I Wan'Na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)
Louis Prima, Phil Harris
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
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, cuz 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!
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
4 fans
Written by: Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman
Lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Song Origins"I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)" was created for the 1967 Disney animation film, "The Jungle Book".
|
Composer DuoThe song was composed by the famous duo of brothers, Richard and Robert Sherman, who are well-known for their work in several Disney films.
|
Signature PerformanceThe song was originally sung by Louis Prima, playing the character of King Louie, the boisterous orangutan in "The Jungle Book".
|
Recording TechniqueTo capture the spontaneity and humor of Prima's performance, Disney recorded Prima's vocals live in the studio while they were filming his actions for the animators to draw from.
|
Character InspirationKing Louie, the character who sings the song in the film, was not in Rudyard Kipling's original collection of "Jungle Book" stories. Disney added the character as they needed a comically lighthearted character.
|
GenreThe song is a classic example of Jazz music and falls under the swing genre.
|
Notable CoversThe song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Jonas Brothers in 2007 and Olly Murs in 2015 for a Disney compilation album.
|
ChartingIn April 2016, the song re-entered the UK Singles Chart at number 83.
|
Film RemakesThe song was also included in the 2016 live-action adaptation of "The Jungle Book", sung by Christopher Walken who portrayed King Louie.
|
Song MeaningThe song portrays the human-like aspirations of King Louie, the orangutan who wants to learn the secret of man's red fire in order to become human.
|
Song CriticismWhile many enjoy the song for its catchy tune and humorous lyrics, some critics debate its portrayal of stereotypes, as they see an unintended reflection of the civil rights struggles in America at the time of the film's release.
|
Live PerformanceLouis Prima and his ensemble, including singer Gia Maione and sax player Sam Butera, performed "I Wan'na Be Like You" in the film and also performed it live in their nightclub acts.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"I Wan'Na Be Like You (The Monkey Song) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 10 Nov. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35164404/Louis+Prima/I+Wan%27Na+Be+Like+You+%28The+Monkey+Song%29>.
Powered by CITE.ME
Discuss the I Wan'Na Be Like You (The Monkey Song) Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In