I Want To Be Like You
Nutini Paolo Lyrics
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Oh, the jungle VIP
I've reached the top and had to stop
And that's what botherin' me
I wanna be a man, mancub
And stroll right into town
And be just like the other men
I'm tired of monkeyin' around!
Oh, oobee doo
I wanna be like you
I wanna walk like you
Talk like you, too
You'll see it's true
An ape like me
Can learn to be humen too
Gee, cousin Louie
You're doin' real good
Now here's your part of the deal, 'cause
Lay the secret on me of man's red fire
But I don't know how to make fire
Now don't try to kid me, mancub
I made a deal with you
What I desire is man's red fire
To make my dream come true
Give me the secret, mancub
Clue me what to do
Give me the power of man's red flower
So I can be like you
You! I wanna be like you
I wanna talk like you
Walk like you, too
You'll see it's true
Someone like me
Can learn to be
Like someone like me
Can learn to be
Like someone like you
Can learn to be
Like someone like me!
These lyrics are from the song "I Want To Be Like You" by Nutini Paolo, which was also featured in the Disney animated movie "The Jungle Book." The song is performed by King Louie, a swinging orangutan who wants to learn how to be like a human, specifically how to make fire, which is seen as a symbol of power and intelligence.
The song is about the desire for power and the willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve it. King Louie sees the humans as the most powerful creatures in the jungle because of their ability to make fire, so he wants to learn their ways in order to become more like them. He is willing to make a deal with Mowgli, the mancub, in order to gain access to their secrets. The lyrics also touch upon the theme of identity and the desire to fit in with others, as King Louie is tired of being seen as just another monkey and wants to be seen as a "real" man.
Line by Line Meaning
Now I'm the king of the swingers
I have achieved success and am at the top of my game
Oh, the jungle VIP
Being at the top in this 'jungle' makes me feel important and special
I've reached the top and had to stop
Although I have achieved success, I feel unsettled and unsatisfied
And that's what botherin' me
The fact that I don't feel fulfilled after reaching the top is troubling
I wanna be a man, mancub
I want to be human and experience life as a regular person
And stroll right into town
I want to walk around in town like a normal person
And be just like the other men
I want to blend in and be like everyone else
I'm tired of monkeyin' around!
I'm tired of living a life that feels empty and unfulfilled
Oh, oobee doo
An exclamation to accentuate the upcoming idea
I wanna be like you
I want to live a fulfilled, human life like you do
I wanna walk like you
I want to be able to walk around like a normal person just like you
Talk like you, too
I want to be able to speak like a native, just like you
You'll see it's true
It's true that I can learn to be like you
An ape like me
As someone who feels different and unfulfilled
Can learn to be humen too
I can learn how to live a fulfilling, human life too
Gee, cousin Louie
Addressing a friend or relative named Louie
You're doin' real good
You seem to be doing well in life
Now here's your part of the deal, 'cause
Now it's time for you to fulfill your end of our agreement, because
Lay the secret on me of man's red fire
Tell me the secret of how to create fire, a human invention
But I don't know how to make fire
I don't know how to create fire like humans do
Now don't try to kid me, mancub
Don't try to trick or deceive me, human
I made a deal with you
I entered into an agreement with you
What I desire is man's red fire
What I want is the ability to create fire like a human does
To make my dream come true
Having the ability to create fire will fulfill my dream and make me feel more human-like
Give me the secret, mancub
Tell me the secret to creating fire, human
Clue me what to do
Give me instructions on how to create fire
Give me the power of man's red flower
Give me the ability to create fire like a human with their red flower (match or lighter)
So I can be like you
So I can have the ability to create fire like a human and feel more human-like
You! I wanna be like you
You are the example of how I want to live and be as a human
Someone like me
As someone who feels different and unfulfilled
Can learn to be
It's possible to learn how to live a fulfilling human life
Like someone like me
Someone who feels different and unfulfilled like me
Can learn to be
It's possible to learn how to live a fulfilling human life
Like someone like you
Just like the human example that I look up to
Can learn to be
It's possible to learn how to live a fulfilling human life
Like someone like me!
The idea that it's possible for someone like me to learn how to live a fulfilling human life is exciting and empowering
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JON BON JOVI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
musicalman1995
He's always high in his performances and there is nothing wrong with that. He's an artist!!!!!!!!! This is what they do, and he sounds fucking fantastic.
Lorna Boyle
OK... I saw him in Vancouver on Monday evening. He was amazing! When he's singing without his guitar he hunches over. When he sings with his guitar in front of him he stands up really straight... it's a prop or a security blanket or something. I think deep down inside he's still seriously self-conscious being on stage. He's still so young and it's GOT to effect him. He comes across that way in interviews too - when you can actually understand him!
Nick Piovanelli
Saw this live and was blown away - when I saw him again this year at Glasto he did it to me again - now I wait for November in Rome for the big K.O!
esmeevsteen
he's not drunk, he is himself in his own way and i love it! really good version of the song!!! (L)
Cheryl Jones
Yeah, he makes me smile and feel better too. He's very special.
аличе Никкия
That's why i dream about him almost every night! Oh man you really rock!!!
genderbenderphile
@esmeevsteen I like it better than the original, Paolo Nutini's got one of those awesome voices that makes you love his songs. Hence how he can do a song basically about his shoes and millions of people will buy it, because it makes you feel good.
Omar Orenday Camarillo
Ternurita :')
freefall516
omg i must have missed this!!! amazing!!! he is so amazing n he looks like he is having such fun!!!lmao
Joan Seiler
i think paolo could sing anything and make it good...im not to into concerts anymore but that is one guy i would like to see. seems like it would be a great time.