Los Lobos — I Wanna Be Like You
Album: Just Another Band From East L.A.Avg rating:
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Total ratings: 1034
Length: 3:07
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Now I'm the king of the swingers world
The jungle be I be
I reach the top and have to stop
And that's what's a bother to me
I wan'na be a man, a man cub
And stroll right into town
And be just like the other men
I'm tired of humping around
So, ooh, I wan'na be just like you
I wan'na walk like you
Talk like you too
You see it's true
An ape like me
Can learn to be human too
Now don't try to kid me man cub
I made a deal with you
What I desire is man's red fire
To make my dream come true
Give me the secret man cub
Just clue me what to do
Give me the power of man's red flower
So I can be like you
So, ooh, I wan'na be just like you
I wan'na walk like you
Talk like you too
You see it's true
An ape like me
Can learn to be human too
You see it's true
An ape like me
Can learn to be human too
The jungle be I be
I reach the top and have to stop
And that's what's a bother to me
I wan'na be a man, a man cub
And stroll right into town
And be just like the other men
I'm tired of humping around
So, ooh, I wan'na be just like you
I wan'na walk like you
Talk like you too
You see it's true
An ape like me
Can learn to be human too
Now don't try to kid me man cub
I made a deal with you
What I desire is man's red fire
To make my dream come true
Give me the secret man cub
Just clue me what to do
Give me the power of man's red flower
So I can be like you
So, ooh, I wan'na be just like you
I wan'na walk like you
Talk like you too
You see it's true
An ape like me
Can learn to be human too
You see it's true
An ape like me
Can learn to be human too
Comments (138)add comment
This isn't exactly the same version as appeared on Stay Awake.... a great collection of Disney interpretation. I discovered the fantabulous Betty Carter from this album...
davidsavop wrote:
This is a lot of fun and no pale imitation of the original. Toe-tappin'!
While I absolutely love King Louis and the original version of this song, I must against the tide on this one. This artist brings a musicality to the song that is quite refreshing. Let this stand on its own, and don't compare it to the original. The song is so different from the original that I can appreciate both versions for what they are, and open up my mind to allow both versions to exist in my music universe! 😎
i think Louis Prima would dig this version too!
i think Louis Prima would dig this version too!
This is a lot of fun and no pale imitation of the original. Toe-tappin'!
I'm in two minds about rating this. The original is utterly brilliant of course, and this is played very very well - if I was watching this performed live, it would be awesome and very enjoyable. As it's recorded, my mind is constantly comparing to the original and finding it a bit lacking and I'm wondering why I'm listening to an inferior (albeit pretty good) version. I'll give it a 6 = "pretty good".
I saw that documentary. I think it was War for the Planet of the Apes. 
SmackDaddy wrote:
You might want to google chimpanzees and war. I wouldn't say it they do it for fun, but they certainly wage war.
SmackDaddy wrote:
You might want to google chimpanzees and war. I wouldn't say it they do it for fun, but they certainly wage war.
VH1 wrote:
You might want to google chimpanzees and war. I wouldn't say it they do it for fun, but they certainly wage war.
Why any sane animal would want to be like a Human is beyond me!
Animals do not kill each other just for the fun of it and they would not destroy the only plant they have available to live on!
Animals do not kill each other just for the fun of it and they would not destroy the only plant they have available to live on!
You might want to google chimpanzees and war. I wouldn't say it they do it for fun, but they certainly wage war.
Much prefer the version with Christopher Walken from Jungle Book 2016.
Louie Prima, one of the greats of American music, our hometown hero (he'd be more beloved if not for being eclipsed by the other Louie...Armstrong, that is. Nobody can compete with Satchmo). This is a great version. Few people know that he was the composer, musician, as well as the voice of King Louie in the original Jungle Book movie. You broke the mold, Louie. I want to sing like you, play like you, swing like yoooooouuuuu...
expatlar wrote:
Bear theme going today!
Lotta' very good musicianship going on there.
Bear theme going today!
Just boppin along...
Lotta' very good musicianship going on there.
Hey Bill, since the Jungle Book remake was .......less than satisfying, may I recommend Kubo and the 2 Strings?
Simply superb.
