I Wan'na Be Like You
Smash Mouth, Disney
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Can you hear it? Yeah, .man! Why-why-yyyyyea! Now I'm the king of the swinger zone The jungle V.I.P I reached the top, and had to stop And that's what's bothering me! I wan'na be a man, mancub And stroll right into town And be just like the other men I'm tired of monkeying around Oh, Ohbeedoo I wan'na be like you! (abee dobee dobee) I wan'na walk like you, (ching) Talk like you do (ching) You'll see it's true (shobee doo) An ape like me (shobee dobee dobee) Can learn to be Human too! 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 Gimmie the secret man cub C'mon tell me what to do Give me the power of man's red flower So I can be like you Oh, Ohbeedoo I wan'na be like you! (abee dobee dobee) I wan'na walk like you, (ching) Talk like you do (ching) You'll see it's true (shobee doo) An ape like me (shobee dobee dobee) Can learn to be Human too! Moglee: Check this out! Can you hear it? Why-why-yyyyyea! (Elephant Noise) Moglee: Hit it papa bear! (Instrumental Break) Yeah, you! I wan'na be like you! (abee dobee dobee) I wan'na walk like you, (ching) Talk like you do (ching) You'll see it's true (shobee doo) An ape like me (shobee dobee dobee) Can learn to be Human too! I can learn to be Someone like you I can learn to be Someone like me! Yeah, man!
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman
Lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
History of the Song"I Wan'na Be Like You" is a song from Walt Disney's 1967 animated film The Jungle Book. It was originally sung by Louis Prima, who voiced the character King Louie.
|
Musical InfluenceThe song exhibits elements of scat singing and jazz, which were popular music styles during the time when Louis Prima was active in the music industry.
|
Songwriters"I Wan'na Be Like You" was written by Robert and Richard Sherman, who are famous for writing some of Disney's most memorable songs, including the music for Mary Poppins, The Aristocats, The Sword in the Stone and more.
|
InspirationsRichard Sherman has stated that Louis Armstrong was the main inspiration for the song. Initially, Disney had approached Armstrong to sing the song, but ultimately Louis Prima was chosen due to controversy surrounding Armstrong's race.
|
Character DepictedIn The Jungle Book, "I Wan'na Be Like You" is sung by the character King Louie, an orangutan who expresses his desire to be human.
|
Popular CoversMany artists have done covers of "I Wan'na Be Like You", including The Jonas Brothers, Robbie Williams and Olly Murs. The song is particularly popular in the UK, where it has been in the top 40 charts multiple times.
|
Live PerformancesThe song was performed live by the cast of Disney's The Jungle Book at the 1968 Academy Awards.
|
Cultural ImpactThe song has been used in various other films, TV shows, and commercials as well as being included in various Disney soundtracks and compilation albums.
|
Music VideoThe song's music video is quite historic and nostalgic as it was created using a traditional hand-drawn animation style, which Disney no longer employs.
|
Controversies"I Wan'na Be Like You" has been criticized for its perceived racial undertones. However, the Sherman Brothers have asserted that the song and its associated character were created purely for entertainment, with no social or political agenda intended.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"I Wan'na Be Like You Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35713577/Disney/I+Wan%27na+Be+Like+You>.
Discuss the I Wan'na Be Like You 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