Shadowland (The Lion King)

Shadowland is a song from the 1997 musical The Lion King. It uses the music from Lea Halalela (Holy Land) from the 1995 album Rhythm of the Pride Lands, with new lyrics for the musical.

Production

The song is written in the same African style as Circle Of Life - WhatsOnStage deemed it "African-influenced".

Synopsis

The song sees Rafiki farewell Nala and wish her luck as she runs away from Pride Rock to find help. It is about feeling "Nala’s sadness and determination to better their situation".

Critical reception

WhasOnStage wrote "Most of the stand-out numbers, including “One by One”, “Shadowland” and “Endless Night”, were written specially for the stage, and express most fully the show’s African roots." New York City Theatre called it a "haunting ballad", while AtlanticTheatreFans described it as "hauntingly beautiful" and "moving". Simon Parris called it a "gorgeous hymn", and About.com deemed it "a memorable song". Variety noted that Nala's "rapturous rendition of “Shadowland” rightly stops the second act." ClickLiverpool said Nala's "performance of Shadowland is so poignant tears prick the eyes as surely as the myriad of lights that illuminate the magnificent set." DailyTrojan wrote " With new songs such as “Chow Down” and “Shadowland,” it’s easy to see why Disney’s The Lion King earned a 1999 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album". TimeDispatch said "Newer songs by teams other than John and Rice feel like filler ("They Live in You," "Shadowland"); the action and the energy peter out in the second act." Broadwayworld explained "from the moment she started singing "Shadowland" you could feel the emotion pouring out on stage, leaving me with chills". The Stage said the song "is a highlight and has a poignancy lacking in other important scenes."