Simply superb.
Why any sane animal would want to be like a Human is beyond me!
Animals do not kill each other just for the fun of it and they would not destroy the only plant they have available to live on!
Animals do not kill each other just for the fun of it and they would not destroy the only plant they have available to live on!
Sounds very much like something Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks would have done.
stevieslo wrote:
Steve Berlin.
great song by a very cool band, but the real beauty in this version is the solos (especially the sax one in the middle)!
Steve Berlin.
one of my first 'non-top-40' songs to love.
great song by a very cool band, but the real beauty in this version is the solos (especially the sax one in the middle)!
While I absolutely love King Louis and the original version of this song, I must against the tide on this one. This artist brings a musicality to the song that is quite refreshing. Let this stand on its own, and don't compare it to the original. The song is so different from the original that I can appreciate both versions for what they are, and open up my mind to allow both versions to exist in my music universe! 😎
i think Louis Prima would dig this version too!
i think Louis Prima would dig this version too!
The Goodman (Chicago) put on the Jungle Book, and you would be completely satisfied by their version. So good.
Really brought out all the subtle issues with the Jungle Book tale - which is remarkable because both the story and music get at the meaning with both irony and a certain joy.
Really brought out all the subtle issues with the Jungle Book tale - which is remarkable because both the story and music get at the meaning with both irony and a certain joy.
this song is the Jungle book, and no matter who tries to make a cover of it, it will never sound better than in the movie. It's the version that automatically comes in my head when the first notes start.
the last cover, done by Robbie Williams, was horrible.
the last cover, done by Robbie Williams, was horrible.
Gimme Louis Prima & Phil Harris - that's what I'm hearing in my head, anyway.
Not a patch on the Jungle book version. Give me King Louis any day
didnt see this post until I posted mine - obviously couldnt agree more. dave_porter wrote:
No. Give me the Jungle Book version - with Baloo's little asides - over this any time. Lacks the verve of the original.
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No. Give me the Jungle Book version - with Baloo's little asides - over this any time. Lacks the verve of the original.
Love this song - hate this cover of it! Maybe because I so love the original....
Bill, why not play that one? You tend to play timeless classics that stand up well over time - I bet that version may be prove to have that quality.
DavidS_UK wrote:
No. Give me the Jungle Book version - with Baloo's little asides - over this any time. Lacks the verve of the original.
Did this really need a cover version?
No. Give me the Jungle Book version - with Baloo's little asides - over this any time. Lacks the verve of the original.
sunybuny wrote:
........ "I'm Dancing" " I'm Dancing"
Head dancing at the office.... love this version.
........ "I'm Dancing" " I'm Dancing"
Fun transition from Lyle Lovett's Bears to this :)
Johray63 wrote:
Perhaps it might sound something like this version of "Heigh-ho." The Los Lobos song and the Waits "Heigh-ho" were on the 1988 tribute record Stay Awake. I wouldn't mind hearing more of those on RP. I think the version of "Little April Shower" by Natalie Merchant, Michael Stipe, and The Roches is marvelous.
I was wondering how a Tom Waits version would sound, it's the kind of song that suits him well, too, I think.
Perhaps it might sound something like this version of "Heigh-ho." The Los Lobos song and the Waits "Heigh-ho" were on the 1988 tribute record Stay Awake. I wouldn't mind hearing more of those on RP. I think the version of "Little April Shower" by Natalie Merchant, Michael Stipe, and The Roches is marvelous.
Head dancing at the office.... love this version.
The_Enemy wrote:
You mean 'this is a cool song even when Los Lobos does it'.
geez
I remember having the Jungle Book LP as a kid. This was a cool song even when Disney did it.
You mean 'this is a cool song even when Los Lobos does it'.
geez
Great, quirky song from a phenomenal band
This usually follow Lyle Lovett's Bears like it did here. No one likes Lyle's Bears everyone likes the Jungle book. Huh. I am the other way around. But the wonders of RP. PSD for me on this one.
Saire wrote:
And why isn't that available anymore? I wanted to buy it for my grand kids. We wore out that old LP with the great pictures and narration. I looked hard for a CD version with the same narration and pictures, but I don't think it exists—which is a shame!
