Be Prepared
Lyrics by Tim Rice; Music by Elton John
Scar: I never thought hyenas essential
        They're crude and unspeakably plain
        But maybe there's a glimmer of potential
        If allied to my vision and brain

     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 a 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!
{Spoken}
Banzai: Yeah, Be prepared. Yeah-heh... we'll be prepared, heh.  ...For what?

Scar: For the death of the king.

Banzai: Why? Is he sick?

Scar: No, fool-- we're going to kill him. And Simba too.

Shenzi: Great idea! Who needs a king?

Shenzi (and then Banzai):
No king! No king! la--la-la--la-laa-laa!

Scar: Idiots! There will be a king!

Banzai: Hey, but you said, uh...

Scar: I will be king! ...Stick with me, and you'll never go hungry again!

Shenzi and Banzai: Yaay! All right! Long live the king!

All Hyenas: Long live the king! Long live the king!
Hyenas: 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!

     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
     (Aaaaaaah...)
     Respected, saluted
     (...aaaaaaah...)
     And seen for the wonder I am
     (...aaaaaaah!)
     Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared
     (Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo)
     Be prepared!

All : Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared
        Be prepared!
(go back)