Youtube has some interesting stories of how this song came to us. I recall it decades ago and still it is a good song. Who recalls it and do you have a story to tell? This video shows the remarkable blond woman who vocalizes at the highest notes. The rest of the high pitch comes from a man.
I remember it Robert. it was written by a Zulu man called Solomon Linda, appeared in an anti-apartheid film and was heard by communist folk singer Pete Seeger. He wrote an English language version that misheard the main word. This version was recorded by others and altered until the version you posted appeared. Linda died broke, not having been properly credited or paid for his work. Several generations later his family sued & recieved some money from the publishers.
Frankly it is the song, the Lion Sleeps tonight that got famous and not some words by some Zulu man who died prior to any lawsuits. The music, the rhythm and the fact it went to first place globally makes it a song to remember for ever. Also per the video in post #2, the Zulu family was removed from poverty by those making money from the song.
His name is Solomon Linda, not 'some Zulu guy'. He wrote the melody, Robert. He also wrote the Zulu title about a lion. It was HIS property and he should have recieved a songwriting credit on all versions along with anyone who wrote additional lyrics. That is how the law works Robert. Just because someone is African doesn't mean they don't own a song they wrote. Instead he got some tiny royalties for one version of the song. He died in poverty and two of his children died of malnutrition while others made money from his song. I know those children were only 'some Zulus' Robert, but someone loved them. His family shouldn't have had to suffer for decades waiting for that money, it was always theirs.
And a sad indictment on global equality What really gets me though is how “on board” and approving of this many “God bothers” are. I am pretty irreligious but I have a greater sense of equity and fairness I feel, than many who brand themselves as “ Christian”.
The real money comes from Disney’s Lion King. Had it not been used in the movie, the revenue wouldn’t have been all that high.
The songs creator is not bitter. He is just glad that it gives people joy. The song and spirit will always belong to the Zulu's. It cannot be stolen. My question is, what do the original words mean if translated to English?
Then you are at odds with the songs creator who said he was not bitter, but rather glad that it gave people joy. Thank you for telling us how righteous you think you are, and how wicked we are away from you.
I think that's the norm, actually. It's the non-religious people who care most about equality and fairness. Religious people prefer their happy fantasies.
I think it also has to do with being Australian. You have heard us say “fair go” and similar terms? It seems to be part of our core belief that things should be “fair” and equal. Doesn’t mean we do not see social injustices occur but we seem to be a little easier to get people outraged about it
Bottom line - what happened was not fair. It would not have been right had it been a Chinese person, a middle eastern or Caucasian What happened was not fair
Yeah, I remember an Aussie bloke from another forum who posted about wanting a fair go. He never got it, poor chap.
Sorry but no. There was no unfairness and nothing was taken from him. Had his song not been repackaged and sold, he'd still be where he is. Which is why he said that he is just glad that his song gave people joy. You should stop sowing envy and disturbing peace.
Yes, I remember. It was a time for other jungle songs like "Quiet Village", "Swinging Safari", "Underwater", and some crazy songs like Purple People Eater, Love Potion Number 9, and The Chipmunk Song, etc. I was about 12 or 13 when it came out and we all used to sing it. It was actually written by some Zulu guy but I don't think he got any credit for it.
Yes well, Aussie hasn't been given its' fair dues either. Look at all of those American films about Africa with the sound of kookaburras in the background.
So, according to you the aborigines ought to be "glad" for Paul Hogan and perhaps the American Indian should be thrilled about Custer and the rest of the celebrated Indian murderers.
Your alleged victim does not see it that way. Consequently your advocacy is meritless. If you wish to wear a loincloth and live in a cave, why are you on the internet?
