Monkey Time

Major Lance

About Monkey Time

"The Monkey Time" is a song written by Curtis Mayfield and performed by Major Lance. It reached No. 2 on the U. S. R&B chart and No. 8 on the U. S. pop chart in 1963. It was featured on his 1963 album The Monkey Time. The song was arranged by Johnny Pate produced by Carl Davis. The song ranked No. 49 on Billboard magazine's Top 100 singles of 1963.


Year:
2000
261 
#3

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There's a place right across town, whenever you're ready
Where people gather 'round, whenever they're ready
And then the music begins to play
You feel a groove comin' on its way

Are you ready (are you ready)
Well, you get yours, cause-a I got mine
For the Monkey Time (Monkey Time)
(Monkey Time)

Now the dance that the people do, I don't know how it started
All I know is that when the beat brings a feel
It's so hard to get parted
And then the music begins to play

Automatically you're on your way
Are you ready (are you ready)
Well, you get yours, cause-a I got mine
For the Monkey Time (Monkey Time)

(Monkey Time)
Do the Monkey, yeah (do the Monkey Time)
Do the Monkey, yeah (do the Monkey Time)
Ah-twist them hips (twist them hips)

Let your backbone slip (let your backbone slip)
Now move your feet (move your feet)
Get on the beat (get on the beat)
Are you ready (are you ready)

Well, you get yours, cause-a I got mine
For the Monkey Time (Monkey Time)
(Monkey Time)
Now the dance that the people do, I don't know how it started

All I know is that when the beat brings a feel
It's so hard to get parted
And then the music begins to play
Automatically you're on your way

Are you ready (are you ready)
Well, you get yours, cause-a I got mine
For the Monkey Time (Monkey Time)
Ah, do the Monkey, yeah

Give me a big strong line
You're lookin' real fine

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Major Lance

Major Lance (April 4, 1939, 1941 or 1942, – September 3, 1994) was an American R&B singer. After a number of US hits in the 1960s, including "The Monkey Time" and "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um", he became an iconic figure in Britain in the 1970s among followers of Northern soul. Although he stopped making records in 1982, Major Lance continued to perform at concerts and tours until his death in 1994. more »

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Written by: Curtis Mayfield

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Songwriter
"Monkey Time" was written by Curtis Mayfield, a pivotal figure in soul music, and is considered one of his signature compositions.
Year of Release
"Monkey Time" was released in 1963, marking an impressive era of soul music.
Record Label
The song "Monkey Time" was released under the Okeh label, a brand well-known for producing rhythm and blues records.
Chart Performance
"Monkey Time" reached no. 2 on Billboard's Hot R&B singles chart and no. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking it as Major Lance's first hit.
Genre
Although Major Lance had a strong gospel background and began his music career with doo-wop, "Monkey Time" is classified as a Chicago soul song.
Song Theme
The song plays off the theme of a new dance crai. e — the "Monkey Time" — which was a common trend for songs in the 60s.
Music Arrangement
The song features a distinctive horn arrangement, typical of Chicago soul style, that adds to the vivacious feel of the song.
Artist's Career Impact
"Monkey Time" set a precedent for Major Lance's future hits, being the first in a series of successful collaborations with Curtis Mayfield and arranger Johnny Pate.
Awards & Accolades
Although it didn't receive any formal awards, "Monkey Time" is immortalized in the annals of classic soul tracks and Major Lance was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2013.
Cover Version
The song has been covered by several artists, including Dusty Springfield, The Tubes, and Laura Lee, indicating its lasting appeal in the music industry.
Musical Influence
The beat and dance theme of "Monkey Time" supposedly influenced later "dance-craze" songs that became popular throughout the 60s and 70s.
Music Video
While there isn't a official music video for the song "Monkey Time", many vintage dance show clips feature Major Lance performing the song live on television.

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