16 Best Songs About Monkeys to Make You Hang Around

Monkeys have been a subject of fascination and inspiration for musicians for many years, resulting in numerous songs about them. The playful and mischievous nature of monkeys is often the focus of these songs, along with their intelligence, agility, and even their human-like qualities.

One of the most well-known songs about monkeys is “The Monkey Song” by the popular children’s performer, Raffi. The song describes various types of monkeys, their habits, and their habitats, making it an educational as well as entertaining tune for young listeners.

Another popular song about monkeys is “Monkey Man” by The Rolling Stones. The song features a groovy rhythm and catchy lyrics about a man who is compared to a monkey due to his wild behavior and energy.

“Brass Monkey” by the Beastie Boys is another famous song that features the word “monkey” in the title. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus have made it a party classic for many years.

Other songs about monkeys include “Funky Gibbon” by The Goodies, “Monkey Business” by Skid Row, and “The Monkey Time” by Major Lance.

Overall, songs about monkeys are a fun and playful way for musicians to explore the characteristics and behavior of these fascinating animals. They offer a lighthearted way to celebrate the intelligence, playfulness, and unique qualities of monkeys, making them a popular subject for many artists.

1. ‘Tweeter and the Monkey Man’ – The Traveling Wilburys

“Tweeter and the Monkey Man” is a gritty and cinematic rock song from the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, released in 1988. The song features a driving beat, twangy guitar riffs, and evocative lyrics that tell the story of a criminal underworld in New Jersey. The song was co-written by Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, and features lead vocals from Petty. The song’s vivid imagery and complex narrative have made it a fan favorite and a standout track on the Traveling Wilburys’ album “Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1”. The song’s dark and moody tone and memorable chorus have ensured its enduring popularity among rock fans.

2. ‘Everybody’s Got Something to Hide, Except For Me and My Monkey’ – The Beatles

“Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except for Me and My Monkey” is a psychedelic rock song by the Beatles from their self-titled album, also known as the “White Album.” Written by John Lennon, the song’s title and lyrics have been interpreted in different ways, but it is generally thought to be a commentary on the band’s growing fame and the need for privacy. The driving rhythm and distorted guitar give the song a frenzied energy that matches the chaotic lyrics. The use of the word “monkey” in the title and throughout the song is a playful nod to the band’s cheeky sense of humor. The song has become a fan favorite and a testament to the Beatles’ experimental phase in the late 1960s.

3. ‘Shock The Monkey’ – Peter Gabriel

“Shock the Monkey” is a haunting and atmospheric song from English musician Peter Gabriel, released in 1982. The song features Gabriel’s distinctive vocals and a pulsing synth-pop beat, as well as eerie sound effects and animal noises. The song’s lyrics are enigmatic and suggestive, exploring themes of fear, power, and primal instincts. The song’s memorable chorus, “Shock the monkey to life”, has become a classic rock catchphrase. “Shock the Monkey” was a commercial and critical success for Gabriel, cementing his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist and furthering the development of his signature sound.

4. ‘Monkey Gone to Heaven’ – Pixies

“Monkey Gone to Heaven” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1989. The song features the band’s signature raw and aggressive sound, combined with lyrics that touch on themes of environmentalism, spirituality, and mortality. The title refers to a belief in some cultures that when a monkey dies, it goes to heaven, while humans do not. The song has been praised for its unique and poetic lyrics, as well as its use of unusual instruments, such as the glockenspiel and slide whistle. It has become one of the Pixies’ most well-known and beloved songs, and a staple of alternative rock radio.

5. ‘Monkey Man’ – The Rolling Stones

6. ‘Monkey and the Engineer’ – The Grateful Dead

“Monkey and the Engineer” is a classic folk song by Jesse Fuller, which was later covered by The Grateful Dead. The song tells the story of a monkey who takes over the controls of a locomotive, and an engineer who tries to get him to stop. The catchy melody and playful lyrics make it a fun and lighthearted tune, with a classic folk sound that The Grateful Dead infuses with their own style. The song has become a fan favorite, and is often played at the band’s live shows, showcasing their ability to take a classic folk song and make it their own.

7. ‘Brass Monkey’ – Beastie Boys

“Brass Monkey” is a popular hip-hop song by the Beastie Boys, released in 1986 as part of their debut album “Licensed to Ill.” The song is known for its catchy beat, upbeat tempo, and playful lyrics that reference the cocktail of the same name. The song’s title is derived from the term “brass monkey,” which refers to a type of cannonball holder used on ships. The song has become a cult classic and is often cited as one of the group’s signature tracks, with its distinctive chorus and memorable samples. It has been covered and sampled by numerous artists over the years and remains a favorite among fans of old-school hip-hop and party music.

