Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s version of I Wan’na Be Like You from The Jungle Book gained significant attention when it was released.
Their swing-style rendition of the classic song brought a fresh energy to the beloved tune, making it popular among both jazz and mainstream audiences.
It was a standout on the band’s album Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and became a hit during the swing revival of the late 1990s, with prominent TV appearances, and continues to tour widely, making their place in American swing music history.
About the Song
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s version of “I Wan’na Be Like You” brings a swing twist to the classic Jungle Book tune.
The song is playful and fun, with an upbeat tempo that makes you want to dance. The band’s brass-heavy sound adds a lot of energy to the song.
It captures the excitement of wanting to be like someone else in a lively, carefree way.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | N/A |
| Movie | Jungle Book |
| Writers | Swingers |
| Producers | Ben Vaughn |
Lyrics of I Wan’na Be Like You by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Now I’m the king of the swingers, boy, Jungle V.I.P
Well I’ve reached the top, and had to stop and that’s what’s bothering me
I wanna be a man, now man cub stroll right into town
Be just like the other men, I’m tired of monkeying around
So woo woo ooh, I wanna be just like you
Wanna walk like you, talk like you do
And you see it’s true, an ape like me
Can learn to be human too, yeah
Now don’t you mess with me man cub, I made a deal with you
What I desire is man’s red fire so I can be just like you
And don’t you mess with me man-cub, show me what to do
Give me the power of man’s red flower so I can be just like you
So woo woo ooh, I wanna be just like you
Wanna walk like you, talk like you do
And you see it’s true, an ape like me
Can learn to be human too, yeah
So woo woo ooh, I wanna be just like you
Wanna walk like you, talk like you do
And you see it’s true, an ape like me
Can learn to be human too, yeah
So ooh, I wanna be just like you
Wanna walk like you, talk like you do
You see it’s true, an ape like me
Can learn to be human too, yeah
Said ooh, I wanna be just like you
Wanna walk like you, talk like you do
You see it’s true, an ape like me
Can learn to be human too, yeah
Similar Songs Like I Wan’na Be Like You
If you enjoyed Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s swing version of “I Wan’na Be Like You,” you might enjoy more of their lively tracks that mix jazz, swing, and a modern touch.
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“Go Daddy-O“: A high-energy song that blends big band and swing influences, with an infectious rhythm that’s perfect for dancing.
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“You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3: This song has a jazzy, upbeat tempo with catchy lyrics, celebrating the carefree attitude of swing music.
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Mr. Pinstripe Suit: A classic swing number with a smooth, polished feel, combining clever lyrics and a catchy melody that captures the spirit of the genre.
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Jump With My Baby: An upbeat, danceable track that showcases the band’s unique take on the swing revival, with fun instrumentation and catchy lyrics.
Similar Artists Like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
If you enjoyed Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s fun swing rendition, these artists offer similar jazz and swing-infused tunes:
- Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Genres: Swing Revival, Big Band
Top Albums: Zoot Suit Riot (1997), Skaboy JFK (1996), Soul Caddy (2013) - The Brian Setzer Orchestra
Genres: Swing, Rockabilly, Big Band
Top Albums: The Dirty Boogie (1998), Vavoom! (2000), Rockin’ Rudolph (2005) - Royal Crown Revue
Genres: Swing, Jazz, Big Band
Top Albums: The Contender (1998), Mugzy’s Move (2000), Where the Sidewalk Ends (2003) - The Swingin’ Utters
Genres: Swing, Punk Rock, Rockabilly
Top Albums: Swingin’ Utters (1993), Fistful of Hollow (2003), Poorly Formed (2013) - The Squirrel Nut Zippers
Genres: Swing, Jazz, Big Band
Top Albums: Hot (1996), Perennial Favorites (1998), The Inevitable (2000)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s version Differ from The Original?
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s version of “I Wan’na Be Like You” adds a lively swing twist to the classic song, with upbeat brass and jazz influences, giving it a fresh, danceable feel.
Who Originally Performed I Wan’na Be Like You?
“I Wan’na Be Like You” was originally performed by Louis Prima as King Louie in Disney’s The Jungle Book (1967), and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s cover adds a jazzy, swing feel.
Why is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Version of the Song So Popular?
Its popularity stems from the band’s energetic swing reinterpretation, combining the classic Disney song with their distinctive jazz sound, making it both memorable and exciting for listeners.
