The song's origins are far more complex and have nothing to do with political ideologies:
* Traditional South African origins: The song's melody and lyrics are based on a traditional Zulu song called "Mbube" ("The Lion").
* American adaptation: The song was popularized in the United States in the 1960s by The Tokens, who added the famous "Wimoweh" refrain and the lyrics about the lion sleeping.
* Meaning of the song: "Mbube" is a song about the power and majesty of the lion, a symbol of strength and wisdom in Zulu culture. The "Wimoweh" refrain is a call and response used in the traditional song.
While some might interpret the song's themes of unity and community through the "Wimoweh" refrain in their own way, the song itself has no connection to communism.