In the 1980s Russell made four albums credited to the Tom Russell Band. These featured Andrew Hardin and accordionist Fats Kaplin.
In the 1990s Russell made a number of solo albums, collaborated with blues singer Barrence Whitfield on two albums, and also recorded an acoustic album mixing original material with his favorite cowboy-themed songs. His albums include several guest appearances from other folk, country, and Americana artists, such as Chris Gaffney and Dave Alvin. His song "Outbound Plane", co-written with Nanci Griffith, became a Top Ten country hit for Suzy Bogguss. His most significant album from this period is the 1999 folk opera, The Man From God Knows Where.
His more recent albums include "Blood and Candle Smoke" (2009) and "Mesabi" (2011).
Joshua Tree
Tom Russell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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!
Hakuna Matata?
Yeah. It's our motto!
What's a motto?
Nothing. What's a-motto with you?
Those two words will solve all your problems
That's right. Take Pumbaa here
Why, when he was a young warthog...
When I was a young wart hog
Very nice
Thanks
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 shameHe was ashamed
Thought of changin' my nameWhat's in a name?
And I got downheartedHow did ya feel?
Everytime that I...
Hey! Pumbaa! Not in front of the kids!
Oh. Sorry
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!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna--
It means no worries for the rest of your days
It's our problem-free philosophy
Hakuna Matata!
(Repeats)
I say "Hakuna"
I say "Matata"
The lyrics of this song are from the Disney animated movie "The Lion King." The song "Hakuna Matata" is sung by Timon (a meerkat) and Pumbaa (a warthog) while they are teaching Simba (a lion) to forget his past and live in the present without any worries. The lyrics convey the idea of living life carefree without worrying about the future. The phrase "Hakuna Matata" itself translates to "no worries" or "no problems," which is the central theme of the song.
The song starts with Timon and Pumbaa introducing the phrase to Simba, and then they go on to talk about how this philosophy has helped them deal with their problems. Pumbaa shares his personal experience of being ashamed of his smell and how it affected him emotionally, but once he embraced the philosophy of "Hakuna Matata," he was able to let go of his worries and live a carefree life. The song ends with the repeated chant of "Hakuna Matata," reinforcing the idea of a life without worries.
Overall, the song "Hakuna Matata" encourages people to live in the moment and not worry about the future. It promotes the idea of letting go of one's problems and enjoying life to the fullest, which is a valuable lesson for everyone.
Line by Line Meaning
Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase
Tom Russell begins the song by quoting the famous phrase 'Hakuna Matata' which means 'no worries' in Swahili, and how wonderful it is.
Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze
Tom Russell establishes that the phrase 'Hakuna Matata' is not a fad or a temporary trend, it will last.
It means no worries for the rest of your days
Tom Russell explains that the phrase 'Hakuna Matata' represents a life free of worries, stresses, and problems.
It's our problem-free philosophy
Tom Russell associates the phrase 'Hakuna Matata' with a philosophy of life that promotes simplicity and happiness.
Hakuna Matata!
Tom Russell repeats the phrase 'Hakuna Matata' as a chorus to emphasize its importance.
What's a motto?
Tom Russell introduces the concept of a motto as a phrase that summarizes a belief system or way of life.
Those two words will solve all your problems
Tom Russell suggests that the phrase 'Hakuna Matata' will solve all of life's problems.
That's right. Take Pumbaa here
Why, when he was a young warthog...
Tom Russell switches from talking about the phrase 'Hakuna Matata' to telling a story about Pumbaa, the warthog from The Lion King.
When I was a young wart hog
Very nice
Thanks
Tom Russell refers to the song 'Hakuna Matata' from the Disney movie The Lion King.
He found his aroma lacked a certain appeal
He could clear the savannah after every meal
Tom Russell describes how Pumbaa's flatulence was so powerful that it could make animals run away.
I'm a sensitive soul though I seem thick-skinned
And it hurt that my friends never stood downwind
And oh, the shame
He was ashamed
Thought of changin' my name
What's in a name?
And I got downhearted
How did ya feel?
Everytime that I...
Hey! Pumbaa! Not in front of the kids!
Oh. Sorry
Tom Russell describes Pumbaa's embarrassment and shame about his flatulence, and his desire to change his name. Timon interrupts, saying that they should not share such information in front of children.
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!
Tom Russell repeats the chorus of the song 'Hakuna Matata' to emphasize its meaning once again.
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna matata!
Hakuna Matata! Hakuna--
Tom Russell continues repeating the phrase 'Hakuna Matata' to emphasize the importance of the philosophy.
It means no worries for the rest of your days
It's our problem-free philosophy
Hakuna Matata!
(Repeats)
Tom Russell repeats the refrain of the song to re-emphasize the philosophy of 'Hakuna Matata' and how it will bring a life free of worries.
I say "Hakuna"
I say "Matata"
Tom Russell ends the song by repeating the words 'Hakuna' and 'Matata' separately.
Writer(s): Thomas George Russell
Contributed by Claire E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@margaretross9150
Tom Russell beautifully catches the enduring, sparkling spirit of Gram Parsons. Thank you so much! ⭐🤠
@Bobison
Tom Russell really nailed this pretty song. Great band sound too. Thank you.
@babursaeed7076
Amazing tribute ❤
@patrickmurphy8795
The best songwriter alive
@raffaelemiraglia4495
I love Tom and I love Gram
@jessestewart169
Beautiful
@glitter-lk5dz
Written about Gram Parsons
@megateriollamas183
Thanks
@HEEDRECORDS
thanks for uploading. Great track.
@amandaguest7742
Love this