Phish.net

This Disney classic has been covered by everyone from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to Los Lobos. In the lyrics, King Louie longs to be human, bemoaning the difficulties of animalhood, attracted by the complexity of human social life, and desiring the secret of fire.

Though every bit as animal, social, and fiery as the rest of the band, Fishman is not a typical front man, or singer. But Phish has built audiences who tolerate fun, and what better tune with which to let Fishman face his frailties, front and center. The debut featured horns, emboldening a temporary Disney-fication of Phish’s sound. Fishman kept up the gag, with eight more performances in the months following, but has not King Louied it since.

 

Watch I Wan'na Be Like You on YouTube "I Wanna Be Like You" – The Jungle Book

(Richard and Robert Sherman)
© Wonderland Music Company, Inc. (BMI)

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 bothering me
I wanna be a man, mancub
And stroll right into town
And be just like the other men
I'm tired of monkeying 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 human 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!