Yay! Always liked this song in Disney's "Jungle Book" and love this version of it!
And why isn't that available anymore? I wanted to buy it for my grand kids. We wore out that old LP with the great pictures and narration. I looked hard for a CD version with the same narration and pictures, but I don't think it exists—which is a shame!
Yay! Always liked this song in Disney's "Jungle Book" and love this version of it!
Zany...made me look to the playlist, so that has to be good. 7.
zane9 wrote:
It's very difficult to keep track of. Their first indy record was called Just another band from East L.A., released in 78 and reissued in 2000, this best-of 2-cd set was released in 1993 with the same title.
The Los Lobos goes Disney CD (2009) is cool too if you like this...
This track is on that CD but was originally on a various artists 1988 Disney tribute album. I'm pretty sure it's the same recording.
Wikipedia says this album was released on vinyl in 1978, and reissued in 2000.
I get some Joni Mitchell vibes in the song.
I get some Joni Mitchell vibes in the song.
It's very difficult to keep track of. Their first indy record was called Just another band from East L.A., released in 78 and reissued in 2000, this best-of 2-cd set was released in 1993 with the same title.
The Los Lobos goes Disney CD (2009) is cool too if you like this...
This track is on that CD but was originally on a various artists 1988 Disney tribute album. I'm pretty sure it's the same recording.
What a gem!!!
I wanna dance in the middle of the office! 
I was wondering how a Tom Waits version would sound, it's the kind of song that suits him well, too, I think.
How can this song NOT make you smile??
This lacks the verve of the original. Substituting a Latino vibe for the wild jungle boogie doesn't do it for me, I'm afraid.
I remember having the Jungle Book LP as a kid. This was a cool song even when Disney did it.
Wikipedia says this album was released on vinyl in 1978, and reissued in 2000.
I get some Joni Mitchell vibes in the song.
I get some Joni Mitchell vibes in the song.
Haven't heard this version. Pretty cool.
Cute song...well done! Agree with Snoopy2.
Awesome dance song!!!!!! I could listen to it all day!!!!!
Okay, THIS is the Radio Paradise I've come to love. Who knows what the hell Bill's going to spin next?
What a great change of pace!!!!!
do I detect a theme? Keep it up — how far can you go with this one?
Excellent! And a great bari sax solo. Always fun to hear.
To quote a frequent visitor to these pages....We be dancing..........
Businessgypsy wrote:
Done... and it will be on me! Least I can do for a fellow Gemini!
When I'm in-country, my home base is diagonally opposite where you are. I've toured as far as Albuquerque on my Honda Interceptor. One of these days, I'll make it as far as the Keys!
More a humorous comment on the recording used on the movie soundtrack being Louis Prima's, not Los Lobos - but I am tickled by your asking me to be less judgmental in such an evenhanded manner. Hey, I live on Earth as well. Maybe we could catch a beer sometime.
Done... and it will be on me! Least I can do for a fellow Gemini!
When I'm in-country, my home base is diagonally opposite where you are. I've toured as far as Albuquerque on my Honda Interceptor. One of these days, I'll make it as far as the Keys!
Sweet! Go Lobos! Nice homage to Louis Prima!
Did this really need a cover version?
jenakle wrote:
...except louie sung sung this one, the orangutan...
I see what you did there
Los Lobos - I Wanna Be Like You
Lyle Lovett - Bears
Los Lobos - I Wanna Be Like You
Lyle Lovett - Bears
...except louie sung sung this one, the orangutan...
I see what you did there
Los Lobos - I Wanna Be Like You
Lyle Lovett - Bears
Los Lobos - I Wanna Be Like You
Lyle Lovett - Bears
Aegean wrote:
...Oh, wait... you're a businessman. THAT explains it!
More a humorous comment on the recording used on the movie soundtrack being Louis Prima's, not Los Lobos - but I am tickled by your asking me to be less judgmental in such an evenhanded manner. Hey, I live on Earth as well. Maybe we could catch a beer sometime. Businessgypsy wrote:
I have always been a fan of Prima's version, but this one made me perk up, move and smile. I'm willing to say that, though stylistically a tad different, they are equally good You don't have to dump on the competition to protect your own favorite.
