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"Hakuna Matata" is a song from
Disney The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney (), is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was originally founded on October ...
's 32nd animated feature ''
The Lion King ''The Lion King'' is a 1994 American animated musical drama film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The 32nd Disney animated feature film and the fifth produced during the Disney Renaissance ...
''. The music was written by
Elton John Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is a British singer, pianist and composer. Commonly nicknamed the "Rocket Man" after his 1972 hit single of the same name, John has led a commercially successful career a ...
with lyrics by
Tim Rice Sir Timothy Miles Bindon Rice (born 10 November 1944) is an English lyricist and author. He is best known for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, with whom he wrote, among other shows, ''Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'', ...
. The song is based on
Timon and Pumbaa Timon and Pumbaa are an animated meerkat and warthog duo introduced in Disney's 1994 animated film '' The Lion King'' and its franchise. Timon was played through his many appearances by Nathan Lane (in all three films and early episodes of t ...
's catchphrase in the movie, '' Hakuna matata'', a Swahili phrase meaning "No worry(s)". It is characterized by its simple 4/4
time Time is the continued sequence of existence and event (philosophy), events that occurs in an apparently irreversible process, irreversible succession from the past, through the present, into the future. It is a component quantity of various me ...
, upbeat message and catchy lyrics.


Music

The song's music and melody were composed by
Elton John Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is a British singer, pianist and composer. Commonly nicknamed the "Rocket Man" after his 1972 hit single of the same name, John has led a commercially successful career a ...
, with lyrics by
Tim Rice Sir Timothy Miles Bindon Rice (born 10 November 1944) is an English lyricist and author. He is best known for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, with whom he wrote, among other shows, ''Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'', ...
. In the film the song is sung by
Timon Timon is a masculine given name and a surname which may refer to: People * Timon of Athens (person), 5th-century Athenian and legendary misanthrope * Timon of Phlius (c. 320 BCE – c. 235 BCE), a Pyrrhonist philosopher of Ptolemaic Egypt and He ...
the
Meerkat MeerKAT, originally the Karoo Array Telescope, is a radio telescope consisting of 64 antennas in the Meerkat National Park, in the Northern Cape of South Africa. In 2003, South Africa submitted an expression of interest to host the Square Ki ...
(voiced by
Nathan Lane Nathan Lane (born Joseph Lane; February 3, 1956) is an American actor. In a career spanning over 40 years he has been seen on stage and screen in roles both comedic and dramatic. Lane has received numerous awards including three Tony Awards, ...
), Pumbaa the
Warthog ''Phacochoerus'' is a genus in the family Suidae, commonly known as warthogs (pronounced ''wart-hog''). They are pigs who live in open and semi-open habitats, even in quite arid regions, in sub-Saharan Africa. The two species were formerly con ...
(voiced by Ernie Sabella), and Simba, a young
lion The lion (''Panthera leo'') is a large cat of the genus '' Panthera'' native to Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; short, rounded head; round ears; and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adu ...
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 Comedy is a genre of fiction that consists of discourses or works intended to be humorous or amusing by inducing laughter, especially in theatre, film, stand-up comedy, television, radio, books, or any other entertainment medium. The term o ...
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 Flatulence, in humans, is the expulsion of gas from the intestines via the anus, commonly referred to as farting. "Flatus" is the medical word for gas generated in the stomach or bowels. A proportion of intestinal gas may be swallowed enviro ...
. It makes use of a large proportion of the
orchestra An orchestra (; ) is a large instrumental ensemble typical of classical music, which combines instruments from different families. There are typically four main sections of instruments: * bowed string instruments, such as the violin, viola, c ...
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 Richard Michael Mayall (7 March 1958 – 9 June 2014) was an English actor, stand-up comedian and writer. He formed a close partnership with Ade Edmondson while they were students at Manchester University and was a pioneer of alternative ...
and
Adrian Edmondson Adrian Charles Edmondson (born 24 January 1957) is an English actor, comedian, musician, writer and television presenter. He was part of the alternative comedy boom in the early 1980s and had roles in the television series '' The Young Ones'' (1 ...
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 James Chambers OM (born 30 July 1944), known professionally as Jimmy Cliff, is a Jamaican ska, rocksteady, reggae and soul musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and actor. He is the only living reggae musician to hold the Order of Merit, t ...
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 Broadway may refer to: Theatre * Broadway Theatre (disambiguation) * Broadway theatre, theatrical productions in professional theatres near Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, U.S. ** Broadway (Manhattan), the street **Broadway Theatre (53rd Stree ...
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''.


