more depth to the originally flat character.

Marc Scheibein

This masterpiece theme will never get old.

leegend3004

Whoever doubted that John Williams could ever out do himself for anything on the Star Wars films, as soon as this track arrived those doubts just got eliminated big time absolutely magnificent🤯

Marko Ivan Marelić

I remember watching this movie with my dad and friend in cinema i was then 9 years old.Lovely memories and i love the movie.

Britney Haag

I was already 14 when I first saw Star Wars Episode I : The Phantom Menace on May 23 ,1999 . My late wonderful dad took me to go see Star Wars Episode I

Britney Haag

Love Star Wars Episode 1 : The Phantom Menace since I was 14 back in 1999

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