This unique version fit in well with the punk and new wave music of those days.

The Nylons – “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”

“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (1982 – original from 1939)

This original version of this song was written and recorded in 1939 by the South African musician Solomon Linda. It was titled “Mbubu”  (Zulu for “lion”  ) and the lyrics were in the Zulu language. It became a hit in South Africa and beyond. 

Sing What?

Eventually, the lyrics were translated into English, and the new version was recorded by Pete Seeger and his folk band The Weavers. Instead of the original chorus – “Uyimbube,”  which in Zulu means “You are a lion”  – the chorus had been mistakenly transcribed as “a-wimoweh.”

Over the years, numerous bands have covered this song, including the 1961 doo-wop hit by The Tokens. Other fine versions include those by Brian Eno and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. However, few of them compare to this naturally excellent “a capella”  version by The Nylons.    _{(Image source)}

The Lion Stirs, and Stirs Up Controversy

“The Lion Sleeps Tonight”  was featured in the 1994 movie “The Lion King.”  Its success resulted in a lawsuit, which claimed that Linda’s heirs were owed royalties worth $1.6 million for the use of the song. 

In 2006, the heirs and the licensing company reached a settlement, which stated that the earnings from the song would be placed in a trust.

The Nylons

The Nylons are a Canadian “a capella”  band that has been active since 1978. 

Beached and Beatled

The group is primarily known for its covers of pop songs. They’ve recorded versions of songs by everyone from The Beach Boys and The Beatles to the Zulus.  

Voices of the Time

“The Lion Sleeps Tonight”  was one of the first covers by The Nylons to receive a bit of airplay, albeit only on alternative or college radio stations. At the time, their “a capella”  format was rather unorthodox.  
_{(Image source)}

Nevertheless, amidst the energetic punk and the innovative new wave of those days, their unique renditions seemed a natural fit. Hearing their beautiful voices was always a welcome and refreshing change. It remains so today. 

(A-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh)    [4x]

In the jungle, the mighty jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle, the quiet jungle
The lion sleeps tonight

(A-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh)    [4x]

Near the village, the peaceful village
The lion sleeps tonight
Near the village, the quiet village
The lion sleeps tonight

(A-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh)     [4x]

Hush my darling, don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
Hush my darling, don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight

(A-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh, a-wimoweh)    [4x]

        Solomon Linda & The Evening – “Mbube”    
           _{(Right-click to hear on YouTube)}

Lyrics by George David Weiss, Hugo E. Peretti, Luigi Creatore, courtesy of – Lyrics.com
Reference – Wikipedia
Reference – Wikipedia
Reference – Wikipedia
Reference – SongFacts.com

Into your ears … through 5 channels

 The various posts are categorized into 5 channels _{(Right-Click to see details)}
1 – “Music to Your Ears” (MTYE)
2 – “Cover Versions”
3 – “Honor Roll”
4 – “Documentaries”
5 – “Mock’n’Roll”

More “Cover Versions” ...

         Cover Versions – Music to Your Ears – "Posts 1~20"  
         Cover Versions – Music to Your Ears – "Posts 21~40"  

Links to my other series ...

          Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"
          Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"

          Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part One – My Lyrics Posts 3~30”
          Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part Two – My Lyrics Posts 31~60”  

          Vocab-Ability – "Introduction to Vocab-Ability"  
          Vocab-Ability – "Index"  to all Chapters and Sections

          Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part One – Notes 1~50"  
          Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part Two – Notes 51~87"