She made her performing debut at age eight with the Helena Rubinstein Children's Theatre at the Hudson Guild. After dropping out of high school, she found work as a summer camp counselor, and in the choruses of the Broadway shows Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar and Pippin.
In 1983 the legendary director Mike Nichols saw her perform and, the following year, presented her on Broadway in a one-woman show of her own creation. The show was an enormous success, and brought her to the attention of Steven Spielberg, who cast her in the leading role in his film of Alice Walker's The Color Purple. Making her film debut in this coveted role instantly established her as one of Hollywood's leading actresses. Her performance in Ghost won her an Academy Award. She followed this with memorable performances in the box-office smash Sister Act and the critically acclaimed Robert Altman film, The Player. Her other film credits include Made In America; Corinna, Corinna; Star Trek: Generations and Boys on the Side. In addition to her acting roles, Whoopi Goldberg has hosted her own television talk show and has earned rave reviews for hosting the annual Academy Awards telecast.
Goldberg is one of only ten individuals who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award, counting Daytime Emmy Awards. She is the second African American female performer to win an Academy Award for acting (the first being Hattie McDaniel); she has also won two Golden Globe Awards.
Be Prepared
Whoopi Goldberg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're crude and unspeakably plain
But maybe they've a glimmer of potential
If allied to my vision and brain
I know that your powers of retention
Are as wet as a warthog's backside
But thick as you are, pay attention
My words are a matter of pride
The lights are not all on upstairs
But we're talking kings and successions
Even you can't be caught unawares
So prepare for a chance of a lifetime
Be prepared for sensational news
A shining new era
Is tiptoeing nearer
And where do we feature?
Just listen to teacher
I know it sounds sordid
But you'll be rewarded
When at last I am given my dues
And injustice deliciously squared
Be prepared
Yeah, be prepared, we'll be prepared
For what?
For the death of the king
Why is he sick?
No fool, we're gonna kill him and Simba too
Great idea, who needs a king?
No king, no king, la-la-la-la-la-la
Idiots, there will be a king
Eh, but you said
I will be king
Stick with me and you'll never go hungry again
Yay, (alright) alright, long live the king
Long live the king
Long live the king
It's great that we'll soon be connected
With a king who'll be all-time adored
Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected
To take certain duties on board
The future is littered with prizes
And though I'm the main addressee
The point that I must emphasize is
You won't get a sniff without me
So prepare for the coup of the century
Be prepared for the murkiest scam
Meticulous planning
Tenacity spanning
Decades of denial
Is simply why I'll
Be king undisputed
Respected, saluted
And seen for the wonder I am
Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared
Be prepared
Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared
Be prepared
The above lyrics are from the song Be Prepared which is sung by Scar, the brother of Mufasa, in the animated movie The Lion King. The song is preceded by a scene in which Scar convinces the hyenas to join him in his plan to overthrow Mufasa and become king himself. Through the lyrics, Scar tries to convince the hyenas that they have the potential to become more than what they are perceived to be - crude and unspeakably plain - if they support his vision and brain.
The lyrics also show Scar's confidence in his own ability to plan and execute his coup, and his disdain towards the intelligence level of the hyenas. Despite this, he believes that even they can be useful in achieving his goals. He also mentions that the future is full of prizes which can be won through meticulous planning and tenacity. Scar concludes the song by stating that he is ready to bare his teeth and ambitions to become the undisputed king, further emphasizing his determination to achieve his goal.
This song is seen as a villainous portrayal of Scar's character and his plans. It is also considered to be one of the best Disney villain songs due to its catchy tune and sinister lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I never thought hyenas essential
I previously overlooked the potential of hyenas
They're crude and unspeakably plain
They possess unrefined qualities and lack sophistication
But maybe they've a glimmer of potential
Perhaps hyenas have a glimmer of untapped capability
If allied to my vision and brain
Their potential can be realized if they align with my vision and intelligence
I know that your powers of retention
I understand that you have a poor memory
Are as wet as a warthog's backside
Your memory retention is as damp and inadequate as a warthog's backside
But thick as you are, pay attention
Despite your thick-headedness, focus and listen
My words are a matter of pride
My words hold great importance to me
It's clear from your vacant expressions
Your vacant expressions clearly indicate a lack of understanding
The lights are not all on upstairs
You are not the brightest bulb in the box
But we're talking kings and successions
Despite this, we are discussing royalty and future reigns
Even you can't be caught unawares
Even you cannot afford to be caught unaware
So prepare for a chance of a lifetime
Be ready for a once in a lifetime opportunity
Be prepared for sensational news
Get ready for incredible, exciting news
A shining new era
A promising new era
Is tiptoeing nearer
The aforementioned era is almost upon us
And where do we feature?
Where do we fit into this picture?
Just listen to teacher
Listen and learn from me
I know it sounds sordid
I know it may seem unpleasant
But you'll be rewarded
You will reap rewards for your involvement
When at last I am given my dues
When I am finally given the recognition I deserve
And injustice deliciously squared
When past injustices are satisfactorily rectified
It's great that we'll soon be connected
It's fantastic that we will soon be linked to a powerful figure
With a king who'll be all-time adored
A king who will be universally loved
Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected
Naturally, there will be an exchange expected from you
To take certain duties on board
To assume certain responsibilities
The future is littered with prizes
The future contains many valuable rewards
And though I'm the main addressee
I am the primary recipient of these rewards
The point that I must emphasize is
The crucial thing I need to stress is
You won't get a sniff without me!
You won't even come close to the rewards without my involvement!
So prepare for the coup of the century
Get ready for the biggest move of the century
Be prepared for the murkiest scam
Be on guard for a complicated and dishonest scheme
Meticulous planning
Careful and thorough planning
Tenacity spanning
Persistence and determination spanning a long period of time
Decades of denial
Years and years of being told "no"
Is simply why I'll
This is the reason why I will
Be king undisputed
Be the uncontested ruler
Respected, saluted
Respected and admired
And seen for the wonder I am
Recognized for the magnificent being that I am
Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared
I am ready and eager to reveal my aggression and aspirations
Be prepared!
Get ready!
Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared
We are all prepared to show our ferocity and goals
Be prepared!
Get ready!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Elton John, Tim Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind