The Lion King
Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella Lyrics


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Hakuna Matata!
What a wonderful phrase
Hakuna Matata!
Ain't no passing craze
It means no worries
For the rest of your days
It's our problem-free
Philosophy
Hakuna Matata!

Why, when he was a young warthog
When I was a young wart hoooog!
He found his aroma lacked a certain appeal
He could clear the savannah after every meal
I'm a sensitive soul, though I seem thick-skinned
And it hurt that my friends never stood downwind

And oh, the shame
Thoughta changin' my name
And I got downhearted
Everytime that I

Hakuna Matata!
What a wonderful phrase
Hakuna Matata!
Ain't no passing craze
It means no worries
For the rest of your days
It's our problem-free
Philosophy





Hakuna Matata!

Overall Meaning

The song "Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King, performed by Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver, and Joseph Williams, is a simple yet powerful and catchy tune that encourages the listener to adopt a carefree attitude towards life. The phrase "Hakuna Matata" means "no worries" in Swahili, and the song explains that it is a problem-free philosophy that one should adopt to avoid stress and anxiety. The first verse introduces the phrase as a wonderful saying that is not just a passing craze, and it promises to rid one of worries for the rest of their days. The chorus repeats this sentiment, creating a memorable hook that conveys a sense of ease and comfort.


The second verse is a playful exchange between two of the characters, Pumbaa and Timon, who are both outcasts due to their unappealing appearance and habits. Pumbaa, a warthog, reveals that his flatulence is so potent that his friends would never stand downwind of him. He had tried to change his name to escape the shame, but it did not help. Timon sympathizes with him, but also encourages him to adopt the "Hakuna Matata" philosophy, telling him that he should stop worrying about what others think and focus on being happy. The song concludes with the chorus, reaffirming the positive message of the song.


Overall, "Hakuna Matata" is a fun and upbeat song that encourages the listener to embrace a more carefree and positive outlook on life. It is a reminder that sometimes it is best to let go of worries and enjoy the present moment.


Line by Line Meaning

Hakuna Matata!
This phrase is being used as a way of expressing joy and contentment.


What a wonderful phrase
The singer is emphasizing how great the phrase is.


Ain't no passing craze
The phrase is not just a trend that will come and go.


It means no worries
The phrase represents a lifestyle without stress or anxiety.


For the rest of your days
This stress-free lifestyle is meant to be enjoyed throughout one's entire life.


It's our problem-free
The phrase is being used as a symbol for a life without issues.


Philosophy
The lifestyle being represented by the phrase is a way of thinking and living.


When I was a young wart hoooog!
The artist is recalling a past memory of themselves as a young warthog.


He could clear the savannah after every meal
The artist is describing the intense odor that the young warthog would produce after eating.


I'm a sensitive soul, though I seem thick-skinned
The artist is acknowledging that they may come across as tough, but they have a sensitive side.


And it hurt that my friends never stood downwind
The singer is admitting that their friends would often avoid their unpleasant odor, which hurt their feelings.


Thoughta changin' my name
The artist considered changing their name due to the embarrassment caused by their odor.


And I got downhearted
The singer became disheartened by the situation.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Walt Disney Music Company, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELTON JOHN, TIM RICE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@fizzycolalizzie

:') I love how much Ernie loves playing Pumbaa. There's TLK content out there where Timon isn't played by Nathan, but as far as I know, Ernie is ALWAYS Pumbaa. I don't think anyone else has ever played Pumbaa. I kinda hope it stays that way.

@Kawaii_Nami

5:39
Even the little Pumba plushie has popcorn XD

@vinceabuan5757

Yeah i saw.

@DanielsGameVault

Ernie's "normal" voice doesn't sound like his Pumbaa character, unlike Nathan Lane where I can always catch a hint of Timon even when he's speaking normally :))

@JackHY2K

Agreed, Ernie's normal and Pumbaa voices are quite different. But different in a good, interesting way. Having watched interviews featuring Nathan Lane his normal voice definitely has hints of Timon.

@jwelch5742

Ernie Sabella and Nathan Lane were both nominated for an Emmy Award for Timon & Pumbaa (TV series) for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program, Nathan Lane won in this category in 1996.

@jw870206

Omg! He derived Pumbaa from Frank Pentangeli from “The Godfather: Part II!” That’s awesome!

@averybritt1480

Who else loves this guy?

@OhMyDisney

US!

@cartoonfanboy9139

I do! Who doesn't?

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