Meaning

'' Hakuna matata'' is a phrase in Swahili that is frequently translated as "no worries". In a behind-the-scenes segment on ''The Lion King'' Special Edition DVD, the film's production team claim that it picked up the term from a tour guide while on
safari A safari (; ) is an overland journey to observe wild animals, especially in eastern or southern Africa. The so-called "Big Five" game animals of Africa – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo – particularly form an impor ...
in
Kenya ) , national_anthem = " Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu"() , image_map = , map_caption = , image_map2 = , capital = Nairobi , coordinates = , largest_city = Nairobi , ...
. It was then developed into an ideology that, along with the seemingly antithetical value of duty to the monarchy, is central to the moral content of the film. The title phrase is pronounced with American English phonology within the song, including a flapped "t", rather than as it is pronounced in Swahili.


Critical reception

"Hakuna Matata" has become one of Disney's most celebrated and popular songs, establishing itself as one of the studio's greatest and most iconic. The song was nominated for Best Song at the
67th Academy Awards The 67th Academy Awards ceremony, organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) took place on March 27, 1995, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles beginning at 6:00 p.m. PST / 9:00 p.m. EST. During the ce ...
but lost to " Can You Feel the Love Tonight", one of three ''Lion King'' song nominations (the third one was "
Circle of Life "Circle of Life" is a song from Disney's 1994 animated film ''The Lion King''. Composed by English musician Elton John, with lyrics by Tim Rice, the song was performed by Carmen Twillie (the deep female lead vocals) and Lebo M. (opening vocal ...
"). It was also ranked 99th in the AFI's list of the 100 best American movie songs of all time, Disney's seventh and last entry of songs on the list (the others being " When You Wish Upon a Star" from ''
Pinocchio Pinocchio ( , ) is a fictional character and the protagonist of the children's novel '' The Adventures of Pinocchio'' (1883) by Italian writer Carlo Collodi of Florence, Tuscany. Pinocchio was carved by a woodcarver named Geppetto in a Tuscan ...
'' at #7, " Some Day My Prince Will Come" from ''
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" is a 19th-century German fairy tale that is today known widely across the Western world. The Brothers Grimm published it in 1812 in the first edition of their collection '' Grimms' Fairy Tales'' and numbered as ...
'' at #19, " Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" from ''
Mary Poppins It may refer to: * ''Mary Poppins'' (book series), the original 1934–1988 children's fantasy novels that introduced the character. * Mary Poppins (character), the nanny with magical powers. * ''Mary Poppins'' (film), a 1964 Disney film star ...
'' at #36, "
Wind Beneath My Wings "Wind Beneath My Wings" (sometimes titled "The Wind Beneath My Wings" and "Hero") is a song written in 1982 by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley. The song was first recorded by Kamahl in 1982 for a country and western album he was recording. Kamahl tal ...
" from ''
Beaches A beach is a landform alongside a body of water which consists of loose particles. The particles composing a beach are typically made from rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles, etc., or biological sources, such as mollusc shells ...
'' at #44, "
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" is a song composed by Allie Wrubel with lyrics by Ray Gilbert for the Disney 1946 live action and animated movie ''Song of the South'', sung by James Baskett. For "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah", the film won the Academy Award for Best O ...
" from ''
Song of the South ''Song of the South'' is a 1946 American live-action/animated musical drama film directed by Harve Foster and Wilfred Jackson; produced by Walt Disney and released by RKO Radio Pictures. It is based on the Uncle Remus stories as adapted b ...
'' at #47, and "
Beauty and the Beast ''Beauty and the Beast'' (french: La Belle et la Bête) is a fairy tale written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740 in ''La Jeune Américaine et les contes marins'' (''The Young American and Marine ...
" from ''
Beauty and the Beast ''Beauty and the Beast'' (french: La Belle et la Bête) is a fairy tale written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740 in ''La Jeune Américaine et les contes marins'' (''The Young American and Marine ...
'' at #62). A shortened version of "Hakuna Matata" was used as the theme song of the spinoff ''Timon & Pumbaa'' TV series. Another shortened version of "Hakuna Matata" was used in the TV series '' The Lion Guard'' in the first-season episode "Bunga and the King" (2016), sung by the cast members. The film's 2019 photorealistic CGI remake features a new version performed by
Billy Eichner Billy Eichner (; born September 18, 1978) is an American comedian, actor, producer, and screenwriter. He is the star, executive producer, and creator of Funny Or Die's ''Billy on the Street'', a comedy game show that aired on truTV. The show ea ...
as Timon,
Seth Rogen Seth Aaron Rogen (; born April 15, 1982) is a Canadian-American actor, comedian and filmmaker. Originally a stand-up comedian in Vancouver, he moved to Los Angeles for a part in Judd Apatow's series '' Freaks and Geeks'', and then got a part o ...
as Pumbaa, JD McCrary as young Simba, and
Donald Glover Donald McKinley Glover Jr. (; born September 25, 1983), also known by his stage name Childish Gambino (), is an American entertainer, writer, director, and producer. After working in Derrick Comedy while studying at New York University, Glov ...
as adult Simba.


