I Wanna Be like You

About

I Wanna Be Like You was released in November 2013 as part of Swings Both Ways and features a duet between Robbie Williams and Olly Murs. The song is a reinterpretation of the 1967 classic from Disney’s The Jungle Book, written by Richard and Robert Sherman and originally performed by Louis Prima as King Louie and Phil Harris as Baloo. Williams described it as “a big personality song” that he wanted to include because of its energy and showmanship.

The track was recorded after Williams and Murs toured Europe together in 2013, developing a friendship built on mutual admiration and similar stage presence. Murs’s first X Factor audition had featured the same song, making the collaboration a personal full circle for him. Williams said, “Olly’s a showman and there aren’t many around. He sings really well too, and this one just fit us both perfectly.” Their lively chemistry is evident throughout the track, filled with ad-libbed exchanges and playful improvisation.

Musically, I Wanna Be Like You retains the swing rhythm of the original but with a contemporary big-band arrangement by Steve Sidwell. The pair trade lines with exuberant flair, injecting humour and camaraderie into every verse. The middle section includes new lyrics added during recording, including the call-and-response refrain “Swing to the left, swing to the right,” reflecting the spontaneity of their collaboration.

“I wanted a big personality song for this record, and I Wanna Be Like You is just that. I intend to take this album on the road, and this song is built for fun and interaction with the audience.”Robbie Williams

The duo performed the song together on The Graham Norton Show and at the Royal Variety Performance in 2013, both times earning enthusiastic responses for their effortless rapport. The performance became one of the highlights of the Swings Both Ways tour, with Williams donning a monkey mask and embracing the song’s playful spirit. Their shared sense of humour and mutual respect turned a beloved children’s classic into a joyous showcase of showmanship and friendship, cementing it as one of the standout moments of the album.