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Spirit (Beyoncé song)

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"Spirit"
Single by Beyoncé
from the album The Lion King: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and The Lion King: The Gift
ReleasedJuly 10, 2019 (2019-07-10)
GenreGospel
Length4:37
LabelWalt Disney
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Beyoncé singles chronology
"Salud!"
(2018) 		"Spirit"
(2019) 		"Brown Skin Girl"
(2019)
Music video
"Spirit" on YouTube

"Spirit" is a song by American singer and songwriter Beyoncé for the soundtrack of the photorealistic remake of The Lion King and the companion album The Lion King: The Gift. Released on July 10, 2019,[1] it was written and produced by Ilya Salmanzadeh, Labrinth and Beyoncé.[2] Lyrically, the song discusses Simba's, the film's main protagonist's return home and is played during that particular scene in the film. "Spirit" is a gospel ballad that opens with lyrics chanted in Swahili by male choristers.

Upon its release, "Spirit" received positive reviews from music critics, many of whom praised Beyoncé's full vocal range display and the African musical undertones. The song charted at number 98 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the US Hot R&B Songs chart, while also entering the charts in numerous European countries. A music video directed by Jake Nava was filmed at Havasu Falls in Arizona and Apple Valley, California and premiered on July 16, 2019. It shows Beyoncé performing a dancing choreography surrounded by African dancers and choristers in a desert-like environment and features a cameo appearance by her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. Upon its release, the video was positively received by most critics who praised the scenery of the location and Beyoncé's fashion style.

Background

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In a HuffPost interview with Hans Zimmer, he explained that "Spirit" was the final addition to the soundtrack and was initially slotted in for the end credits.

"At the last moment, she comes to the room and basically shows us a diamond and goes, ‘If you want it, you can have it.'" "Every musician has a habit of when they come into the room to play you something for the first time ... We're all just a tiny little bit nervous how it lands," he said. "Of course, everybody's reaction — we absolutely adored it. It was absolutely perfect for the film. [...] I suddenly thought, 'No, no, no. This song is a gift. This song does a great bit of storytelling.' ... I just thought, 'Hang on. We should try this at this different spot as opposed to the end title.' I think it will be, if it's in the body of the movie and it's over a crucial scene, I think it will have much more resonance and weight."[3]

The cover art for the single features a shot of Beyoncé's face next to the CGI face of Nala, the character she portrays in the movie.[4]

Composition and lyrics

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The song opens with two male backing vocals singing the lines "Uishi kwa muda mrefu mfalme" in Swahili which translate to "Long live the king" in English.[5] These vocals are also featured later throughout the song preserving the song's traditional African choral sound. According to Pitchfork's Michelle Kim, sonically, the song is an amalgam of African music with American South music.[6]

In the film, "Spirit" can be heard during the scene in which Simba goes back home with Nala in the Pride Lands. He has grown up and established friendly relationships with Timon and Pumbaa. Nala, however, convinces him to return home in order to reclaim the throne that rightfully belongs to him and has been taken by Scar who has allowed the hyenas to overrule the kingdom. The song's lyrics are straightforward and in accordance with the scene as they portray the main protagonist's return home in an attempt to rectify the situation.[7]

International versions

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At the time of its original theatrical release, the film was released in 44 versions worldwide, with the song "Spirit" counting as many versions overall. Nala's Brazilian Portuguese dubber IZA performed each and every part of the character, except for the song "Spirit" following a contract issue between Warner Music Group and Disney and was replaced by voice-actor Andrezza Massei [pt]. She was the only one out of all Nala's dubbers not to perform the song.[8]

Critical reception

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"Spirit" received positive reviews from music critics. The Lion King: The Gift was included in Capital XTRA's 20 best albums of 2019 list, whereby "Spirit" was described as a "triumphant, gospel-inspired" track that "firmly cemented Beyoncé at the top of her game".[9] Allegra Frank writing for Vox described the song as "perfect" and "otherworldly good".[10] Winston Cook-Wilson for Spin wrote "The sweeping, anthemic song is a blend of styles that keeps in line both with the spirit of the original animated film's soundtrack songs and Beyonce's characterization of the Gift album."[11] Sandra Gonzalez for CNN described how "in 'Spirit', Beyoncé masterfully showcases her power and vocal acrobatic skills."[12] Raisa Bruner of Time agrees, calling the song "a soaring, gospel-inspired track that shows off Queen Bey's full range", including both the showcasing of "particularly her lower tones" and the "surprising falsetto in the bridge".[13] Mikael Wood for the Los Angeles Times writes that the "grand" song showcases "the natural force of [Beyoncé's] singing".[14] Adina Goldstein and Symphreona Clark also complimented Beyonce's vocal performance, writing for YR Media that it "resembles a large rushing river, beautiful, inspiring and so strong it can shape even the hardest of substances".[15]

