Beyoncé Just Dropped an Empowering New Song for The Lion King
Beyoncé has shared a new song, "Spirit," which will appear in The Lion King, which hits theaters on July 19.
The song will also appear on a new album, The Lion King: The Gift, which was executive-produced by the singer and features original music inspired by the film.
The Gift will be released on July 19, while the official film soundtrack will drop on July 11.
After weeks of anticipation, Beyoncé has released a new original song for the 2019 remake of The Lion King. The track, called "Spirit," appears in the film, where the singer portrays Nala opposite Donald Glover's Simba.
But because Beyoncé is Beyoncé, this single won't be her only release inspired by retelling of Disney's animated classic. She's also executive-produced an album of original songs inspired by the film, called The Lion King: The Gift. (This is similar to how rapper Kendrick Lamar released a Black Panther-inspired album separate from the official soundtrack.)
The Gift, dropping July 19, will feature some of Bey's favorite artists, including African artists "to both pay tribute to the iconic film and bring the authentic sounds of African music to the world," according to a press release.
"It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me," the singer said in a statement. The resulting work is a mix of stories and genres, including hip-hop, R&B, and Afro Beat, she said. The full track list and features list have not yet been revealed.
Aside from The Gift, the official film soundtrack for 2019's The Lion King was produced by Hans Zimmer and will drop on July 11.
The gospel track "Spirit" last night, the same night Beyoncé and Blue Ivy attended The Lion King's premiere in LA. The song was co-written by the singer, IIya Salmanzadeh, and Timothy McKenzie. Listen above and follow along with the lyrics below.
Yeah yeah, and the wind is talking
Yeah yeah, for the very first time
With a melody that pulls you towards it
Paintin' pictures of paradise
Sayin' rise up to the light in the sky, yeah
Watch the light lift your heart up
Burn your flame through the night
Woah, spirit
Watch the heavens open, yeah
Spirit, can you hear it callin'? Yeah
Yeah, yeah, and the waters crashin'
Trying to keep your head up high
While you're trembling, that's when the magic happens
And the stars gather by, by your side
Sayin' rise up to the light in the sky, yeah
Let the light lift your heart up
Burn your flame through the night
Yeah, spirit
Watch the heavens open, yeah
Spirit, can you hear it callin'? Yeah
Your destiny is comin' close
Stand up and fight
So go into that far off land
And be one with the great I am, I am
A boy becomes a man
Woah, spirit
Watch the heavens open, yeah
Spirit, can you hear it callin'? Yeah
Spirit, yeah, watch the heavens open, open, yeah
Spirit, spirit, can you hear it callin'? Yeah
Your destiny is comin' close, stand up and fight
So go into a far off land and be one with the great I am
Stream Beyoncé's "Spirit" here.
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