if you like a good 60s yodel this is for you
Wimoweh
Karl Denver Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the jungle the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight
Near the village the peaceful village the lion sleeps tonight
Near the village the peaceful village the lion sleeps tonight
Hush my darling dont cry my darling the lion sleeps tonight
Hush my darling dont fear my darling the lion sleeps tonight
Karl Denver's version of "Wimoweh" is a cover of the South African song originally titled "Mbube". It tells the story of a quiet jungle where a lion sleeps without disturbing the peaceful village nearby. The lyrics present a sense of calmness and tranquility, with the repetition of "the lion sleeps tonight," implying that everything is at rest and there is no threat of danger.
The hushing of the child in the song tries to convey the message that though the village may be close to the lion, there is little to fear as the lion slumbers. The lyrics present nature's balance in its purest form; where the lion has no need or want to harm the peaceful village, instead focusing on what nature intended it to do - rest and sleep in the jungle's quiet. The lyrics complete the theme by reinforcing the message that the lion's peaceful slumber neither affects, nor is affected by, the surrounding community.
Overall, the song reinforces the idea that sometimes harmony can be achieved if we learn to live in symbiosis, and that not all wild animals are a threat to humans. It's a song that reminds us that peace is often intertwined with one's internal balance.
Line by Line Meaning
In the jungle the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight
Amidst the dense forest, where the foliage is thick and the animals run free, the imposing king of the jungle is resting soundly tonight.
Near the village the peaceful village the lion sleeps tonight
Not far from the rural settlement, where the people live in peace and harmony, the mighty predator is calmly slumbering under the stars.
Hush my darling dont cry my darling the lion sleeps tonight
Stay quiet, my dearest, there is no need to shed tears, for the sovereign feline is currently in a state of rest.
Writer(s): Linda Soloman, Linda Seeger, Fred Hellerman, Lee Hays, Ronnie Gilbert
Contributed by Addison F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
wesjones_87
Deep and meaningful lyrics. Brings a tear to the eye.
Andy Vhemer
how do you know.its gibberish
wesjones_87
@Andy Vhemer How have you not encountered sarcasm yet?
Andy Vhemer
@wesjones_87 ah i now what is sarcasm.sorry i am German English is my 2nd language.
Adam Hart
@Andy Vhemer it's a stolen song anyway, it's originally called Mbube.
Adam Hart
@Andy Vhemer The original song 'Mbube' literally means lion. What seems like gibberish to us, is probably their language, and thanks to a whitey singing a stolen song, you better believe they cannot pronounce anything
Philip Peet
This is such ridiculous fun, I can't help revisiting it every time I need an uplift. Karl Denver is a brilliant yodelling type singer and the guitar work is unbelievable. So what if it doesn't line up with purist interpretations ... lighten up ... this is fun from the early 60's ... :-)
csmcmillion
You need serious psychiatric help.
Bob Patterson
I often wonder if your Dad and Karl ever realised the sheer joy they brought to the lives of so very many people. I was in my teens in the 60s and loved every minute of it. Your Dad and Karl were a huge part of that and they are both sorely missed.
brett symington
Sadly all three are now deceased,but what a great performance.