Carmen Twillie & Lebo M
Walt Disney Records & Laura Williams & Rowan Atkinson & Jason Weaver
Walt Disney Records & Jeremy Irons & Cheech Marin & Whoopi Goldberg & Jim Cummings
Walt Disney Records & Matthew Broderick & Joseph Williams & Ernie Sabella & Nathan Lane & Jason Weaver
Walt Disney Records & Matthew Broderick & Kristle Edwards & Sally Dworsky & Joseph Williams & Ernie Sabella & Nathan Lane
Walt Disney Records & Lebo M & Hans Zimmer
Walt Disney Records & Hans Zimmer
Walt Disney Records & Lebo M & Hans Zimmer
Walt Disney Records & Lebo M & Hans Zimmer
Elton John
Elton John & Walt Disney Records
Elton John
In this classic villain song from the 1994 Disney animated film The Lion King, chief antagonist Scar explains to his hyena minions his plan to kill his brother Mufasa and nephew Simba, thus thwarting the line of succession in order to for him to become king.
[SCAR, spoken]
I never thought hyenas essential
They're crude and unspeakably plain
But maybe they've a glimmer of potential
If allied to my vision and brain
(sung)
I know that your powers of retention
Are as wet as a warthog's backside
But—thick as you are—pay attention!
My words are a matter of pride
It's clear from your vacant expressions
The lights are not all on upstairs
But we're talking kings and successions
Even you can't be caught unawares!
So prepare for the chance of a lifetime
Be prepared for sensational news
A shining new era
Is tiptoeing nearer
[SHENZI]
And where do we feature?
[SCAR]
Just listen to teacher
I know it sounds sordid
But you'll be rewarded
When at last I am given my dues
And injustice deliciously squared
Be prepared!
[BANZAI, spoken]
Yeah, be prepared! Haha! We'll be prepared! For what?
[SCAR, spoken]
For the death of the king!
[BANZAI, spoken]
Why? Is he sick?
[SCAR, spoken]
No, fool, we're going to kill him. And Simba too!
[SHENZI, spoken]
Great idea! Who needs a king?
[SHENZI & BANZAI & ED, spoken]
No king, no king, la la la la la la!
[SCAR, spoken]
Idiots! There will be a king!
[BANZAI, spoken]
Hey, but you said, uh...
[SCAR, spoken]
I will be king! Stick with me, and you'll never go hungry again!
[HYENAS, spoken]
Yeah! Alright! Long live the king!
Long live the king!
Long live the king!
(sung)
It's great that we'll soon be connected
With a king who'll be all-time adored
[SCAR]
Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected
To take certain duties on board
The future is littered with prizes
And though I'm the main addressee
The point that I must emphasize is
You won't get a sniff without me!
[SCAR & HYENAS]
So prepare for the coup of the century (Oooh!)
Be prepared for the murkiest scam (Oooh... La! La! La!)
Meticulous planning (We'll have food!)
Tenacity spanning (Lots of food)
Decades of denial (We repeat)
Is simply why I'll (Endless meat)
Be king undisputed (Aaah...)
Respected, saluted (...aaah...)
And seen for the wonder I am (...aaah!)
Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared (Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo)
Be prepared!
Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared
Be prepared!
Be Prepared was written by Tim Rice & Elton John.
Be Prepared was produced by Disney & Hans Zimmer.
Walt Disney Records released Be Prepared on Mon May 30 1994.