Hans Zimmer’s Story Behind 'The Lion King' Music That Will Break Your Heart
How a children's film score became a personal masterpiece.
When Hans Zimmer was first approached to compose the score for The Lion King, he turned it down. Why bother, he thought — it’s just a children’s cartoon, isn’t it? But as fate (and fatherhood) would have it, his young daughter adored animated films. Her enthusiasm made Zimmer reconsider. And thank goodness he did.
He later revealed that his daughter was six at the time, and he simply wanted to create something family-friendly they could enjoy together. That seemingly small reason opened the door to something far bigger. Through music, Zimmer channelled themes that transcend childhood nostalgia — growing up, taking responsibility, the bonds of family, and the quiet majesty of nature. Many would agree: this isn’t just a film about lions — it’s a film about us.
Zimmer has openly shared that his own father died when he was just six years old. Composing the score — particularly for Mufasa’s death — became a way to confront and process that early loss. He once described the music as a kind of requiem for his father, poured straight into the heart of the film.
So next time you hear the soaring strains of This Land or the tearful chords of Remember, take a moment. It’s not just about Africa, or lions, or even Disney. It’s about courage, loss, and healing. And isn’t that something we all understand, no matter our age?
