Music and the Fictive Dream or Music and Stories: The Lion King (1994)


The Lion King was written by Irene Mecchi, Johnathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton, and produced by Don Hahn for Walt Disney Studios in 1994, in the United States.  This film drew inspiration from multiple different sources including animal behavior, Hamlet, and stories from the Bible about Joseph and Moses. This animated musical centers around the main character Simba, a lion prince who is supposed to inherit the kingdom from his father Mufasa. However, after Mufasa’s tragic death orchestrated by Simba’s uncle Scar, he must flee the kingdom. After growing up, living a carefree life, events cause Simba to return home and challenge Scar for control of the kingdom.  

Being a musical, The Lion King heavily relies on music to influence the emotions of the audience, create a better storytelling atmosphere, and help with character development throughout the story. One song in The Lion King that plays a big part in the movie and the story is “The Circle of Life,” written by Elton John and Tim Rice, and sung by Lebo M and Carmen Twillie.  

 



As the first song of the musical, “The Circle of Life” plays a pivotal role in the movie. It plays while Simba is being introduced to us and the rest of the animals in the kingdom, setting the tone for the rest of the movie. The scene depicts all the animals of the kingdom gathered to witness the event, highlighting its significance. This song also establishes one of the main themes of the film, the circle of life and how living things are born, grow, produce, and die, making way for different life.  


In The Lion King, “The Circle of Life” also has some important social commentary, this being the importance of the circle of life. Every living creature plays a specific role in it, no matter how large or small. For Simba, this signifies the beginning of his journey through the circle of life. The movie starts with his birth and continues through his life, and the different phases of the circle of life, until he eventually takes his rightful place as king and has his own cub, who will someday take his place as king. The movie encourages the audience to respect mother nature and the role the circle of life plays in the world and to accept their place in it.  

I really like how the song writers included Lebo M’s traditional Zulu chant at the beginning of the song as it really emphasized the focus on the circle of life to me. The inclusion of these Zulu lyrics really made me feel like the film was more authentic and connected the African setting of the movie. Furthermore, the song's rhythm creates a sense of movement which further adds to the idea of the circle of life continuing onward. The last thing about the song that I really enjoyed was the harmony. The beautiful harmonies added to the emotion and importance that is felt for Simba’s birth.  


Citations

Contributors to The Lion King Wiki. “The Lion King.” The Lion King Wiki, Fandom, Inc., https://lionking.fandom.com/wiki/The_Lion_King  Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.  

Johnblinco. “Deconstructed – the Circle of Life (the Lion King, 1994).” John Blinco, 21 Sept. 2016, https://johnblinco.wordpress.com/2016/03/10/deconstructed-the-circle-of-life-the-lion-king-1994/ 

“The Lion King.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Nov. 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lion_King  

Roberts, Maddy Shaw. “We Translated the Lion King’s ‘circle of Life’ Lyrics into English – and They’re Not What You’d Expect.” Classic FM, Classic FM, 22 July 2019, https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/circle-of-life-english-lyrics-lion-king/

Comments

  1. Landon StrohNovember 18, 2024 at 12:18 AM

    I loved this movie when I was little. The music was such a huge part of what made this movie so special to many. Your choice of "Circle Of Life" for the most important song in the movie makes complete sense, and I totally agree with you. That song sets the whole mood for the entire movie. If you are looking for more music like this you should check out "You're Welcome" from Moana, it has a similar feel to Circle of Life.
    Here is a link to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Txvbp3lgws

    ReplyDelete
  2. KatNovember 20, 2024 at 6:06 PM

    I agree with the significance of "the circle of life". It shows how important Simba's birth was to the animal kingdom and how this was the first stage of his life.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Claire ClevelandNovember 20, 2024 at 11:00 PM

    I really like this Disney movie! I can say the song you chose, I never really paid attention to the words until now. I really like how you mention the circle of life because not only in this song but throughout the whole show, we see how Simba begins his journey, as you mention. Another movie I think about is Tangled, I find this similar because it shows her growing up, but then change happens, and she is able to begin her royal life. One thing I learned from your blog is harmonies being added, I knew they were there I just never realized how it could play a role in Simba's birth.

    ReplyDelete

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