Circle Of Life Lyrics - Elton John

"The Circle of Life," a song from the Disney musical The Lion King, delves into the very core of what existence is about: the relationship of all things to each other and the cycle of life. Elton John wrote this pop anthem in collaboration with lyricist Tim Rice about the wonders, ordeals, and victories that life serves us. With a Zulu chant by Lebo M in its opening, that touch of authenticity and grandeur sets the stage for the unfolding themes of unity and the majesty of life.

The song opens with Zulu lyrics that translate as an acknowledgment for a lion: not any lion, but a regal presence, a "lion king." This sets up quite a reverent tone for the telling of The Lion King, where the cycle of life is a focus. The lyrics "Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba / Sithi uhm ingonyama" mean "Here comes a lion, Father / Oh yes, it's a lion," and they herald the unfolding story of Simba, the lion cub who would grow to find his place within that 'circle of life.' The in-body section of the song, sung by Carmen Twillie in the opening of the film, takes the idea further in attributing praise to that process of birth, growth, survival, and eventual death to which every creature is subject. Revealing the order of the wilds and the balance that exists in the animal kingdom, the same as it is in the world, the song provides a very stirring reminder that this cyclical nature of life and death is so, and therefore every end is just but the beginning of something new. Elton John's interpretation of the song softens these topics, adding charisma to a pop sensibility way so that it can become acceptable and pervasive to a big audience.

What is surprising, however, is that "Circle of Life" has been celebrated and criticized at the same time. Some critics appreciated Elton John's unusual vocals, the dramatics of the creation, while others simply found the piece subpar to his general discography. With opinions being free, one thing is for sure—it greatly influenced pop culture and added success to The Lion King. This song was covered by numerous performers and remains an evergreen song in Elton John's live performances.