Phil Harris and Bruce Reitherman are best known for their collaboration in Disney’s 1967 animated film The Jungle Book, where they performed the popular song “The Bare Necessities” together.
Phil Harris voiced Baloo the bear, bringing a relaxed, jazzy charm and improvisational style that made the character unforgettable. Bruce Reitherman, the son of the film’s director, voiced Mowgli, giving the character a youthful innocence and sincerity.
Their voices blended perfectly, showing the playful and heartwarming friendship between Baloo and Mowgli. Their collaboration is a standout example of how voice acting and music can bring animated characters to life in a meaningful way.
About the Song
The Bare Necessities is about living simply and enjoying life without worrying too much. The song encourages focusing on what you truly need and letting go of stress and unnecessary wants.
It teaches that happiness comes from appreciating the basics in life and being content with what you have, rather than constantly seeking more.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1967 |
| Album | The Jungle Book (Original Soundtrack) (1967) |
| Writer | Terry Gilkyson |
| Producer | Tutti Camarata |
Read Full Lyrics of The Bare Necessities
Spoken Intro: Baloo
All you gotta do is…
Chorus: Baloo
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 bring the bare necessities of life
Verse 1: Baloo
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
Skit: Baloo, Mowgli & Bagheera
You eat ants?
Hahaha, you gotta believe it
And you’re gonna love the way they tickle
Mowgli, look out!
Pre-Chorus: Baloo & Mowgli
The bare necessities of life will come to you (When?)
They’ll come to you
Chorus: Baloo
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
Verse 2: Baloo & Mowgli
Now when you pick a pawpaw
Or a prickly pear (Ow!)
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?
(Golly, thanks Baloo!)
Skit: Bagheera & Baloo
Paw-paw, ha! Of all the silly gibberish
C’mon Baggy, get with the beat!
Pre-Chorus: Baloo & Mowgli
The bare necessities of life will come to you
(They’ll come to me!)
They’ll come to you
Interlude: Baloo & Mowgli
How about scratchin’ that ol’ left shoulder while you’re up there, Mowgli?
Now just a hair lower.. There, right there. That’s it. Ahh..
This is beautiful. That’s good. Kid, we’ve got to get to a tree
This calls for some big scratch!
You’re lots of fun, Baloo!
Right on it.. Yeah! That’s delicious! Oh, ooo! Just a little bit–
Mmm.. yeah.. ha-ha.. ooo
Mm… mmm… ha-ha.. ooo. yeah!
Oh man, this is really livin’
Bridge: Baloo
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
Skit: Bagheera & Baloo
Ahh.. I give up. Well I hope his luck holds out
Mowgli, how ’bout you singing?
Chorus: Baloo, Mowgli & Both
Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
(Yeah, man!)
I mean the bare necessities
Old Mother Nature’s recipes
That bring the bare necessities of life
(Yeah!)
With just the bare necessities of life
Yeah, man!
Similar Songs Like The Bare Necessities
If you enjoy The Bare Necessities, you might also like these songs by Phil Harris, each offering its own unique charm:
- I Wan’na Be Like You: This upbeat tune from The Jungle Book features catchy rhythms and playful lyrics, showing Harris’s energetic performance alongside Louis Prima.
- That’s What I Like About the South: This lively song celebrates the unique culture of the South, and Harris delivers it with his signature humor and charm, making it a delightful listen.
- The Thing: A novelty song with a mysterious twist, storytelling, and a catchy chorus makes it an entertaining and memorable track.
- Woodman Spare That Tree: A comedic take on environmentalism, the artist pleads with a woodman to spare a tree, blending humor with a message.
Similar Artists Like Phil Harris and Bruce Reitherman
Below is the list of similar artists who also combined singing with acting or worked on memorable movie music.
- Bing Crosby
Genre: Traditional Pop, Vocal Jazz
Top Albums: White Christmas (1945), Bing Sings Whilst Bregman Swings (1956) - Louis Prima
Genre: Jazz, Swing
Top Albums: The Wildest! (1956), Jump, Jive an’ Wail (1956) - Sterling Holloway
Genre: Voice Acting, Children’s Music
Top Albums: Winnie the Pooh Songs (Various compilations), Disney Favorites (Various) - Judy Garland
Genre: Pop, Musical Theatre
Top Albums: Judy at Carnegie Hall (1961), The Wizard of Oz Soundtrack (1939)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Inspired the Creation of The Bare Necessities?
The song was written to convey a message of simplicity and contentment, aligning with the film’s themes.
How did The Bare Necessities Impact the Film’s Popularity?
Its catchy tune and positive message contributed significantly to the film’s long-lasting appeal.
Are There any Notable Covers of The Bare Necessities?
Yes, artists like Louis Armstrong have created their own versions, adding unique styles.
