It’s ‘The Circle of Life’ and it moves us all!
The Lion King begins with this song and the picturisation is said to be one of the best in movie making - The sun rising as the silhouettes appear while an African chant blares in the background. It’s a delight to watch it. But, there’s more to this song than just blending with the scene. The lyrics are thought provoking and awe-inspiring. In the original, it starts with chanting in Zulu language and the female singer takes over. The music that comes in the middle of the song is peaceful and catchy. The way that this song ends is also interesting. It stops abruptly with the sound of a drum.
‘The Circle of Life’ song was written by Tim Rice and was composed by Elton John. It was sung by Carmen Twillie. The opening African vocals are of Lebo Morake. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Song in 1995 together with ‘Hakuna Matata‘ and ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight‘ from the movie itself but lost to the latter one. The score by Hans Zimmer achieved an Oscar for best score.
There is also a pop version of this song sung by Elton John. Lyrics are altered a little bit for it. In 2003, Disney produced a new remixed version of the song, sung by the ‘Disney Channel Circle of Stars‘. It’s featured on Disney Mania Volume 2. I love that version. The lyrics are same as Elton’s version.
Some say eat or be eaten
Some say live and let live
But all are agreed as they join the stampede
You should never take more than you give
Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with the scars
But the sun rolling high through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round
The lyrics higlighted in red are something which really appealed to me. And finally -
It’s the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
Download ‘Carmen Twillie (Ft. Lebo Morake) - The Circle Of Life’ MP3
Download ‘Elton John - Circle Of Life’ MP3
Download ‘Disney Channel Circle Of Stars - Circle Of Life’ MP3
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