I Wanna Be Like You
Phil Harris & Louis Prima Lyrics


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Now I'm the king of the swingers 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
Now, give me the secret, mancub
C'mon, 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 walk like you
Talk 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

Overall Meaning

"I Wan'na Be Like You" is a song from Disney's 1967 animated film, "The Jungle Book," sung by Phil Harris (as Baloo) and Louis Prima (as King Louie), with Bruce Reitherman (as Mowgli) providing some vocals as well. The lyrics are a conversation between Baloo and King Louie, with King Louie expressing his desire to become more like a human, while Baloo tries to teach him that it's better to be yourself. The first verse is sung by King Louie, who boasts about being the king of the swingers and the jungle VIP, but also expresses his frustration of being limited to the jungle and monkeying around. He envies humans and wishes to become more like them, which leads to the chorus where he states his desire to walk and talk like a human. Baloo then tells King Louie that he could teach him the secret of man's red fire (which is a metaphor for human technology), but King Louie denies knowing how to make fire, and begs Baloo to show him the way.


The lyrics of "I Wan'na Be Like You" have been interpreted in various ways. Some see it as a comical take on the idea of humans being the superior species, while others read it as a commentary on the dangers of trying to be something you're not. The song also highlights the themes of identity, acceptance, and the struggle to belong. Interestingly, the song was not originally intended to be part of the movie, but was added later when the filmmakers felt that the movie lacked a big musical number.


Line by Line Meaning

Now I'm the king of the swingers oh
I am now the leader among the apes in the jungle


The jungle VIP
I have achieved a special status and value in the jungle


I've reached the top and had to stop
I have successfully climbed to the top, but I cannot go any further


And that's what botherin' me
I am not content with my current achievement and status


I wanna be a man, mancub
I desire to become a human


And stroll right into town
I want to freely walk into human territory without fear


And be just like the other men
I want to assimilate into human culture and be accepted as one of them


I'm tired of monkeyin' around
I am sick of acting like an ape and want to change myself


Oh, oobee doo
A joyful exclamation


I wanna be like you
I desire to become a human like you


I wanna walk like you
I want to walk like a human, with grace and confidence


Talk like you, too
I want to speak like a human, with intelligence and wit


You'll see it's true
You will witness my change and transformation


An ape like me
Despite being an ape, I believe I can become more


Can learn to be humen too
I can acquire the qualities of being human, if given the chance and knowledge


Now here's your part of the deal, 'cause
Now it's your turn to fulfill your promise


Lay the secret on me of man's red fire
Teach me the secret of how to make fire


But I don't know how to make fire
I am acknowledging my lack of knowledge and need for guidance


Now don't try to kid me, mancub
Don't deceive or trick me, human


I made a deal with you
We agreed to help each other


What I desire is man's red fire
My desire is to obtain the power and knowledge of creating fire


To make my dream come true
So I can fulfill my desire and ambition


Now, give me the secret, mancub
Share the knowledge and power of creating fire with me, human


C'mon, clue me what to do
Please give me instructions and guidance


Give me the power of man's red flower
Give me the ability and knowledge to create fire


So I can be like you
So I can become more human-like


Someone like me
A creature like me


Can learn to be
Is capable of becoming


Like someone like me
Like another ape like me


Can learn to be
Is capable of becoming


Like someone like you
Like a human like you


Can learn to be
Is capable of becoming


Like someone like me
Like another ape like me




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

John Pat Bourassa

LOVE IT!

Verica Bulovic

1950's: Original I Wan'na Be Like You By Louis Prima
1967: Remaked Version, Jungle Book Version

Cxlxred Xandy

This is my first time listening to the orginal song, i only listened to th remixed version.

Maryanna Chanteuse

I love you.. !!

Matthew McSheffrey

2 Cool Cats👍😃👍👍👍

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