Writing for Rolling Stone, Danny Schwartz called the song "wonderful" and complimented the inclusion of Swahili in the track."[16] Jon Pareles for The New York Times also praised "how the African elements are at the core of the music", and described the song as "a dynamic secular-gospel exhortation to 'Rise up!'".[17] Carl Wilson of Slate Magazine described the song as "award-baiting piece of Hollywood-goes-gospel".[18] Robyn Beck for Vanity Fair praised the "ethereal" track, describing it as a "powerful ballad with a sweeping chorus, backed by an echoing choir".[19] Michelle Kim writing for Pitchfork was particularly critical of the song's lyrics, noting that they "err on the side of meaningless" in comparison to the singer's previous projects. Nevertheless, she described the song as "uplifting" and complimented Beyoncé's vocals as "weighty" and "soulful".[6] Kristen Perrone for Elite Daily described "Spirit" as "inspiring" and its lyrics as "particularly powerful", adding that the song has topped "Can You Feel the Love Tonight".[20] Celia Fernandez for The Oprah Magazine called the song "absolutely memorable" and wrote that the song's lyrics perfectly embody Beyoncé's aim of providing a contemporary interpretation of the film through the lens of authentic African music.[21]

Accolades

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Year Award Category Result Ref
2019 Hawaii Film Critics Society Best Song Nominated [22]
Hollywood Music in Media Awards Best Original Song in a Feature Film Nominated [23]
Soul Train Music Awards Video of the Year Nominated [24]
Best Dance Performance Nominated
2020 Black Reel Awards Outstanding Original Song Nominated [25]
Capri Hollywood International Film Festival Best Original Song Won [26]
Critics' Choice Awards Best Song Nominated [27]
Golden Globe Awards Best Original Song Nominated [28]
Grammy Awards Best Pop Solo Performance Nominated [29]
Best Song Written for Visual Media Nominated
Guild of Music Supervisors Awards Best Song Written and/or Recorded for a Film Nominated [30]
NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Song - Traditional Won [31]
Satellite Awards Best Original Song Nominated [32]

Chart performance

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The single charted at number 98 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and it peaked at number 6 on the US Hot R&B Songs chart. It fared better in Europe, where it entered the top 50 in the Netherlands and Scotland.

Music video

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The song's music video was filmed at Havasu Falls, a waterfall in Havasu Creek, located in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States. Beyoncé received special permission from the Havasupai tribe to close off the waterfall from the public to allow filming of the music video on July 10. Shooting lasted around five hours, with Knowles arriving and departing from the location via helicopter.[33] The music video premiered during Can You Feel the Love Tonight, an hour-long special hosted by Robin Roberts that aired on ABC Network on July 16, 2019. A second extended cut video was also released on the singer's YouTube channel in which the original music video for "Spirit" was merged with that for another song from the album, "Bigger".[34] According to the singer, the clip was intended to "show how God is the art director".[35]

The clip consists of excerpts from the movie intermingled with scenes of Beyoncé singing the song and dancing in the desert accompanied by male and female dancers and choristers dressed in matching outfits.[36][37] Blue Ivy Carter, the singer's daughter with rapper Jay-Z makes several cameo appearances throughout the video accompanied by her mother. For one of the looks of the video, the singer dons a dress from Senegal custom-made for her,[38] as well as jewelry by Bosnian brand Werkstatt.[39]

