First released in 1994, The Lion King is a timeless Disney classic. It's sparked sequels, a Broadway show, cartoons, and a live-action remake. The original is a beloved piece of many Disney fans' childhoods, but it's easy to forget about the 1998 direct-to-video sequel. Unlike many Disney sequels, the original cast returned to voice the main characters, including Matthew Broderick as Simba, Moira Kelly as Nala, and Nathan Lane as Timon.
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride follows the story of Simba and Nala's daughter, Kiara. Hesitant to become queen, Kiara learns her place in the "circle of life", and through compassion and love, seeks to unite the Pridelanders with a group of shunned Outsiders that once followed Scar. Entertaining, nostalgic, and filled with catchy songs, it's one of the better Disney sequels that did not have a theatrical release. Take a look at a list of every song featured in movie, ranked.
Love Will Find A Way
Heartbroken by Kovu's banishment, Kiara reminisces about her love for the Outsider and her hopes that one day they will be reunited. "I know love will find a way, anywhere I go I'm home, if you are there beside me". The two meet as the song continues, and the young lions chase, play, and nuzzle each other affectionately during their tender reunion.
Though Kovu offers to run away with her to "start a pride all their own", Kiara realizes that the only way to fix their problems is through unity, not division. Meant to remind the audience of the"Can You Feel The Love Tonight" duet between Simba and Nala from the first film, "Love Will Find A Way" is sentimental and sweet, but not one of the more memorable songs featured.
Upendi
Having received a message that Kovu and Kiara are meant to be together, Rafiki, the upbeat shaman of the Pridelands, leads the two lovebirds on a jungle adventure. Playful and sneaky as ever, Rafiki sings about "upendi" (a form of "upendo" the Swahili word for "love"), an exciting place where "the passion fruit grow sweet".
The unsuspecting lions begin to fall in love as they float along streams and crash down waterfalls in the search for Rafiki's magical upendi, a place that can only be reached through the heart. Lighthearted, silly, and brimming with colorful imagery, "Upendi" is cheesy but fun.
We Are One
Most of the songs in Simba's Pride mirror moments from the first movie. In that case, "We Are One" is the anti "I Just Can't Wait To Be King" as Kiara outright rejects her royal duties. After he catches Kiara playing with Kovu, Simba has a heart-to-heart with his daughter as he attempts to gently explain the circle of life, and Kiara's eventual role as Queen.
This wholesome father/daughter scene shows how much Simba tries to pass on the teachings of Mufasa. It also revisits the common Disney trope of a headstrong but well-meaning daughter who struggles to find a balance between her responsibilities, and who she feels she truly is.
Not One Of Us
An Outsider chosen by Scar, Kovu has spent his life preparing to betray and murder Simba. Once old enough, he carries out a plan to save Kiara's life in a ploy to gain her father's trust. Things change when the two fall in love, and Kovu doubts everything he's ever been taught. Alone on a walk with Simba, Zira and the Outsiders surround and attack, leading Simba to believe that Kovu staged the ambush.
"Not One Of Us" is Kovu's somber but hauntingly beautiful banishment song, as he faces the consequences for his family's attack. The Prideland animals shame and chase Kovu away from Pride Rock, accusing him of deception and comparing him to Scar.
My Lullaby
The lioness leader of the Outsiders, Zira remains devoted to Scar, and furious over the incidents at the end of The Lion King that led to his death. Her sole focus is to raise Kovu as a heartless, ruthless leader who will one day take revenge on Simba, and brainwashes Kovu to feel the same way.
"My Lullaby" describes Zira's plans for the Pridelanders in violent detail as she gleefully compares her cruel imaginings of Simba's dying gasps and Nala's broken sobs to a nightly lullaby, unperturbed by the violence. "Oh, the battle may be bloody But that kind of works for me." Well-written and absolutely chilling for a children's animated movie, "My Lullaby" is one of the best Disney villain songs, especially for a sequel.
He Lives In You
All of the animals gather around Pride Rock for the presentation of Simba and Nala's daughter, Kiara, in this nostalgic opening scene. Sung in a combination of English and Zulu, "He Lives In You" was originally featured in the Broadway version of The Lion King, and is highly reminiscent of "Circle Of Life". Beautifully performed by Lebo M., its lyrics represents respect, tradition, the importance of family, and remembering loved ones that have been lost.