Hem hollolo iyo
Hakuna Matata!
Hem may'babo

When I was a cool young one
(When he was a cool young one)
I worked in the colony, paying my dues
Accepting without question the prevailing views
That a young man's life was one long grind
Diggin' holes, standin' guard till it crossed my mind

I was wrong
All along
All that I needed
Was to have heeded

[Refren]
Hakuna Matata!
What a wonderful phrase
Hakuna Matata!
Ain't no passing craze
It means no worries
For the rest of your days
It's a problem-free philosophy
Hakuna Matata!

When I was a shallow youth
(When he was a shallow youth)
Cool calm reflection
I was never that good
I was a pawn in the game, I saw no trees for the wood
My future stretched behind me
I was over the hill
I put my best foot forward
But the other stood still

Take my word
I have heard
All that I needed
Was to have heeded

[Refren]

Hem hollolo iyo
Hakuna Matata!
Hem may'babo

Hakuna Matata!
I hope we have conveyed
You don't have to bust a gut in the sun
It's much cooler in the shade
Some say it's just a waste of time
But they don't realize
That view is nothing but a crime
We are creatures worldly wise

[Refren]