Tosten Burks of Spin magazine found the scenes of the singer dancing in the desert reminiscent of Solange Knowles's short film When I Get Home (2019).[36] A CNN writer praised the aesthetics of the visuals, the inclusion of the singer's daughter and the numerous Easter eggs referencing Africa.[38] In a similar vein, Claire Shaffer, writing for Rolling Stone, praised the landscapes surrounding the filming locations.[35] A writer for Variety complimented the "spectacular, revealing gowns" the singer is dressed in.[33] Likewise, writers for Billboard praised the singer's outfits worn in the videos, noting how they blend in with the surrounding scenery.[40] Several days following the release of the music video for "Spirit", allegations on social media accounts accusing the singer of plagiarism surfaced online. The clip was said to contain similar shots and ideas with La Maison Noir: The Gift and the Curse (2018), a 17-minute film by Rharha Nembhard directed for South African musician Petite Noir. Some of the elements compared in both videos include the singer's clothing, poses and looks. Management teams of both representatives however made no comments on the matter.[41][42]

A second version (a cappella and studio) and music video were released on Black Is King (2020), a film by Beyoncé.

Charts

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Chart (2019–2020) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[43] 99
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[44] 1
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)[45] 14
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[46] 92
Ireland (IRMA)[47] 65
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[48] 27
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[49] 67
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[50] 12
Scotland (OCC)[51] 36
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)[52] 79
Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan)[53] 11
UK Singles (OCC)[54] 59
US Billboard Hot 100[55] 98
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[56] 37

Release history

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Release dates and formats for "Spirit"
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Various July 10, 2019
Walt Disney [57]
Canada
Sony [58]
Italy July 12, 2019 Radio airplay [59]
United States July 23, 2019 Urban contemporary radio Columbia [60]

