All you gotta do is
Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
Old Mother Nature’s recipes
That brings the bare necessities of life
Wherever I wander, wherever I roam
I couldn’t be fonder of my big home
The bees are buzzin’ in the tree
To make some honey just for me
When you look under the rocks and plants
And take a glance at the fancy ants
Then maybe try a few
The bare necessities of life will come to you
They’ll come to you!
Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
That’s why a bear can rest at ease
With just the bare necessities of life
Now when you pick a pawpaw or a prickly pear
And you prick a raw paw, well, next time beware
Don’t pick the prickly pear by the paw
When you pick a pear try to use the claw
But you don’t need to use the claw
When you pick a pear of the big pawpaw
Have I given you a clue?
The bare necessities of life will come to you
They’ll come to you!
So just try and relax, yeah, cool it
Fall apart in my backyard
‘Cause let me tell you something, Little Britches
If you act like that bee acts, uh-uh
You’re working too hard
And don’t spend your time lookin’ around
For something you want that can’t be found
When you find out you can live without it
And go along not thinkin’ about it
I’ll tell you something true
The bare necessities of life will come to you!
Behind the Music: Meaning & Story
In the 2016 live-action reimagining of The Jungle Book, director Jon Favreau and composer John Debney faced the challenge of blending a realistic, high-stakes jungle world with the beloved musical legacy of the 1967 original. “The Bare Necessities” remains the heart of the story, performed in this version by Bill Murray (as Baloo) and Neel Sethi (as Mowgli).
The song, originally written by Terry Gilkyson, serves as Baloo’s carefree philosophy on life. While the rest of the jungle is governed by “The Law,” Baloo advocates for a simpler, relaxed existence. The 2016 version keeps the iconic jazzy rhythm but incorporates a more organic, “floating down the river” feel to match the stunning visual effects of the scene.
John Debney’s score pays homage to the original Sherman Brothers compositions while elevating the scale to a cinematic orchestral level. This specific track highlights the growing bond between Mowgli and Baloo, proving that even in a dangerous jungle, there is room for joy, friendship, and a good prickly pear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who sings “The Bare Necessities” in the 2016 movie?
The song is performed by Bill Murray, who provides the voice for Baloo, alongside Neel Sethi, who plays Mowgli.
Did the 2016 film use all the original songs?
No, the film focused on “The Bare Necessities” and “I Wan’na Be Like You,” while other songs were incorporated into John Debney’s orchestral score or featured in the end credits.
What was the UK release date for The Jungle Book?
The film was released in United Kingdom cinemas on April 15, 2016.