Oh, wait... you're a businessman. THAT explains it!
Agreed, but this isn't it. Louis Prima rules, Los Lobos drools.
I have always been a fan of Prima's version, but this one made me perk up, move and smile. I'm willing to say that, though stylistically a tad different, they are equally good You don't have to dump on the competition to protect your own favorite.
Oh, wait... you're a businessman. THAT explains it!
RabbitEars wrote:
This is such a great album! Tom Waits absolutely kills "Hi Ho" and Bonnie Raitt's cover of "Baby Mine" is the best song of hers nobody's heard.
This is such a great album! Tom Waits absolutely kills "Hi Ho" and Bonnie Raitt's cover of "Baby Mine" is the best song of hers nobody's heard.
Squirrel Nut Zippers??
Saxophone recalled this 
akousa wrote:
Great call!
A charming interpretation from one of the all-time great American bands.
Great call!
A charming interpretation from one of the all-time great American bands.
gatorade wrote:
Good song from a GREAT movie.
Agreed, but this isn't it. Louis Prima rules, Los Lobos drools.great tune ~ great band
Anything Disney - automatic 1.
This is so much fun!
i like this monkey business!Good song from a GREAT movie.
this makes me verah happah
HA!! A good laugh ....
Is this for the babysitters out there?
crockydile wrote:
That's the first album I ever bought with my own money (25c a week allowance). I loved that album and still have it, some 40 years later. This is a great song, but the Louis Prima original is really the kicker.
I learned this song from this album.
That's the first album I ever bought with my own money (25c a week allowance). I loved that album and still have it, some 40 years later. This is a great song, but the Louis Prima original is really the kicker.
Yippee! I love this!
How 'bout the David Lee Roth version? Or did I just dream that?
I learned this song from this album.
Now we're running the plagerism thread? (not Los Lobos, but Entrain!!!) Eliza Gilkyson's dad, Terry Gilkyson sure could write!
Bill, get out of my head!!
I was just coming to post that the Entrain song reminded me of this, and it starts playing...
I was just coming to post that the Entrain song reminded me of this, and it starts playing...
Yet another perfect transition from song to song. Thanks Bill!
gofishbish wrote:
good one!
oh please. love this song but original was "out of sight man". this sounds like american idol does disney.
good one! majdim7th wrote:
.
Oddly enough this track is included on the above little Disney tribute CD. Also appearing are Bonnie Raitt, Tom Waits, Aaron Neville, Betty Carter, James Taylor, Ringo Starr, and many others, but nobody wanted to do "Bear Necessities"
Great band. Fabulous movie.
I can't help but wonder if the lyricists had been pondering the nuclear proliferation questions of the day. Could King Louis be a Third World leader eager to get his hands on the secrets of the First's red fire? Likely not an intentional analogy, but a former student of this kind of rubbish, it leaps out at me when I hear or play this one nevertheless.
Who'd pull off the ultimate "Bare Necessities"? Ozomatli, perhaps?
I can't help but wonder if the lyricists had been pondering the nuclear proliferation questions of the day. Could King Louis be a Third World leader eager to get his hands on the secrets of the First's red fire? Likely not an intentional analogy, but a former student of this kind of rubbish, it leaps out at me when I hear or play this one nevertheless.
Who'd pull off the ultimate "Bare Necessities"? Ozomatli, perhaps?
.
Oddly enough this track is included on the above little Disney tribute CD. Also appearing are Bonnie Raitt, Tom Waits, Aaron Neville, Betty Carter, James Taylor, Ringo Starr, and many others, but nobody wanted to do "Bear Necessities"
oh please. love this song but original was "out of sight man". this sounds like american idol does disney.
Great band. Fabulous movie.
I can't help but wonder if the lyricists had been pondering the nuclear proliferation questions of the day. Could King Louis be a Third World leader eager to get his hands on the secrets of the First's red fire? Likely not an intentional analogy, but a former student of this kind of rubbish, it leaps out at me when I hear or play this one nevertheless.
Who'd pull off the ultimate "Bare Necessities"? Ozomatli, perhaps?
