When The Lion King hit the screens in 1994, it caused quite a sensation. It was Disney’s 32nd animated film, and with all the special effects, their best yet. But it wasn’t only what you were watching that was so impressive. It was what you were hearing as well.
Some Of The Best
Elton John wrote the original music, and another Brit, Sir Tim Rice, the lyrics. The score for the film was by Hans Zimmer. You could hardly go wrong, could you? One of the songs left a lasting memory, and we are going to look at that song here. Let’s look at the meaning of “Hakuna Matata” from ‘The Lion King’ for parents.
For Parents?
Let’s make it clear that what we are talking about is the meaning of “Hakuna Matata” for adults. Through a child’s eyes, the music and the scene in the film mean other things. But is there another level of understanding here, even for the adults? Maybe a message that the song sends out to parents as a guide to how they can influence their children? We shall see.
The Inspiration
As is the norm with productions like The Lion King, they have their inspirations. The Lion King has one major inspiration for its storyline and character styling and others where you can see similar elements from other stories.
Its main inspiration is William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The other two storylines referenced are, firstly, the Biblical story involving Moses and Joseph and, secondly, Disney’s film, Bambi.
The Story
It is set in Africa in a Kingdom of Lions. The story revolves around Simba, a lion cub who is expected to grow up and succeed his father, the current leader of the pride. Things take a turn for the worse when his uncle, Scar, kills Mufasa, Simba’s father. Scar then seizes control of the pride and the throne.
Simba flees into a self-imposed exile after he is tricked into thinking he was responsible for his father’s death. There he meets up with two other outcasts. Timon, a Meerkat, and Pumbaa, a warthog. He grows up with them and is exposed to their little saying, “Hakuna Matata.”
Simba’s perspective on life changes through his exposure to these two characters…
And, through the promptings of a childhood friend, the lioness Nala. There is also the influence of Rafiki, a wise, elderly baboon and a shaman, who has a spiritual effect on him.
Simba, now a fully grown Lion, returns to the Kingdom of Lions. He kills Scar to take his place in the “Circle of Life“ and inherits his rightful place as King.
Background of “Hakuna Matata”
Tim Rice found the phrase in a Swahili phrasebook. He thought that it fit the characters perfectly and that an African native language was quite appropriate. It wasn’t the only Swahili word used. “Simba” is Swahili for “lion”.
It is interesting how some phrases used, often quite innocently, can come to be used in a wider context. “Hakuna Matata” is a good example. In some circles, it has become a motto and even a philosophy about how to live.
It wouldn’t suit everyone, of course, and people rarely think in exactly that way. However, it does give a level of freedom that other ideas might not.
The Meaning of The Phrase
The literal meaning of the phrase Hakuna Matata is either “no problems” or “no trouble.” A way of life that Timon and Pumbaa, effectively Simba’s adopted parents, would want to live.
But, we can look at the story and the meaning behind “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King in an alternative way. There could be a much deeper meaning to all this, especially when it comes to raising our children.
Can We Relate Hakuna Matata to Ourselves?
The main idea behind Hakuna Matata is to live without any worries at all. But, the only way that can be achieved is by not having any responsibilities. Having nothing to be responsible for relieves the worry factor.
Responsibilities come in varied forms. They can be financial, or they can relate to family, friends, or just those we associate with. It is those responsibilities that offer us the chance to become a part of society in some way.
It is also those responsibilities that offer us the chance to contribute and realize achievements. Contributing and achieving in a very small way are things that bring us peace and joy, and a sense of fulfillment. To live without responsibility as an adult is not really possible. But what about our children?
To Stress Or Not To Stress, That Is The Question
There are two schools of thought on this issue. Originally, it was thought that exposure to worry and stress in young people was not a bad thing. It gave them a little experience about what was to come in life and that worries and responsibilities were going to be a part of it.
New Thinking
These days, studies show that the opposite might be the better way. The longer we can allow our children to live in a worry-free environment, the better.
We see this thought pattern manifested when people are talking about “helping children keep their youth for as long as possible.” Or “Don’t make them grow up too quickly.”
The thinking is now that for children who can live worry-free without any undue and unnecessary stress, there will be a better chance they will grow up balanced and resilient.
Simba
He did not have the easiest start in life. But, it is demonstrated through the song that a growing period utilizing the principles of Hakuna Matata is very important to his development.
We see him grow from a small cub to a fully-grown Lion, regal and “king-like” in all his demeanor. He is now ready to face life’s greatest trials. One of which is to get rid of his uncle Scar and claim back the crown.
The Meaning of “Hakuna Matata” From ‘The Lion King’ For Parents – The Deeper Meaning
As we have seen, the Swahili phrase “Hakuna Matata” translates as no worries. In the modern vernacular, that could be just “take it easy.” So, is there meaning in the song “Hakuna Matata” that encompasses not only the film but offers a way forward?
Does it offer some clues, or are we reading too much into it? We all would like to raise our children to become good adults, but does this help us to achieve that?
Life’s Challenges
We all have them, and we have to be prepared to face them. That is why many would not agree with complete adherence to the Hakuna Matata philosophy.
Children need to learn about responsibility and opposition as much as they need to learn everything else. Closing them off from responsibility at a young age might then not be a good idea for their future.
A Cartoon Film
Before we carry on with this look at the meaning of Hakuna Matata, let’s pause for a second. I just feel like I ought to mention that this is a cartoon film we are dealing with. It is not some transcendental knowledge that is being placed before us.
However, that doesn’t mean it cannot have a relevant meaning. And, within the confines of the film, it certainly was for Simba. The trick is learning whether even a part of the message of Timon and Pumbaa’s Hakuna Matata experience is relevant to you and me.
Curious About The Meaning Of Other Famous Songs?
If so, check out our thoughts on The Meaning Behind the Traditional Song “London Bridge Is Falling Down”, the Meaning of “Ring Around the Rosie” Song Lyrics, the Meaning Of “Pass The Dutchie” By Musical Youth, The Meaning Behind “Waterfalls” by TLC, and the Meaning Behind “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People for more song interpretations.
The Meaning of “Hakuna Matata” From ‘The Lion King’ For Parents – Final Thoughts
I think the meaning is that this song has a place and a part to play in the raising of children. There are stages in their growth where they need to be protected from some of the elements around them and us.
But, whilst you cannot live an excluded life, you can decide what is allowed and what isn’t. And that is the real meaning of “Hakuna Matata.” We see Simba grow and develop through a system of being loved and cared for until he is ready to do what needs to be done. From that viewpoint, it might only be a cartoon film, but it has something to say to us all.
Until next time, enjoy the music.
