Shock the Monkey
Peter Gabriel
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Cover me when I run Cover me through the fire Something knocked me out' the trees Now I'm on my knees Cover me, darling please, hey Monkey, monkey, monkey Don't you know when you're going to shock the monkey Fox the fox Rat the rat You can ape the ape I know about that There is one thing you must be sure of I can't take any more Darling, don't you monkey with the monkey, hey Monkey, monkey, monkey Don't you know you're going to shock the monkey, hey, hey Shock the monkey, hey yeah (Monkey) Wheels keep turning (Monkey) Something's burning (Monkey) Don't like it but I guess I'm learning Shock, shock, shock Watch the monkey get hurt, monkey Shock, shock, shock Watch the monkey get hurt, monkey Cover me when I sleep Cover me when I breathe You throw your pearls before the swine Make the monkey blind Cover me, darling please, hey Monkey, monkey, monkey Don't you know you're going to shock the monkey, hey, hey Shock the monkey, hey yeah (Monkey) Too much at stake (Monkey) Ground beneath me shake (Monkey) And the news is breaking Shock, shock, shock Watch the monkey get hurt, monkey Shock, shock, shock Watch the monkey get hurt, monkey Shock the monkey Shock the monkey Shock the monkey hey, hey Shock the monkey Shock the monkey to life Shock the monkey Shock the monkey Shock the monkey Shock the monkey Shock the monkey to life
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: PETER GABRIEL
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Creation"Shock The Monkey" was a song written and performed by British artist, Peter Gabriel. He recorded and released it as a single in September 1982.
|
Chart PerformanceThe song became Peter Gabriel's first top 40 hit in the U.S, reaching number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Rock Tracks chart.
|
Music VideoThe music video for "Shock The Monkey", was one of the earliest to use macabre imagery, and it heavily featured Gabriel in white face paint. This video helped to solidify his signature visual style.
|
Album InclusionOriginally, "Shock The Monkey" was featured on Peter Gabriel's fourth studio album, popularly known as "Peter Gabriel 4" or "Security", which was released in 1982.
|
Genre and StyleMusically, the song combines synthesizers, tribal rhythms, and world music influences, which were trademarks of Gabriel's sound during this period of his career.
|
Song MeaningContrary to some interpretations, the song is not about animal rights. Gabriel once said it is a "love song" that explores how jealousy and suspicion can ruin relationships.
|
Cover VersionsMany artists have covered "Shock The Monkey", including rock band Coal Chamber, who did a version featuring Ozzy Osbourne.
|
Live Performances"Shock The Monkey" has been a staple of Gabriel's live performances over the years, often accompanied by theatrical stage presentations.
|
Award NominationsThe music video for the song was nominated for several awards at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards in 1984, including Best Special Effects and Best Art Direction.
|
Influence and LegacyThough it was initially met with mixed reviews, "Shock The Monkey" has since been recognized as a classic of the new wave era, and it helped to establish Peter Gabriel as a critically acclaimed solo artist.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Shock the Monkey Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 20 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6770047/Peter+Gabriel/Shock+the+Monkey>.
Discuss the Shock the Monkey Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In