He Lives in You facts for kids
"He Lives in You" is a famous song from the world of The Lion King. It was first written and performed by Lebo M. and his South African Choir. The song appeared on an album called Rhythm of the Pride Lands, which was inspired by the original The Lion King movie.
This powerful song is used more than once in the story. You can hear it twice in the musical version of the film. A shorter part of the song also opens The Lion King II: Simba's Pride. Mark Mancina and Jay Rifkin helped Lebo M. write this special song.
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The Song in The Lion King Musical
The song "He Lives in You" is a very important part of the musical. It appears in both parts, or acts, of the show.
First Act: "They Live in You"
In the first act, the song is called "They Live in You." Mufasa sings it to a young Simba. The words are changed a little to talk about the "Great Kings of the Past." These kings are believed to watch over the world from the stars.
During this song, Mufasa teaches Simba that he is never truly alone. Someone is always watching over him. Mufasa and the other performers sing this part of the song. It has a calm and respectful feeling.
Second Act: "He Lives in You"
In the second act, the song is called "He Lives in You." Rafiki, the other performers, and adult Simba sing it. At first, Rafiki and the group sing softly. They are calling out to Mufasa's spirit.
Mufasa's spirit appears and tells Simba to go back home. He reminds Simba to take his rightful place as king. After Mufasa's spirit fades, Simba understands his duty. He realizes he must be responsible and return to the Pride Lands. The music then becomes much livelier. Simba joins in the singing, celebrating his decision to become the true king.
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride Opening
The song "He Lives in You" is also used at the very beginning of the 1998 film, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride. Lebo M. sings this version too.
In the movie's opening, many animals travel to Pride Rock. They are coming to see Simba and Nala's new daughter, Kiara. The main message of the song here is that Mufasa's spirit and his legacy live on. Even though he is gone, his presence is still felt. You can even see Mufasa's spirit watching over the presentation of Kiara.
The Lion King (2019 Film) Version
Lebo M. also performed a version of "He Lives in You" for the 2019 live-action movie, The Lion King. This song plays during the credits of the film. It is also included on the movie's soundtrack album.
Other Artists Sing the Song
Many other singers have performed their own versions of "He Lives in You."
- The famous singer Tina Turner recorded her version. It was on an album called The Lion King Collection. Her version also played during the credits of the 1999 film Double Platinum.
- Diana Ross included the song on her 1999 album, Every Day Is a New Day. She also sang it in the movie Double Platinum.
- The Japanese music group TRF recorded the song for the Japanese version of Simba's Pride. They released it as a single in 1999.
- Lonnie Gordon made a house music version for her album No Regret in 2001.
- In the same year, Michael Crawford sang this song as part of a mix on The Disney Album.
- Johnny Mathis used "They Live in You" on his 2000 album, Mathis on Broadway.
- Elijah Kelley covered the song for the album Disneymania 6.
- Michael Ball and Alfie Boe sang the song together on their 2017 album, Together Again.
- Destiny Chukunyere performed it during X Factor Malta in 2020.
