I Just Can't Wait to Be King

"I Just Can't Wait to Be King" is a stylistic musical number from Disney's popular 1994 animated film, The Lion King.

"I Just Can't Wait to Be King" is a large contrast from the film's non-musical segments, as emphasized by the number's usage of lively colors and sounds. The song is performed near the beginning of the film by a young Simba and Nala to distract Zazu, as well as to enunciate Simba's desires to become King of the Pride Lands. It also sets the character up for his profoundly, shattering, emotional fall when he is tricked into thinking he killed his father, Mufasa.

The song was composed by Tim Rice (lyrics) and Elton John (music). It largely reuses the melody and chord structure of "A Word In Spanish" from Elton John's 1988 album Reg Strikes Back. It was performed by Jason Weaver, Laura Williams, Rowan Atkinson, and the chorus. In the original Broadway cast recording of The Lion King, it is performed by Scott Irby-Ranniar, Kajuana Shuford, and Geoff Hoyle. In the Spanish language version of The Lion King, "I Just Can't Wait to be King" was performed by Mexican singer and entertainer Kalimba. Elton John himself also recorded his own version of the song for the film's soundtrack.

It also appears in DisneyToon's 2004 direct-to-video midquel The Lion King 1½. Timon and Pumbaa are disturbed by some noise from outside of their home, which is actually Simba, Nala, and the animals singing this musical number. Timon is angry and hits the leg of an elephant supporting the tower of animals. The elephant jumps in surprise and causes the tower to collapse, explaining why it collapses in the original film. Timon and Pumbaa's home is ruined by this event.

Cover versions

• The song is often performed live by the ska/funk band Suburban Legends, most often when performing at Disneyland's Tomorrowland Terrace, but occasionally while on tour as well. Vincent Walker sings the part of Simba, while Brian Klemm sings the part of Zazu.
• Pop star Aaron Carter remixed the song on DisneyMania.
• Allstar Weekend remade the song for DisneyMania 7.
• The Brazilian musical group “Exaltasamba” recorded a Portuguese version of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” (O que eu quero mais é ser rei, roughly translated as “What I want most is to be king”) in a samba style to the CD Disney Adventures in Samba.