The_lions_sleeps_tonight_song_official_lyrics_v... May 2026

: It began as "Mbube" (1939), written by Solomon Linda .

: It gained a new generation of fans via The Lion King . I can provide more info if you'd like to see: The history of the legal battle over the song's royalties. The original Zulu lyrics from "Mbube." the_lions_sleeps_tonight_song_official_lyrics_v...

: It was famously covered by The Weavers before becoming a #1 hit for The Tokens . : It began as "Mbube" (1939), written by Solomon Linda

The official lyrics to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (the 1961 version by ) are based on the original Zulu song "Mbube" by Solomon Linda. Official Lyrics The original Zulu lyrics from "Mbube

A between the different versions (The Tokens vs. Ladysmith Black Mambazo).

: This word is a mishearing of the Zulu word "Uyimbube" , meaning "You are a lion."