8. ‘Monkey Man’ – Toots and the Maytals

“Monkey Man” is a classic rock song from The Rolling Stones, released in 1969. The song features a driving beat, bluesy guitar riffs, and Mick Jagger’s distinctive vocals, as well as a catchy chorus and memorable lyrics that explore themes of love, desire, and the human condition. The song’s title and lyrics allude to the idea of man as a primitive and animalistic creature, and the chorus features Jagger’s trademark growl. “Monkey Man” has become a fan favorite and a staple of the Rolling Stones’ live performances, thanks to its memorable hook and timeless rock sound.

9. ‘Monkey Wrench’ – Foo Fighters

“Monkey Wrench” is a hard-rocking anthem from American rock band Foo Fighters, released in 1997. The song features Dave Grohl’s powerful vocals, crunching guitar riffs, and a driving rhythm section, as well as a memorable chorus and lyrics that explore themes of anger, frustration, and self-doubt. The song’s title and lyrics allude to the idea of being trapped or tormented by one’s own thoughts and feelings, like a monkey wrench in the gears of the mind. “Monkey Wrench” has become one of the Foo Fighters’ most iconic and enduring hits, thanks to its infectious energy and relatable lyrics.

10. ‘Punish The Monkey’ – Mark Knopfler

“Punish the Monkey” is a song by Mark Knopfler, released in 2007. The song features Knopfler’s signature guitar sound, as well as a catchy melody and lyrics that touch on themes of greed, corruption, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The song’s title and lyrics are a metaphor for the idea of punishing oneself by engaging in destructive behavior or sacrificing one’s own values in the pursuit of success. “Punish the Monkey” showcases Knopfler’s songwriting and guitar skills, as well as his ability to craft songs with depth and meaning.

11. ‘Monkey’ – Harry Belafonte

“Monkey” is a classic calypso song by Harry Belafonte, released in 1957. The upbeat and infectious melody is accompanied by Belafonte’s distinctive voice and features prominent percussion and brass instruments. The song’s lyrics are a humorous critique of human behavior, with the monkey serving as a metaphor for the foolish and irrational actions of people. “Monkey” is a fun and catchy tune that showcases Belafonte’s unique blend of Caribbean rhythms and American popular music. The song remains a beloved classic and a testament to Belafonte’s enduring legacy as a pioneer of world music.

12. ‘Part Man, Part Monkey’ – Bruce Springsteen

“Part Man, Part Monkey” is a song by American musician Bruce Springsteen, released in 1988 as a B-side to the single “Born to Run.” The song features Springsteen’s trademark storytelling and explores the idea of human evolution and the link between humans and primates. The lyrics suggest that humans have retained some of the primitive instincts of their primate ancestors, such as violence and territorialism. The song’s upbeat rhythm and Springsteen’s energetic vocals make it a standout track, and it has become a fan favorite among Springsteen’s devoted following. “Part Man, Part Monkey” is a thought-provoking and memorable addition to Springsteen’s extensive catalog of music.

13. ‘Too Much Monkey Business’ – Chuck Berry

“Too Much Monkey Business” is a classic rock and roll song by Chuck Berry. Released in 1956, the song features Berry’s signature guitar riff and energetic vocals. The lyrics describe the frustrations of modern life, with the narrator complaining about his job, his girlfriend, and the world around him. The repeated refrain of “Too much monkey business for me to be involved in” emphasizes the song’s theme of feeling overwhelmed and overworked. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Beatles and The Yardbirds, and remains a staple of rock and roll history.

14. ‘Monkeys’ – Echo and The Bunnymen

“Monkeys” is a brooding and atmospheric song by the English rock band Echo and the Bunnymen, featured on their 1997 album “Evergreen”. The song’s haunting melody and dark lyrics explore themes of captivity, isolation, and the struggle for freedom. The band’s trademark sound is on full display, with Ian McCulloch’s distinctive vocals and the driving rhythm section creating a sense of tension and urgency throughout. “Monkeys” is a standout track that showcases the band’s ability to craft powerful and emotive songs that leave a lasting impression on the listener.

15. ‘New Monkey’ – Elliott Smith

“New Monkey” is a haunting and melancholic song by singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. It was recorded in 1997 and released posthumously in 2007. The song tells the story of a monkey that is captured from the wild and put on display in a circus, where it is forced to perform for the amusement of others. Smith’s tender and emotional lyrics speak to the cruelty of animal captivity and the feeling of being trapped in a situation beyond one’s control. The song’s sparse and haunting melody is typical of Smith’s unique style and helps to convey the sadness and desperation of the monkey’s situation. “New Monkey” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners.

16. ‘Coupe De Ville’ – Neil Young

“Coupe De Ville” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young, released on his 1988 album “This Note’s for You”. The song features a catchy melody with a classic rock and roll feel, complete with driving guitar riffs and pounding drums. The lyrics tell a story of a young couple’s journey towards freedom, escaping from a mundane existence in a small town in their Cadillac Coupe de Ville. Young’s distinctive voice brings a sense of nostalgia to the track, while the upbeat tempo and energetic performance create a sense of adventure and excitement. “Coupe De Ville” is a fun and memorable track from one of rock’s greatest legends.