References

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  1. ^ Strauss, Matthew; Minsker, Evan (July 10, 2019). "Listen to Beyoncé's Song 'Spirit' From New Lion King Album". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  2. ^ Tingley, Anna (July 9, 2019). "Beyonce to Release New Single 'Spirit' for 'Lion King'-Inspired Album". Variety. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  3. ^ "Here's How Beyoncé's New Song 'Spirit' Wound Up In 'The Lion King'". HuffPost Canada=. July 11, 2019. Retrieved July 13, 2019.
  4. ^ Frank, Allegra (July 10, 2019). "Of course Beyoncé's new song for The Lion King is perfect". Vox. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  5. ^ Fernandez, Celia (July 16, 2019). "The Lyrics to Beyoncé's "Spirit" Perfectly Match The Lion King's Theme". Oprah Magazine. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  6. ^ a b Kim, Michelle (July 10, 2019). ""Spirit" by Beyoncé Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  7. ^ Becl, Lia (July 2019). "Beyonce's "Spirit" Plays In 'The Lion King' Over A Big, Triumphant Moment". Bustle. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  8. ^ a b "Nala". CHARGUIGOU. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  9. ^ "The 20 best albums of 2019". Capital XTRA. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  10. ^ Frank, Allegra (July 10, 2019). "Of course Beyoncé's new song for The Lion King is perfect". Vox. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  11. ^ "Beyoncé Releases New Song "Spirit" from Upcoming Lion King Album". Spin. July 10, 2019. Retrieved August 11, 2019.
  12. ^ Gonzalez, Sandra (July 10, 2019). "Beyoncé will lift your spirit with new song from 'The Lion King' soundtrack". CNN. Retrieved August 11, 2019.
  13. ^ "Just Try to Sing Along to Beyoncé's New 'Lion King' Song". Time. Retrieved August 11, 2019.
  14. ^ "Review: Beyonce's musical genius propels ambitious 'The Lion King: The Gift' soundtrack". Los Angeles Times. July 21, 2019. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  15. ^ "Beyoncé Guides Us Through The Circle of Life With 'The Lion King: The Gift'". YR Media. August 22, 2019. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  16. ^ Schwartz, Danny (July 24, 2019). "'The Lion King: The Gift' Is Beyonce's Love Letter to Blackness". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  17. ^ Pareles, Jon (July 24, 2019). "Beyoncé Reimagines 'The Lion King' as Global 21st-Century Pop". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  18. ^ Wilson, Carl (July 17, 2019). "Beyonce's The Lion King: The Gift review: New album is way better than the new movie". Slate Magazine. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  19. ^ "Beyoncé Drops Ethereal New Lion King Track, "Spirit"". Vanity Fair. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  20. ^ "The Lyrics To Beyoncé's New Song In The 'Lion King' Are So Powerful". Elite Daily. July 10, 2019. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  21. ^ Fern, Celia; ez (July 16, 2019). "There's Special Meaning Behind Beyoncé's "Spirit" Lyrics". Oprah Magazine. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  22. ^ "Awards |". Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  23. ^ "HMMA Winners". hmmawards. November 21, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  24. ^ "Chris Brown, Drake, Beyoncé & Lizzo Top Nominees For 2019 Soul Train Awards: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
  25. ^ @BlackReelAwards (December 11, 2019). "Outstanding Original Song Nominees:..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  26. ^ "The Irishman, Lion King Win Big At Capri, Hollywood Fest Awards". International Business Times. January 2, 2020. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
  27. ^ "Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Critics' Choice Awards: 'The Irishman' Leads With 14 Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. December 8, 2019. Retrieved December 8, 2019.
  28. ^ Barnes, Brooks; Sperling, Nicole (December 8, 2019). "Golden Globes Nominations 2020: 'The Irishman' and 'Marriage Story' Propel Netflix". The New York Times. Retrieved December 8, 2019.
  29. ^ "Beyoncé". Grammy.com. The Recording Academy. November 20, 2019.
  30. ^ Herman, James Patrick (February 7, 2020). "Guild of Music Supervisors Awards: 'Bombshell,' 'Euphoria' Win – Variety". Variety. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  31. ^ "The Nominees | NAACP Image Awards". Archived from the original on February 28, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  32. ^ "2019 Nominees | International Press Academy". Retrieved December 8, 2019.
  33. ^ a b "Beyoncé Releases Music Video for 'Spirit,' Her 'Lion King' Soundtrack Contribution". Variety. July 16, 2019. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  34. ^ "Beyoncé Releases 'Spirit' and 'Bigger' Extended Music Video". Vulture. July 19, 2019. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  35. ^ a b Shaffer, Claire (July 19, 2019). "Beyonce Releases Double Music Video for 'Lion King' Songs". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  36. ^ a b Burks, Tosten (July 16, 2019). "Watch the Video for Beyoncé's New Lion King Song "Spirit"". Spin. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  37. ^ Herrison, Ellie (July 17, 2019). "Beyoncé stars in epic 'Spirit' video from Lion King soundtrack". The Independent. Archived from the original on May 24, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  38. ^ a b Asmelash, Leah; Ries, Brian (July 17, 2019). "Beyoncé drops her music video for 'Spirit' (featuring Blue Ivy!!!!), and it's perfect". CNN. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  39. ^ "Beyonce u novom spotu zablistala u nakitu poznatih dizajnerica iz susjedstva". Večernji list (in Croatian). July 19, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  40. ^ "All of Beyonce's Fashions in the 'Spirit' & 'Bigger' Video From 'Lion King: The Gift' Album". Billboard. July 19, 2019. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  41. ^ Aveola, Novieku-Babatunde (July 24, 2019). "Beyonce 'copies' 2018 South African video concept for her new 'Spirit' music video". Face2Face Africa. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  42. ^ "Beyonce accused of stealing ideas for 'Spirit' video". Canoe. July 22, 2019. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  43. ^ "ARIA Chart Watch #535". auspOp. July 27, 2019. Archived from the original on July 27, 2019. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
  44. ^ "Beyoncé – Spirit" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  45. ^ "Beyoncé – Spirit" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  46. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  47. ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
  48. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 31, 2019" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  49. ^ "Beyoncé – Spirit" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  50. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. July 22, 2019. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
  51. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
  52. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 52,01. týden 2019 in the date selector. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
  53. ^ "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 30". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  54. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
  55. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  56. ^ "Beyonce Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 19, 2016.
  57. ^ Beyoncé (July 10, 2019). "Spirit (From Disney's "The Lion King") - Single by Beyoncé on Apple Music". music.apple.com.
  58. ^ "Beyoncé – Spirit (From Disneys The Lion King)". Play MPE. July 10, 2019. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  59. ^ Pagura, Chiara (July 10, 2019). "Beyoncé - Spirit (Radio Date: 12-07-2019)" (Press release) (in Italian). EarOne. Archived from the original on July 11, 2019.
  60. ^ "Urban/UAC Future Releases | R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates | ..." All Access. July 23, 2019. Archived from the original on July 21, 2019.
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