Meaning of Be Prepared (2019) by Elton John

Elton John's song "Be Prepared" from the 2019 remake of Disney's "The Lion King" holds a powerful message that goes beyond its catchy tune and memorable lyrics. This song, performed by Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, explores themes of ambition, manipulation, and the pursuit of power. Through its standout lyrics, it dives deep into the character's motivations and unveils unexpected perspectives.The overarching theme of "Be Prepared" centers around the pursuit of power and the lengths individuals will go to achieve it. Scar, the song's protagonist, feels overlooked and overshadowed by his brother, Mufasa, who currently holds the title of king. Scar believes in a different dream - one that allows him to take whatever he wants and reshapes the hierarchy of the animal kingdom. This theme underscores the lyrics and reveals the inner workings of Scar's manipulative and ambitious nature.One standout lyric in the song is, "Mufasa is yesterday's message, a clapped-out, distracted regime." This line showcases the theme of Scar's desire for change and his belief that Mufasa's rule is outdated and ineffective. It emphasizes Scar's ambition to bring about a new order, where he can reign as a powerful and respected leader. This theme speaks to the notion of challenging established structures and embracing change to fulfill one's aspirations.Another intriguing line is, "Yes, leonine times are a-changin', which means that hyenas must too." This lyric highlights Scar's manipulation of the hyenas, who he plans to use as his allies in his quest for power. It delves into the theme of opportunism and the idea that sometimes, individuals will exploit others to achieve their ambitions. Scar's willingness to sway the hyenas to join his cause demonstrates his strategic thinking and his belief that adapting to new circumstances is essential for success.The chorus lyrics, "So prepare for the coup of the century, prepare for the murkiest scam," echo the song's central theme of ambition and power. Here, Scar unveils his meticulous planning and determination to seize the throne. The theme of deceit and manipulation is further emphasized, as Scar intends to deceive and overthrow his brother through clever schemes. This lyric also presents the concept of decades of denial, suggesting that Scar has been waiting patiently for his moment to ascend to power.The post-chorus sections of the song repeat the phrase "Be prepared" multiple times, reinforcing the theme of readiness and planning. Scar believes that meticulous preparation is key to achieving his goals and solidifying his position as king. This theme resonates with the idea that success often requires careful planning and strategizing, even if it involves morally questionable actions.Overall, "Be Prepared" encapsulates the multifaceted nature of Scar's character and the underlying themes of ambition, manipulation, and the pursuit of power. The standout lyrics in the song allow us to delve deeper into Scar's motivations and explore unexpected themes such as challenging established structures, opportunism, and the importance of careful planning. Elton John's composition and the powerful performance by Chiwetel Ejiofor elevate these themes and make "Be Prepared" a memorable and thought-provoking song.