The Lion Sleeps Tonight
The Tokens Lyrics
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A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the quiet jungle
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the quiet village
The lion sleeps tonight
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
The lyrics to The Tokens' song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" take us on a journey through the jungle where the mighty lion sleeps in peace. The song's repetitive chorus, "a-weema-weh," creates a tribal and indigenous atmosphere, reinforcing the sense of being amidst the African wilderness. The lyrics paint imagery of both the jungle and the nearby village, highlighting their peaceful nature as they lull the lion to sleep. The last verse reinforces the theme of comfort and protection with the sweet and gentle hushing of the darling, suggesting a parent reassuring a child.
The themes of the song-courage, protection, and peacefulness-are all hallmarks of what we consider "an African ethos." This ethos is reflected in African traditions and is essential in promoting a sense of community cohesion and support. Nonetheless, beyond this, the song has become an international hit, finding its way to audiences beyond Africa. It takes pride of place in the list of the greatest one-and-done hits, as it has since become an iconic song that even modern listeners know and love.
Line by Line Meaning
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
This is the repeating chorus and does not have a defined meaning.
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
Refers to the vast wilderness where the lion, as the king of the jungle, resides.
The lion sleeps tonight
The lion is currently resting and not causing any harm or disruption.
In the jungle, the quiet jungle
Describing the peaceful state when the lion is sleeping and not causing any commotion.
Near the village, the peaceful village
Describing the location of a nearby peaceful, tranquil village where the lion isn't causing any trouble.
Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling
Trying to soothe someone's fears by telling them not to worry and that everything is safe.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: George David Weiss, Hugo E Peretti, Luigi Creatore, Solomon Linda
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@elder753
If anyone needs a bit more context for the original:
The original song was called Mbube (literally Lion in Zulu) by Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds.
This English version is actually the 3rd version of the song.
Although Solomon’s work was treated as public domain by the Americans and he only received $1k throughout his life. In February 2006, Linda's descendants reached a legal settlement with Abilene Music Publishers, who held the worldwide rights and had licensed the song to Disney, to place the earnings of the song in a trust. The copyright issues were updated in the 2018 TV movie, "Remastered: The Lion's Share".
The 2nd English version (by the Weavers in 51) was called Wimoweh, a mishearing of the original lyrics of the chorus "Uyimbube", meaning "You're a lion" in Zulu.
Hope this doesn’t take away from what is an amazing song.
@Hunter_Roblox901
LYRICS
Weeheeheehee dee heeheeheehee weeoh aweem away
Weeheeheehee dee heeheeheehee weeoh aweem away
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle the quiet jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
Wee heeheehee weeoh aweem away
Wee heeheehee weeoh aweem away
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the quiet village
The lion sleeps tonight
Wee heeheeheehee weeoh aweem away
Rrr, la la la weeoh aweem away
Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling,
The lion sleeps tonight
Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling,
The lion sleeps tonight
Wah oh oh, wah oh oh, wah oh wimoweh
Weeheeheehee dee heeheeheehee weeoh aweem away
Weeheeheehee dee heeheeheehee weeoh aweem away
@aidenscomputers
When you’re having a staring contest with a doll and you win
@Thetasteoforange
Oh that's gre-TWO KIDS GONNA DIE TONIGHT!!
@stummstefan9735
Looool
@memalinimoirangthem4167
That's kind a creepy 🤣
@songsalon7868
😭😭😭😭
@imamango8472
hol up
@DeadhunterThe
Fun Fact: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is slang for "The Evil King is Dead."
@funniestguy
What
@DeadhunterThe
@@funniestguy It's true. This song was originally an African lullaby that mothers sang to their kids to assure them they were safe from a once powerful tyrannical king that ruled with an iron fist after he died. They also started singing it again after Hitler died.
@DeadhunterThe
@f r No. This is an ancient African lullaby sang when a tyrannical African king died, and was sang even more loudly when Hitler was killed.