Imagine being the undisputed king of the jungle, yet secretly day-dreaming about swapping vines for sidewalks. That is the playful dilemma at the heart of “Être Un Homme Comme Vous,” Ben L’Oncle Soul’s soulful, horn-filled remake of Disney’s classic I Wanna Be Like You. Sung from the viewpoint of an exuberant ape, the lyrics reveal a comical mix of confidence and envy: he is proud of his animal power, but he longs to walk, talk, and live like humans do. His repeated “Wou-pi-dou” keeps the mood light, even as he bargains for the mysterious “grande fleur rouge” (fire) that will make him fully human.
Beneath the swing and scatting lies a universal message about identity, aspiration, and belonging. The monkey’s wish to become “plus humain” shows how we all look up to what seems out of reach, convinced that adopting someone else’s abilities will complete us. At the same time, his cheeky claim that he might end up “bien plus humain qu’vous” flips the script, suggesting that true humanity is measured not by species, but by curiosity and heart. With its infectious groove and witty French lyrics, the song invites learners to reflect on what it really means to be human while tapping their feet to an irresistible beat.