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Be PreparedWalt Disney Records

Released: May 30, 1994

Featuring: Jeremy Irons Cheech Marin Whoopi Goldberg Jim Cummings

Songwriter: Tim Rice Elton John

Producer: Hans Zimmer

[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!

Walt Disney Records

Much of the acclaim Disney has received for its animated films comes from the music recorded for them, typically commissioned to exceptionally talented composers (e.g. Hans Zimmer, Alan Menken) and lyricists (e.g. The Sherman Brothers, Howard Ashman), with occasional help from stars such as Elton John.

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