Disney Music: Baloo's Blues

The song Baloo's Blues was recorded after the release and commercial success of The Jungle Book, after the masses heard the soundtrack they wanted more. So, Disney had the Sherman Brothers write additional music that would sound like it belonged to the original movie. Additionally, they had Phil Harris come in and record it, it was one of their most successful records at the time.

I personally enjoy this song because it has blues notes in it, which are true to the original movie and also reveal the darker side of the story. Rudyard Kipling's story is very dark, and even though Disney did a fantastic job of translating it into an age-appropriate story line, it is nice to get some depth into the music in addition to what already is there.

 

It's a blue, blue jungle
Ev'ry vine, ev'ry tree
Yes, it's a blue, blue jungle
Not like it used to be
Because my little buddy
My little Mowgli's far from me
An' I got the misery

Oh, they civilized my mancub
Washed his face and combed his hair–sticky gooey stuff, yeah
They civilized my mancub
Gave him way-out clothes to where–nowhere
They're messin' with my Mowgli
And he would've made one swell bear

Oh, I'm on the road to ruin
Stewin' 'bout him night 'n day
Yes, I'm just a broodin' bruin
Stewin' while I'm turnin' gray
I've got to have my mancub
Gotta get him back here right away–someway

And if anybody tries to stop me
He better bring all the help he can
Hear me talkin' to ya
I said if anybody tries to stop me
He gonna get a one-way ticket to the promised land
I'm preachin' now
'Cause I'm gonna cave in his casaba
I'm gonna pull it off
And then lay it in his hand

I've got those sad-about-'im
Can't-live-without-'im
Baloo blues