In 1981, record producer Ken Gold came up with the idea to record a single made up of a medley of 60s songs. The medley trend was in full swing at this time, following the success of Starsound and their Stars on 45 singles. He put together a group of male/female session singers and released "Back to the 60s" under the title Tight Fit. The song became a hit in the Summer and reached No.4 in the UK Charts. A follow-up, "Back to the 60s Part 2" was released soon after and also hit the UK top 40.
Later in the year record producer Tim Friese-Greene recorded the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" with another group of session singers. The song was released in early 1982 again under the title Tight Fit. The song gained instant attention and so a group was formed to front it. Dancer, singer and male model Steve Grant was teamed up with female singers Denise Gyngell and Julie Harris. The song reached No.1 in the UK for three weeks and the line-up were catapulted into sudden and unexpected stardom.
Satisfied that this line-up could actually sing in their own right, Friese-Greene produced their next single, "Fantasy Island" - a song which had been in the Dutch Eurovision Song Contest heats. The song, in a very similar vein to pop group ABBA, also became a success and reached No.5 in May.
The group then set about recording an album as well as rehearsing for their first tour. A third single was released in August. "Secret Heart" wasn't as big as a success as the previous two and stalled at No.41. The debut album was released soon after, but coincided with both Harris and Gyngell leaving the group. Both unhappy with their contract, they claimed that they weren't receiving any royalties from their hits and were being paid a paltry wage to tour the world as well as recording sessions, TV appearances and magazine interviews. Swiftly, two new female singers were employed to take their place and the group released another single, "I'm Undecided" - a song from the album, with new vocals. The song failed to make the UK Charts and this signalled the end of Tight Fit's brief pop stardom. In an interview, Harris stated that the public didn't take to the new line-up and had she and Gyngell been still with the group, it would have likely been a hit.
The following year, Tight Fit released one more single - a cover of Stephen Stills' "Love the One You're With". Under the banner Steve Grant with Tight Fit, the song completely missed the chart and the group duly split-up.
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Tight Fit Lyrics
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In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
Imbube
Ingonyama ifile
Ingonyama ilele
Thula
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
Ingonyama ilele
Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
He, ha helelemama
Ohi'mbube
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
Ixesha lifikile
Lala
Lala kahle
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
My little darling
Don't fear, my little darling
My little darling
Don't fear, my little darling
Ingonyama ilele
The song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by Tight Fit has a simple yet beautiful meaning. The lyrics focus on the jungle, particularly the lion, who is sleeping peacefully, and the singer's message is that there is nothing to fear. The beginning verses of the song start with "In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight," reinforcing the setting and the lion's peaceful state. The song then moves to the village near the jungle, the peaceful village, and reiterates that the lion is asleep and there is nothing to fear. The closing message of the song is simple, repeating the words "my little darling, don't fear" as the singer reminds the listener that no danger is present while the lion remains asleep.
The powerful chorus, "In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight," presents an image of a peaceful world in which humans and animals live in harmony. The message is that there is no reason to be scared or fearful if we respect and honor the natural world around us. The song's message is simple and straightforward but resonates with listeners of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
Lala kahle
Sleep well
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
Deep in the African wilderness
The lion sleeps tonight
The big cat slumbers
Near the village, the peaceful village
Close to the settled town
Ingonyama ifile
The lion is dead
Ingonyama ilele
The lion is roaring
Thula
Quietly now
Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling
Silence my love, no reason to be scared
He, ha helelemama
A chant to ward off evil spirits
Ohi'mbube
Here comes a lion
Ixesha lifikile
The time has come
Lala
Sleep
My little darling
My child, my dear
Don't fear, my little darling
No need to be afraid
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: George David Weiss, Hugo E Peretti, Luigi Creatore, Solomon Linda
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bigboredthing
This came on while my client was watching TV. I don't know if you've ever heard a 55 year old with cerebral palsy and the mind of a 7 year old sing this song, but let me tell you, it is absolutely exceptional. He got a round of applause and absolutely made my day.
@kathudelaney7978
Ive had similar experiences with mine in the past
@iagree5313
Yeah yeah FANTASTIC!!!! 👍😍
@dansimsss
That IS funny.
@WelshmanSudios
That brought a tear to my eye thank you for the that story
@NazriB
Lies again? Jungle Kills
@uriadelavaro3956
It's 2024 and this song still sounds fresh. The drums are perfectly arranged.
@Zx-ln1lk
lol I was 7 when this song came out
@Ngahu_must.be-crazy
wow nice
@yunjinsxyz
@@Zx-ln1lkso ur 48?