monkey man
rolling stones Lyrics

"Monkey Man" by The Rolling Stones is a playful and somewhat self-deprecating song that is open to interpretation. The lyrics depict the singer's eccentric and unconventional character, comparing himself to various objects and creatures. The song seems to be an exploration of identity and embracing one's quirks and flaws.

In the first paragraph, the singer describes themselves as a "fleabit peanut monkey" and claims that all their friends are junkies. This could be a metaphorical expression of feeling out of place or belonging to a group of misfits. However, the line "That's not really true" suggests a wry acknowledgment that these statements may not be entirely accurate.

The second paragraph continues this theme of self-comparison, where the singer identifies as a "cold Italian pizza" and expresses a need for a lemon squeezer, which speaks to a desire for some missing element in their life. The question "What you do?" can be interpreted as an invitation to the listener to reflect upon their own situation and desires.

The third paragraph goes on to discuss the singer's experiences of being mistreated by others, particularly by women ("she-rats"). Despite the hardships, there seems to be a sense of resilience and acceptance in the line "But I am just a monkey man, I'm glad you are a monkey woman too." This could be seen as a declaration that both the singer and the listener share a similar playful and unconventional nature.

The final paragraph continues the theme of resilience and survival, with the singer recalling being bitten, gouged, and gored but managing to "pull on through." The description of being a "sack of broken eggs" and always having an unmade bed suggests a messy and imperfect life, but the question "Don't you?" implies a shared experience or understanding with the listener.

The last lines of the song convey a slight ambivalence towards the singer's identity. The hope of not being "too messianic or a trifle too satanic" suggests a desire to strike a balance between extremes, to find a middle ground. They express their love for playing the blues, indicating that despite the challenges, they still find joy in their chosen path.

Overall, "Monkey Man" can be seen as a celebration of individuality, resilience, and finding kinship with others who share a similar unconventional spirit. The song invites listeners to embrace their quirks and imperfections, recognizing that they are not alone in their journey.