Beyonce drops new 'The Lion King'-themed single, 'Spirit'

The single dropped hours after Beyoncé walked "The Lion King" red carpet.

July 10, 2019, 7:27 AM

We've got nine more days to wait before Disney's "The Lion King" live-action remake debuts nationwide, but Beyoncé just dropped something special to tide us over until then.

Disney released "Spirit," a new single from Beyoncé that's inspired by the movie, at midnight.

Better still, it's from the Beyoncé-curated compilation album, "The Lion King: The Gift," due out July 19, the same day the film hits theaters.

"Rise up to the light in the sky / Watch the light lift you harder / Burn your flame through the night / Spirit, let your heavens open," Beyoncé sings in the sweeping, gospel-flavored song.

"'The Lion King: The Gift,' an album featuring global artists & steeped in the sounds of Africa, produced & curated by @Beyonce Knowles-Carter, will release 7/19," Walt Disney Studios announced in a tweet Tuesday night.

"Spirit" will also be included on the official soundtrack for "The Lion King," which is scheduled for release July 19 as well.

PHOTO: Beyonce Knowles-Carter appears beside her "Lion King" character, Nala.
Beyonce Knowles-Carter appears beside her "Lion King" character, Nala.
Kwaku Alston/Disney

The new single dropped hours after Beyoncé appeared with the rest of the cast Tuesday night in Los Angeles at the film's official U.S. premiere. Beyoncé walked the red carpet along with daughter Blue Ivy.

PHOTO: Beyonce, a cast member in "The Lion King," arrives with her daughter Blue Ivy at the premiere of the film, July 9, 2019, in Los Angeles.
Beyonce, a cast member in "The Lion King," arrives with her daughter Blue Ivy at the premiere of the film, July 9, 2019, in Los Angeles.
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Beyoncé voices Nala in "The Lion King," which also stars Donald Glover as Simba, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, and Billy Eichner as Timon.

PHOTO: Donald Glover appears beside his "Lion King" character, Simba.
Donald Glover appears beside his "Lion King" character, Simba.
Kwaku Alston/Disney

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