Who wrote the lyrics for the songs in The Lion King?

Tim Rice wrote the lyrics for the songs in The Lion King.

Rice collaborated with Elton John, who composed the songs’ music. Their partnership produced the film’s best-known original numbers, including “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Be Prepared,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

Rice was invited to write songs while Disney was developing the project. He agreed on the condition that he could bring in a composing partner. Alan Menken, his collaborator on Aladdin, was unavailable, so Rice suggested Elton John. Hans Zimmer composed the film’s instrumental score, a separate role from writing the songs’ lyrics.

A common mix-up is assigning the songs to Hans Zimmer because his music is so prominent throughout the film, or naming Elton John as the lyricist because he performed several songs. John wrote the melodies and performed the end-credit version of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”; Rice supplied the words.