Monkey Man

Reel Big Fish

About Monkey Man

"Monkey Man" is a 1969 song by the ska and reggae group the Maytals, reaching number 47 in the UK Singles Chart. The song is about a girl choosing another man over Toots. Toots & the Maytals re-recorded the song on True Love with third wave ska band No Doubt. The song is frequently covered by other groups, most famously by British ska group The Specials, third-wave ska group Reel Big Fish, British singer Amy Winehouse, Japanese experimental rock band Melt-Banana, and Argentinian band Los Pericos. In 2009, Australian singer Kylie Minogue and The Wiggles recorded a version of the song to raise funds for UNICEF. 


Year:
2002
2:36
112 
#1

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Aye aye aye, aye aye aye 
Tell you baby, you hugging up the big monkey man 
Aye aye aye, aye aye aye 
Tell you baby, you hugging up the big monkey man 

I never saw you, I only heard of you 
hugging up the big monkey man 
I never saw you, I only heard of you 
hugging up the big monkey man 

It's no lie, it's no lie 
Them a tell me, you hugging up the big monkey man 
It's no lie, it's no lie 
Them a tell me, you hugging up the big monkey man 

Now I know that, now I understand 
You're turning a monkey on me 
Now I know that, now I understand 
You're turning a monkey on me 

Aye aye aye, aye aye aye 
Tell you baby, you hugging up the big monkey man 
Aye aye aye, aye aye aye 
Tell you baby, you hugging up the big monkey man 

I was on my way to Banbury Cross, 
Then I see a monkey upon a white horse 
With rings on he fingers, bells on him toes 
Sing a little song, wherever he be 
Cause he's a monkey, 'cause he's a monkey 
Cause he's a weedy little monkey man 

Aye aye aye, aye aye aye 
Tell you baby, you hugging up the big monkey man 
Aye aye aye, aye aye aye 
Tell you baby, you hugging up the big monkey man

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Reel Big Fish

Reel Big Fish is an American ska punk band from Huntington Beach, California, best known for the 1997 hit "Sell Out". The band gained mainstream recognition in the mid-to-late 1990s, during the third wave of ska with the release of the gold certified album Turn the Radio Off. Soon after, the band lost mainstream recognition but gained an underground following. The band was no longer signed to a major record label in 2006 and is currently independent. After many line-up changes throughout the years, front man Aaron Barrett remains the only founding member in the band. more »

2 fans

Written by: Frederick Hibbert

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


4 facts about this song

Reel Big Fish
1. The cover version: "Monkey Man" was covered by American ska punk band Reel Big Fish on their 2002 album "Cheer Up!" 2. Musical style: Reel Big Fish's version of "Monkey Man" incorporates elements of ska, punk, and rock which is typical of their style. 3. Live performances: The band has performed their version of the song at many of their live concerts.
The Maytals
1. Original creators: "Monkey Man" was originally written and performed by the Jamaican band The Maytals, led by Frederick "Toots" Hibbert. 2. Success story: After its release in 1969, "Monkey Man" quickly became a hit, reaching number 47 on the UK Singles Chart in 1970. 3. Iconic Rocksteady sound: The song is known for its vibrant rocksteady beat, a precursor to reggae, which was characteristic of The Maytals' early music.
The Wiggles
1. Kid-friendly version: Australian children's music group The Wiggles covered "Monkey Man" for their 2006 album "Racing to the Rainbow". 2. Guest appearance: "Toots" Hibbert himself featured in The Wiggles' version, making it a unique collaboration between the original artist and the children's band. 3. Positive Messaging: Like many of The Wiggles' songs, their version of "Monkey Man" incorporates upbeat tunes and positive messages suitable for their young audience.
Toots & the Maytals
1. Rebranding: After the initial success of "Monkey Man", The Maytals rebranded as "Toots & the Maytals", seeing continued success under this name. 2. Enduring popularity: "Monkey Man" remains one of Toots & the Maytals' most popular songs, frequently played at concerts and on radio stations that play reggae and ska. 3. Tribute: After the death of "Toots" Hibbert in 2020, many fans and musicians paid tribute to his legacy by listening to and performing "Monkey Man", among other hits by the band.

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