The Lion Sleeps Tonight
The Kingston Trio · Other Songs - The Kingston Trio
They let the family say
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the quiet village
The lion sleeps tonight
But we'll sing it when we say, oh yeah
Let us play
Now hear me
Hush my darling, don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
Hush my darling, don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight, hey, whoa
Ooh, yeah, the lion sleeps tonight
Say the lion sleeps tonight
Say the lion, say the lion, say the lion sleeps tonight
Say the lion, say the lion, say the lion, oh yeah
Sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the quiet village
The lion sleeps tonight
But we'll sing it when we say, oh yeah
Let us play
Now hear me
Hush my darling, don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
Hush my darling, don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight, hey, whoa
Ooh, yeah, the lion sleeps tonight
Say the lion sleeps tonight
Say the lion, say the lion, say the lion sleeps tonight
Say the lion, say the lion, say the lion, oh yeah
Sleeps tonight
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
The Kingston Trio's 1962 recording of 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' transformed a traditional African Zulu folk song into a global standard. Their harmonious arrangement and acoustic instrumentation brought the lively 'Wimoweh' rhythm to mainstream American audiences, sparking a wave of folk revival interest in African musical traditions. The track became a defining example of the group's ability to adapt and popularize world music, influencing countless subsequent artists across rock, pop, and folk genres. Its enduring popularity ensures it remains a staple in the repertoire of musicians worldwide, celebrated for its infectious energy and cultural significance.