“Circle of Life” by Brown Lindiwe MkhizeĪ new version of The Lion King was released in 2019, and likewise came a new rendition of “Circle of Life”. And that time around the vocals were performed by another South African musician, Brown Lindiwe Mkhize (with the same Lebo M. However, that award rather went to another track from The Lion King, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1994), which by the way was another John-Rice-Thomas composition. The year prior, the song in general was nominated for the coveted Best Original Song trophy of the Academy Awards. This Carmen Twillie version won a Grammy Award in 1995 in the category of Best Instrumental Arrangement with Accompanying Vocals. His version also differs lyrically from the one found in the film. For instance, the aforementioned intro is not included. And it was also Elton John’s rendition that was made into a music video, as directed by Richard Baskin. Then the second version is mixed more like a pop song and is also found on The Lion King album. Though this rendition is sung by Elton John in conjunction with a group called the London Community Gospel Choir. The Lion King, as you likely already know, is a Disney film. And thus this track was issued by the company’s own label, Walt Disney Records. “Circle of Life” officially came out on as part of “The Lion King: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”. He has also worked with other world-renowned acts from across the pond such as The Beatles and Pink Floyd.Īnd all three of them trace the start of their musical careers back to the 1960s. This song was written by Tim Rice and Elton John. The former wrote the lyrics first, upon which Sir John composed the music. In fact according to Rice, Elton was able to do so in about an hour and-a-half.Įveryone knows who Elton John is – one of the greatest musicians of contemporary history. Tim Rice is likewise distinguished, having also earned the English title of “Sir”, though he specializes more in theatre than pop music and as such is not as known.Īnd Chris Thomas, the producer of “Circle of Life”, is actually a regular collaborator of Elton John’s. Rather there are a myriad of experiences, variables if you will, which are not only individual specific, but also shall we say species specific. That is the “ circle of life”. It is such that none of us, when “ we arrive on the planet”, know exactly what our future is. Thus it is up to us to “find our (own) place” in the grand scheme of things.
What is “Circle of Life” really all about?īased on the above, it’s almost as if, no offense, but this song isn’t about anything or at least nothing definitive. Rather life in and of itself is a grand experience which, similar to the concept of not being able to do it all, cannot be encapsulated in like a singular song. And apparently heeding said admonishment will lead to one being a productive member of the “circle of life”.
And that is we should never take more than we give. Some of us may go through life virtually untouched, while others “ have to live with… scars”.Īnd beyond that what living on this Earth also entails, especially as far as people are concerned, is a thirst for curiosity. But ultimately the world is too big for any of us to actually see or do everything.Īdditionally there is only one line of this song, which is found at the end of the first verse, which is actually philosophical, as in offering advice to the listener. ‘do your thing and also let others do theirs’, is more applicable to the human experience.Īnd overall what Elton seems to be saying is that different beings have different destinies – “the wheel of fortune” as he puts it. Or better stated, in the “circle of life” there are some constants, such as the sun which shines above us all. But individually there are variations, i.e. For instance, when he points out “ eat or be eaten”, that’s a statement we largely attribute to the creature world. And this is not only us humans but also, in keeping true to The Lion King, the animal kingdom also.
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