Hakuna Matata (song) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids "Hakuna Matata"
Dutch single
Single by Jimmy Cliff & Lebo M.
from the album Rhythm of the Pride Lands
Released	1995
Recorded	April 1994; BOP Studios, Mmabatho, ZA
Genre	Reggae
Length	4:24
Label	Walt Disney Records
Songwriter(s)	Elton John (music) Tim Rice (lyrics)
Producer(s)	Jay Rifkin Fabian Cooke Mark Mancina

"Hakuna Matata" is a song from Disney's 32nd animated feature The Lion King. The music was written by Elton John with lyrics by Tim Rice. The song is based on Timon and Pumbaa's catchphrase in the movie, Hakuna matata, a Swahili phrase meaning "No worry(s)". It is characterized by its simple 4/4 time, upbeat message and catchy lyrics.

Music

The song's music and melody were composed by Elton John, with lyrics by Tim Rice. In the film the song is sung by Timon (a meerkat voiced by Nathan Lane), Pumbaa (a warthog voiced by Ernie Sabella), and Simba, a young lion voiced by Jason Weaver (singing voice as a cub) and Joseph Williams (singing voice as an adult). Taking place after the death of Mufasa, it features Timon and Pumbaa, the two main comedy characters in the film, talking to Simba about moving forward from their troubled pasts and forgetting their worries, and Simba grows from cub to adult as the song progresses. The song also provides a backstory for Pumbaa, explaining that he was ostracized from animal society for his excessive flatulence. It makes use of a large proportion of the orchestra as well as many other more unusual instruments including an elaborate drum kit. Rice is said to have got the idea for the lyrics for the song from watching the comedy series Bottom and at one point wanted the show's stars Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson to play Timon and Pumbaa.

A second version of the song, produced for the companion album Rhythm of the Pride Lands, was performed by Jimmy Cliff featuring Lebo M. This version has a slightly modified, previously unreleased verse focusing on Timon's past. It was partially rewritten with a different instrument arrangement, but remains very similar to the original. This version of the song was released as a single with "He Lives in You" as a B-side and was ultimately used in the Broadway theatrical version of The Lion King.

Production

"Hakuna Matata" replaced another song written early on in the production stage, titled "Warthog Rhapsody". This song was eventually recorded and released on Rhythm of the Pride Lands, along with several other songs that did not appear in the finished film. The vocal melody of "Warthog Rhapsody" was later used for the song "That's All I Need" in the spinoff film The Lion King 1½.

Track listings

1. "Hakuna Matata" — 4:24
2. "He Lives in You" — 4:51

1. "Hakuna Matata" (radio version) — 3:50
2. "Warthog Rhapsody" by Nathan Lane & Ernie Sabella — 3:06
3. "Hakuna Matata" (album version) — 4:24

Charts