I can't help but wonder if the lyricists had been pondering the nuclear proliferation questions of the day. Could King Louis be a Third World leader eager to get his hands on the secrets of the First's red fire? Likely not an intentional analogy, but a former student of this kind of rubbish, it leaps out at me when I hear or play this one nevertheless.
Who'd pull off the ultimate "Bare Necessities"? Ozomatli, perhaps?
Sing it King Louie!! Go Baloo!! Swing Mogli swing!!
This is great. Reminds me of one of my earliest memories. We had a Disney LP with this song on it. I knew this song before I'd ever seen the movie. Great stuff. Thanks for playing it.
This is great. Reminds me of one of my earliest memories. We had a Disney LP with this song on it. I knew this song before I'd ever seen the movie. Great stuff. Thanks for playing it.
i like this one
Funny and nice!
A band to check out? (*wonder, wonder*)
A band to check out? (*wonder, wonder*)
Yes. Should have played the real version from the film. A brilliant song! Ha, when Baloo burst into the throng, wearing a hula skirt and two coconut shells. A true comedy moment!
Hmmmmm, a very distant 2nd. Bring back Louis, bring back Louis.......
There should be a law against covering perfect songs. It only ends in tears...
Oh c'mon. If you don't like this song, you were never a kid.
jjbix wrote:
why did they bother to cover this song and do a chumpy version of it? A weak "2."
Maybe because some of us played this album over and over for our kids, and it's all about emotion in the end. I really enjoyed hearing it again.
Made me look up from what I was doing, but I much prefer the original (which is great!).
When I was little, back in the Dark Ages, I used to have the Jungle Book soundtrack album. On the back was a whiteboard drawing of the Disney characters. I can't tell you how many hours I spent listening to that music and coloring and recoloring that damned whiteboard.
Oof! 
meydele wrote:
And again. The Jungle Book had some awesome songs.
Did anyone but me think the dude singing (don't know his name, sorry!) sounded just like Tom Waits for the first few bars?
That was Cesar...and though I never thought of it, you're right. Then again, they are fans and friends of Tom Waits.
Los Lobos has another children's album planned for the not-to-distant future.
Thank God it's over.
why did they bother to cover this song and do a chumpy version of it? A weak "2."
Excellent.
Hidalgo channeling Poindexter...
We need more awesome versions of Disney sing-along songs.
Pyro wrote:
This reminds me of Cherry Poppin Daddies. REAL different for LL.
Thatz'a shame
RobK wrote:
If you have kids and like Los Lobos you should know they made an entire album just for kids with a man named Lalo Guerrero, it's called Papa's Dream. Even I like it and I'm a bachelor.
I'll have to check that out - thanks for the tip!
ireneect wrote:
Mad props to RP for spreading the Jungle Book love.
And again. The Jungle Book had some awesome songs.
Did anyone but me think the dude singing (don't know his name, sorry!) sounded just like Tom Waits for the first few bars?
A fun version of a really fun song. 
aflanigan wrote:
The album this comes from originally (Stay Awake) is one of my favorites. Came out just in time for my kids!
this album has some of the creepiest disney covers ever.
My son has this on his i-pod, we crank it up and sing while driving, man do we get some looks.
check out the traditional stuff on this album- "el Gusto and La Pistola..." are super hot. Dig it Bill? Play it man!
aflanigan wrote:
The album this comes from originally (Stay Awake) is one of my favorites. Came out just in time for my kids!
If you have kids and like Los Lobos you should know they made an entire album just for kids with a man named Lalo Guerrero, it's called Papa's Dream. Even I like it and I'm a bachelor.
Pyro wrote:
This reminds me of Cherry Poppin Daddies. REAL different for LL.
Funny you say that,because the version of this song that I really like is done by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, which is also the version on the Swingers soundtrack! Anybody have that version to upload?
This reminds me of Cherry Poppin Daddies. REAL different for LL.
I love that RP plays this song. Good memories....
I heard a bluegrass cover of this once that was kinda fun. I think it was The Waybacks.
This isn't exactly the same version as appeared on Stay Awake.... a great collection of Disney interpretation. I discovered the fantabulous Betty Carter from this album...
The Replacements did a Disney cover?