"Circle of Life" is the title of a song from Disney's 1994 animated film The Lion King, composed by Elton John with lyrics by Tim Rice. It was sung by Carmen Twillie (female vocals) and Lebo M (opening isiZulu vocals) in the film as the opening song, and Elton John also sang a pop version with the London Community Gospel Choir which was included in the film's soundtrack and made into a music video. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Song in 1994 together with two other songs from The Lion King: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "Hakuna Matata". "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" won the award. The song reached #11 in the UK and #18 in the US.

The song is also featured frequently in attractions that include The Lion King at Disney theme parks, such as parades.

Michael Crawford sang this song as part of a medley for The Disney Album in 2001.

In The Lion King, the sun rises as the opening chant of the song calls out, with various animals all seemingly becoming alert to a single thing. Animals are shown traveling through various environments. As a giraffe and her calf step out into the sunlight, the first verse of the song begins. The giraffe notice a herd of animals in the distance and run over to join them.

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947) is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor. He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriter partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums to date.

In his four-decade career John has sold more than 250 million records, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. His single "Candle in the Wind 1997" has sold over 33 million copies worldwide, and is the best selling single in Billboard history. He has more than 50 Top 40 hits, including seven consecutive No. 1 US albums, 56 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10, four No. 2 hits, and nine No. 1 hits. He has won six Grammy Awards, four Brit Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Tony Award. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him Number 49 on its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.

John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Having been named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1996, John received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for "services to music and charitable services" in 1998.