Too Much Monkey Business

Chuck Berry

About Too Much Monkey Business

"Too Much Monkey Business" is a song written and recorded by Chuck Berry, released by Chess Records in September 1956 as his fifth single. It was also released as the third track on his first solo LP, After School Session, in May 1957; and as an EP. The single reached number four on Billboard magazine's Most Played In Juke Boxes chart, number 11 on the Most Played by Jockeys chart and number seven on the Top Sellers in Stores chart in 1956.


Year:
2007
2:55
77 

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Runnin' to-and-fro, hard workin' at the mill
Never fail in the mail, yeah, come a rotten bill
Too much monkey business, too much monkey business
Too much monkey business for me to be involved in

Salesman talkin' to me, tryin' to run me up a creek
Says you can buy now, gone try, you can pay me next week, ahh
Too much monkey business, too much monkey business
Too much monkey business for me to be involved in

Blonde haired good looks, tryin' to get me hooked
Want me to marry, get a home, settle down, write a book
Too much monkey business, too much monkey business
Too much monkey business for me to be involved in

Same thing every day, gettin' up, goin' to school
No need for me to complain, my objection's overruled, ahh
Too much monkey business, too much monkey business
Too much monkey business for me to be involved in

Take home, something wrong, dime gone, will hold
Order suit, hoppered up for telling me a tale, ahh
Too much monkey business, too much monkey business
Too much monkey business for me to be involved in

Been to yokohama, been fightin' in the war
Army bunk, army chow, army clothes, army car, aah
Too much monkey business, too much monkey business
Too much monkey business for me to be involved in

Workin' in the fillin' station, too many tasks
Wipe the windows, check the tires, check the oil, dollar gas
Too much monkey business, too much monkey business
Don't want your botheration, get away, leave me

Too much monkey business for me

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Chuck Berry

Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry (born October 18, 1926) is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" (1955), "Roll Over Beethoven" (1956), "Rock and Roll Music" (1957) and "Johnny B. Goode" (1958), Chuck Berry refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive, with lyrics focusing on teen life and consumerism and utilizing guitar solos and showmanship that would be a major influence on subsequent rock music. more »

1 fan

Written by: Chuck Berry

Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin and Inspiration
"Too Much Monkey Business" was written and recorded by Chuck Berry, a pioneering American rock and roll artist. The song reportedly was inspired by Berry's frustrating experiences with travel, dealing with women, and bureaucratic annoyances.
First Release
The song was first released on the Chess label in 1956, as the B-side to the Single "Brown-Eyed Handsome Man."
Unique Lyrics
The song's lyrics depict a litany of common and banal everyday troubles in a fast-talking and wittily descriptive way. This was one of the first songs that depicted everyday life in such a manner and Berry's unique take would have a profound influence on ensuing songwriters.
Recording Details
The track runs for approximately 2 minutes and 56 seconds, and was recorded in Chicago, Illinois. Berry was accompanied by Willie Dixon on the double bass, and Johnnie Johnson on the piano.
Song Influence
The song had a big influence on future popular music stars like Bob Dylan and The Beatles. The Beatles covered "Too Much Monkey Business" on their 1963 album "Live at the BBC." Bob Dylan's song "Subterranean Homesick Blues" possessed similar thematic elements and lyrical delivery as "Too Much Monkey Business."
Live Performances
The song was also performed live by influential artists like Elvis Presley and The Yardbirds, which further expanded the song's reach and continued the legacy of Chuck Berry's distinctive rock-n-roll style.
Song Recognition
Although it wasn't one of Berry's biggest hits, "Too Much Monkey Business" remains a fan favorite and is widely praised for its innovative lyrics and infectious rhythm. It has been covered by many artists and bands over the years across various genres.
Iconic Guitar Riff
The song is famous for its distinctive guitar riffs that employed a 'stop-start' rhythm, setting a benchmark for future rock and roll songs.
Regular Rotation
"Too Much Monkey Business" was regularly played by Chuck Berry in his live performances because audiences loved its catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics.
Role in Rock ‘n’ Roll
The song is considered an integral part of the foundation of the rock 'n' roll genre, showcasing Berry’s guitar playing and unique storytelling style. It helped to cement his status as one of the genre's early pioneers.

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