In popular culture

*
Alvin and the Chipmunks Alvin and the Chipmunks, originally David Seville and the Chipmunks or simply The Chipmunks, are an American animated virtual band and media franchise first created by Ross Bagdasarian for novelty records in 1958. The group consists of three ...
covered the song in their 1995 album '' When You Wish Upon a Chipmunk'', with Alvin and Simon performing Timon and Pumbaa's parts, respectively, and replacing "warthog" with "chipmunk". * In ''
Mouse Hunt ''Mouse Hunt'' is a 1997 American slapstick black comedy film written by Adam Rifkin and directed by Gore Verbinski in his feature film directorial debut. It stars Nathan Lane, Lee Evans, Maury Chaykin, and Christopher Walken. The film follow ...
'', Ernie Smuntz (played by
Nathan Lane Nathan Lane (born Joseph Lane; February 3, 1956) is an American actor. In a career spanning over 40 years he has been seen on stage and screen in roles both comedic and dramatic. Lane has received numerous awards including three Tony Awards, ...
, the voice of Timon) says "hakuna matata" to a guest at the house auction. * In one of Disney's many self references, the "Hakuna Matata" song can be heard briefly in the 1995
Disney The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney (), is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was originally founded on October ...
·
Pixar Pixar Animation Studios (commonly known as Pixar () and stylized as P I X A R) is an American computer animation studio known for its critically and commercially successful computer animated feature films. It is based in Emeryville, Californ ...
film '' Toy Story'', in which it was played in Andy's mother's car while Molly sees Woody,
Buzz Lightyear Buzz Lightyear is the main character in the ''Toy Story'' franchise created by Disney and Pixar mainly voiced by Tim Allen. He is a Superhero toy action figure based on the in-universe media franchise consisting of a blockbuster featur ...
and Slinky Dog through one of the side-view mirrors. "Hakuna Matata" is referenced in ''
Aladdin and the King of Thieves ''Aladdin and the King of Thieves'' is a 1996 American direct-to-video animated musical fantasy adventure film produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. It is the second sequel to the 1992 film '' Aladdin'', and serves as the final chapter an ...
'' when Genie turns into Pumbaa and says, "Hakuna Matata". * In the ''
Seinfeld ''Seinfeld'' ( ) is an American television sitcom created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. It aired on NBC from July 5, 1989, to May 14, 1998, over nine seasons and 180 episodes. It stars Seinfeld as a fictionalized version of himself and ...
'' episode " The Merv Griffin Show", Elaine says that she was caught in the office singing "Hakuna Matata". * An instrumental version of this song appears in
Mannheim Steamroller Mannheim Steamroller is an American neoclassical new-age music ensemble founded and directed by percussionist/composer Chip Davis in 1974. The group is known primarily for its '' Fresh Aire'' series of albums, which blend classical music with ...
