Why can't you do it?
Why can't you set your monkey free?
Always giving into it -
Do you love your monkey or do you love me?
Why can't you do it
Why do I have to share my baby with a monkey?

Oh, I count to ten
But I don't know how and I don't know when
To open my eyes
If you kiss me again
Like you did just now, like you did just then
I've had the rest
Now it's time I had the best
So you tell me that you won't do anymore

Well I'd write your heart a letter
But I think you know me better
If I keep on asking baby, maybe
I'll get what I'm asking for

Why can't you do it?
Why can't you set your monkey free?
Always giving in to it
Do you love your monkey or do you love me?
Why can't you do it
Why do I have to share my baby with a monkey?

Oh I hate your friends
But I don't know how and I don't know when
To open your eyes
Yes the monkey's back again
Do you want him now like you did back then?
I tried my best
But your head is such a mess
So I guess that I don't want you anymore

Well you say you care about me
That you just can't do without me
But you keep on dancing baby
Till that monkey has you on the floor

Why can't you do it?
Why can't you set your monkey free?
Always giving into it
Do you love the monkey or do you love me?
Why can't you do it
Why do I have to share my baby with a monkey?

Don't look now
There's a monkey on your back
Don't look now
There's a monkey on you...



Lyrics submitted by oofus

Track duration: 05:06

"Monkey" as written by George Michael

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., EMI Music Publishing

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Monkey song meanings
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8 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment:When George sings about the monkey on your back....
    It means this:

    its anything at all that you find to be a constant burden. You have to finish your BA degree for advancement at work, you are married to someone with an addiction.
    Or Having to get that college degree is "a monkey on your back". It usually doesn't refer to actual physical burdens.

    It can also refer to having a drug addiction.
    It can also refer to a sexual addiction, alchol addiction, porn addiction.
    ANYTHING
    that a person puts as a high priority in their life....which is not healthy for them.

    George is singing about his fustration in the situation that never changes:

    Oh I hate your friends
    But I don't know how and I don't know when
    To open your eyes
    Yes the monkey's back again
    Do you want him now like you did back then?
    I tried my best
    But your head is such a mess
    So I guess that I don't want you anymore
    Flag mickey606on September 11, 2010   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation:It definitely has to be about being in a relationship with an addict. Probably a heroin addict; as junkies are known for having a monkey on their back. I like this song and ultimately is quite sad that the partner goes back to the drug and so George gives up in trying to change their ways.
    Flag gemmusicon September 25, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:or use condoms. w/e
    Flag Silver Salmonon April 20, 2008   Link
  • -1
    General Comment:Correction to All!

    This song is about AIDS!

    as we know AIDS came from monkeys.

    song meaning must be to wear condoms ;)
    Flag Silver Salmonon April 20, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:This song is about being involved in a romantic relationship with a partner who has a drug / alcohol addition.
    Flag HughMoron February 04, 2007   Link
  • -1
    General Comment:George is a PERV!!!
    Flag dukemt41on February 03, 2007   Link
  • -1
    General Comment:Interesting, but knowing that many of George Michael's songs tend to be sexual, sometimes explicit, and that he is (now openly) gay, this song has an altogether different meaning. It's about a male partner of his who can't stop, er, spanking his monkey. George wishes he would save all his lovin' for him and quit spankin' it, like he constantly did when he was younger. Now with that interepretation, read the lyrics and, well, it makes sense doesn't it? Yeah betweent this song and "Father Figure," George Michael is a rather sick man.
    Flagged stoolhardyon July 05, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song describes the singer's involvement with someone who keeps being distracted by a character he disparages as a "monkey". It could be taken as a simple tale of a fickle relationship partner...but seen another way you can imagine he's asking for engagement at a higher level than the "animal". So in that case, the monkey would be George Michael's physical body - and his spirit is what he wants his lover to actually be interested in. This is certainly the case for many people who grow intellectually in their relationships and they feel that their partner is pining and pushing for the past (and the more intellectually simple version) of them.
    Flag seattlesqueon June 27, 2003   Link

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