In 1957, with six notes rolling melodically off a banjo and the spoken word… Read Full Bio ↴In 1957, with six notes rolling melodically off a banjo and the spoken words of "Throughout history, there have been many songs written about the eternal triangle. This next one tells the story of a Mr. Grayson, a beautiful woman, and a condemened man named Tom Dooley," The Kingston Trio began to take the world by storm.

With their smooth three part harmonies, collegiate appeal, and trademark striped shirts The Kingston Trio single-handedly revolutionized folk and pop music in America. Between the years of 1957-1967, Bob Shane, Nick Reynolds, and Dave Guard (who in 1961 was replaced by John Stewart), created a musical legacy that no other folk group has equalled or surpassed. The Kingston Trio has never failed to leave audiences energized and begging for more.

Until the advent of the Beatles in 1964, The Kingston Trio ruled the pop charts. They were the first act to sell more LP records than singles, placing 14 of their LP records in the "Top 10." One of those top ten made it to #1, redefining the group forever. The song that earned the Trio their first Grammy and catapulted them into the spotlight, was the legendary folk tune, "Tom Dooley." With the American public's desire to hear more music of the same kind, the folk era had been ushered into the limelight, leaving label exec's scrambling to imitate the Trio's distinct sound. Before long, the world was itching to hear the Trio live and be a part of their unparalled success.

Despite the Trio's immense popularity, today most of the Kingston Trio albums available on CD are compilations of the group's greatest hits. However, Folk Era Records has released one never before heard Kingston Trio album -"An Evening With The Kingston Trio," and re-issued two of the Trio's last three studio albums, "Stay Awhile" and "Children Of The Morning," to which eight of the twelve songs found on the third original LP "Something Else" have been added.

Wimoweh
Kingston Trio Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle the quiet jungle
The lion sleeps tonight

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

The lion sleeps tonight

Hush my darling don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight

Hush my darling don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight

Overall Meaning

The Kingston Trio's song "Wimoweh" is a classic tribute to the African savannah and the majesty of the lions that roam there. The lyrics describe the magnificence of the animals as they rest in the jungle and near nearby villages. The song starts with the iconic phrase "In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight" and repeats this line throughout the song. The lyrics are simple but powerful, evoking the beauty and mystery of this far-off land.

The song's chorus, "Hush my darling, don't fear my darling, the lion sleeps tonight," provides a sense of reassurance and safety. The repetition of this phrase is calming and lulls the listener into a peaceful state, as though they too are protected by the sleeping lion. The song's melody is upbeat and uplifting, adding to the joyous feeling of the lyrics and making it a classic sing-along tune.

Line by Line Meaning

In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The vast and immense jungle teeming with life

The lion sleeps tonight
The lion is currently sleeping

In the jungle the quiet jungle
The usually noisy and bustling jungle is currently quiet

The lion sleeps tonight
The lion is still sleeping

Near the village the peaceful village
The serene and tranquil village nearby

The lion sleeps tonight
The lion remains asleep

Near the village the quiet village
The usually lively village is currently silent

The lion sleeps tonight
The lion continues to slumber

Hush my darling don't fear my darling
Please be silent my love, don't be afraid

The lion sleeps tonight
The lion is still sleeping

Hush my darling don't fear my darling
Stay quiet and calm, my dear, do not worry