He became widely known for his version of "Wind Beneath My Wings" (1982), as well as his own compositions "Durham Town (The Leavin')" (1969) and "I Don't Believe in If Anymore" (1970), his 1970 hit "New World in the Morning" and his 1975 hit "The Last Farewell" (his only single to hit the US Billboard Hot 100, making it to the Top 20).
Whittakers first chart success came in 1969 when "Durham Town (The Leavin')" was his first UK Top 20 hit. In 1970 came two follow-up hits, "I Don't Believe In If Anymore" (Top 10) and "New World In The Morning" (Top 20), and 1971 brought two smaller hit singles "Why" and "Mamy Blue".
Whittaker was absent from the UK singles chart until 1975, when "The Last Farewell" went Top 3, after which it was another eleven years until "Skye Boat Song" returned him to the Top 10 of the singles chart.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Whittaker had success in Germany, with German language songs produced by Nick Munro (unable to speak German at that time, Whittaker sang the songs phonetically). In time he became more fluent in German and sang and was interviewed in German on Danish television in November 2008. Whittaker retired from touring in 2013.
Wimoweh
Roger Whittaker 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
The lyrics of Roger Whittaker's "Wimoweh" evoke a sense of peacefulness and tranquility, as they describe the stillness of the jungle when the lion sleeps. The opening lines of the song are a chant, repeated twice to establish a mood of peaceful quietude. The use of the word "mighty" and "peaceful" both convey the contrast between the raw, untamed wilderness and the idyllic village setting. The lyrics suggest that the lion is the king of the jungle and that when he naps, the jungle becomes a safe and peaceful place. The lyrics call for silence, with the repeated hushing of the baby or lover, indicating that this is a time of rest, perhaps at the end of a long day of work.
The song builds a certain tension as it moves towards the chorus, "Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh," which calls to mind a rhythm from a tribal dance. This encroaching beat builds until it breaks into the chorus, which is a joyful exhalation of energy. The carefree and celebratory nature of the "Wimoweh" chorus contradicts the quiet, introspective verses that precede it. The song seems to suggest a trade-off between the calm of the peaceful village and the reckless abandon of the jungle. It also stands as a nod to the cultural richness and diversity of African tradition.
Line by Line Meaning
In the jungle the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight
Deep in the dense and luscious jungle, where the trees stand tall and the undergrowth is thick, lies the resting place of the mighty lion, who slumbers peacefully through the night.
Near the village the peaceful village the lion sleeps tonight
Just outside the village, where the hustle and bustle of human life continues on, there lies a tranquil spot where the lion can sleep soundly and undisturbed.
Hush my darling dont cry my darling the lion sleeps tonight
Oh my sweet beloved, do not shed any tears or worry about the lion's presence, for he is fast asleep and poses no danger or threat to us.
Writer(s): HAYS, HELLERMAN, SOLOMON LINDA ADD'L WORDS & MUSIC: GILBERT, SEEGER
Contributed by Addison F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@gemini6999
I am a lifelong fan but I have never heard him do this version before. Awesome.
@snickpickle
I was this many years old (written in March 2024) when I found out that Roger could sing like this!!! WOW!!! I also didn’t know that he covered “The Lion Sleeps Tonight!” Just amazed at the breadth of his vocal talent! I first heard Roger (via radio) in the mid-1970s singing “Durham Town,” followed a couple of years later singing it in French, and with what I consider to be a very authentic French dialect. What a true talent he was.
Just amazing.
@gemini6999
Me three dude. I've heard him do this song but NEVER like this.
@gremlinuk1968
Dam, thats the year i was born,! Born 23rd May,, from northern Ireland UK,
@williamsesay9170
My condolence to one of the brilliant English musicians Roger whittaker who passed away this week and my sympathy to his family ❤❤❤
@graemepedersen440
Our radio played a lot of Roger's songs last night. I come here and found this one, totally unexpected & shocked. But it shows the talent this remarkable man took to the grave on the 13th Sept. Even tho we didn't know till the 19 th Sept.
R. I. P. Roger
@travellingunderpants
RIP dear Roger 🙏
You were sooooo ahead of the curve and the world is a sadder place with your passing 😰😰😰😰😰
@TWTexasA1
I’ll bet you’ve never heard it done like before ….Womderful 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
@RhondaKelley123
My mama loved to listen to him sing i grew up listening to his music 🎶
@snoopwalker8341
I think my fave from Roger will always be the song "why" so much meaning esp in the lyrics