Finding Courage in Your Voice
"Be a Lion" is a pivotal moment in The Wiz where Dorothy encourages the Lion to find his bravery. Musically, it is a masterclass in building intensity. It starts as a gentle lullaby and transforms into a powerful R&B anthem. Whether you are singing Dorothy's part, the Lion's part, or attempting a solo version, the key to this song is pacing your energy.
Diana Ross delivers a masterclass in "legato" singing—smooth, connected notes—while Michael Jackson (as the Scarecrow in the film, though the Lion sings here) provides the textural build-up. Let's break down the technical requirements to ace this song.
AI Coach Tip: Vowel Modification
When hitting the high notes on "impossible" towards the end, avoid spreading your mouth too wide. Drop your jaw vertically to modify the vowel toward "Ah" or "Uh." This creates a richer tone and prevents your throat from closing up.
Phase 1: The Gentle Assurance (0:00 - 1:30)
The song begins in a soft, conversational tone. Dorothy is comforting the Lion. The challenge here is breath support at low volumes.
The Trap: Singers often get "breathy" to sound soft, but this wastes air. Try to maintain cord closure (a clean sound) but at a low volume. Think of "speaking" the melody to the person next to you.
Phase 2: The Build (1:30 - 2:45)
As the lyrics shift to "You're a lion, not a mouse," the energy must lift. If you are singing the duet, this is where the voices begin to weave together. The rhythm becomes slightly more syncopated, mimicking a heartbeat of courage.
- Diction: Consonants need to be crisper here to convey conviction.
- Placement: Move the resonance from your chest slightly up into your "mask" (the front of your face) to get a brighter sound without shouting.
Phase 3: The Soulful Climax (2:45 - End)
The final section is pure gospel-infused soul. You will need to access your belt register. The phrase "And if you try" requires a strong diaphragm engagement.
For the big finish, focus on the "cry" in the voice—a technique often used in soul music where the vocal cords tilt slightly to create an emotional, yearning sound. This allows you to hit the E5 peak without sounding screechy.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is from the 1978 film adaptation of The Wiz, an urban retelling of The Wizard of Oz. It was written by Charlie Smalls.
No, "Be a Lion" is a popular solo audition piece. However, the Singing Coach AI app allows you to sing either part against the backing track to practice harmonies.
Cracking usually happens when you push too much air pressure against the vocal cords. Practice the climax of the song on a "Lip Trill" first to balance the air pressure before singing the lyrics.