's 1999 album ''
Mannheim Steamroller Meets the Mouse ''Mannheim Steamroller Meets the Mouse: Unique Musical Creations Based on Disney Songs'' is a Disney-themed music album by Mannheim Steamroller, released by Walt Disney Records and American Gramaphone in 1999 on CD and DVD. It features a few vin ...
''. It ends with the phrase "You Got a Problem with That". * The song was covered by Bahamian group Baha Men for the first ''
Disneymania ''Disneymania'', also known as ''Disneymania 1'', is the first installment in the Disneymania album series presenting songs from Disney films, performed by various musical artists. Released on September 17, 2002, the album was considered a commer ...
'' album. * The song was covered by Debby Ryan for the ''
Disneymania 7 ''Disneymania 7'' is the seventh and final installment in the '' Disneymania'' series. It features a variety of contemporary performers performing Disney The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney (), is an American multinational m ...
'' album. * The 2012 Japanese album ''Disney - Koe no Oujisama vol. 2'', which features various Japanese
voice actors Voice acting is the art of performing voice-overs to present a character or provide information to an audience. Performers are called voice actors/actresses, voice artists, dubbing artists, voice talent, voice-over artists, or voice-over talent ...
covering Disney songs, includes a version of "Hakuna Matata" sung by
Hiro Shimono is a Japanese voice actor and singer affiliated with I'm Enterprise. His notable roles include Ayato Kamina in '' RahXephon'', Akihisa Yoshii in '' Baka and Test'', Haruka Kasugano in ''Yosuga no Sora'', Keima Katsuragi in '' The World God Only K ...
and Nobuhiko Okamoto. A subsequent album with a similar concept, ''Disney - Koe no Durimu Dyuetto'' (2014), includes a version sung by Mitsuki Saiga and Katsuyuki Konishi, whereas an additional version by
Tasuku Hatanaka is a Japanese actor, voice actor and singer. Biography He voiced Yuma Tsukumo in the anime series '' Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal'', Ushio in ''Ushio and Tora'', Ikoma in '' Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress'', Gō Nagakura in ''Battery'', and Fudō Nomura i ...
is featured on the 2018 album ''Disney Koe no Ōji-sama Voice Stars Dream Selection''. * A parody of the song, ''Hasa Diga Eebowai'', features in the musical '' The Book of Mormon


Track listings

CD single # "Hakuna Matata" — 4:24 # "He Lives in You" — 4:51 CD maxi # "Hakuna Matata" (radio version) — 3:50 # "Warthog Rhapsody" by Nathan Lane & Ernie Sabella — 3:06 # "Hakuna Matata" (album version) — 4:24


Charts


Weekly charts


Year-end charts


Certifications


References


External links

* http://www.lionking.org/lyrics/OBCR/HakunaMatata.html {{DEFAULTSORT:Hakuna Matata 1994 songs 1995 singles Elton John songs Disney Renaissance songs Jimmy Cliff songs Donald Glover songs Songs with lyrics by Tim Rice Songs with music by Elton John Songs from The Lion King (franchise) Macaronic songs Song recordings produced by Jay Rifkin Walt Disney Records singles