The Lion Sleeps Tonight
View chords used in this chart
Simple picking pattern for chords used
D G D A
E|---2-------2-------------------------2-------2----------------------|
B|-------3-------3----3-------3------------3-------3----2-------2-----|
G|-----2-------2----------0-------0------2-------2----------2-------2-|
D|-0-------0------------0-------0----0-------0------------2-------2---|
A|----------------------------------------------------0-------0-------|
E|------------------3-------3-----------------------------------------|
[Intro]
D G D A
Ee-e-e-um-um-a-weh
D G D A
Ee-e-e-um-um-a-weh
[Chorus]
D G
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
D A
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
D G
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
D A
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
[Verse 1]
D G
In the jungle the mighty jungle
D A
The lion sleeps tonight
D G
In the jungle the quiet jungle
D A
The lion sleeps tonight
[Chorus]
D G
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
D A
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
D G
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
D A
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
[Verse 2]
D G
Near the village the peaceful village
D A
The lion sleeps tonight
D G
Near the village the quiet village
D A
The lion sleeps tonight
[Chorus]
D G
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
D A
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
D G
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
D A
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
[Verse 3]
D G
Hush my darling dont fear my darling
D A
The lion sleeps tonight
D G
Hush my darling dont fear my darling
D A
The lion sleeps tonight
[Chorus]
D G
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
D A
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
D G
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
D A
Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh Wimoweh
[Final]
Ee-e-e-um-um-a-weh
Ee-e-e-um-um-a-weh
How to play The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is D. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.