Monkey on My Back
Aerosmith
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Woe is me Well I been dyin' Got to get that monkey off my back The fortune teller looked into my eyeballs The wrinkles on her face about to crack She said you best believe it, you ain't goin' nowhere Unless you get that monkey off your back Well, I made believe the devil made me do it I was the evil leader of the pack You best believe I had it all and then I blew it Feedin' that fuckin' monkey on my back Ahh, if you put it in a spoon man I would boot it Some king whose mental house was just a shack Where do you draw the line When all your friends are dyin' Got to get that monkey off your back Uh uh uh uh uh uh uh Your crystal ball is where you chase the dragon She said now bring me home his head inside a sack But now you find your crystal balls are draggin' Uh uh uh, got to get that monkey off your back
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: JOE PERRY, STEVEN TYLER
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Album Appearance"Monkey on My Back" is a track from Aerosmith's "Pump" album which was released in 1989.
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SongwritersThe song was written by lead vocalist Steven Tyler and lead guitarist Joe Perry.
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Chart Performance"Monkey on My Back" reached number 17 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
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Theme and MeaningThe song talks about the band's struggles with addiction, with the 'monkey' serving as a metaphor for their issues with drugs and alcohol.
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Background"Monkey on My Back" was, in many ways, Aerosmith’s public acknowledgment of their drug addictions and how they overcame them.
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Live PerformancesThe band included the song in the setlist for their 1989-1990 world tour after the release of "Pump."
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Music VideoThe video version of "Monkey on My Back" was filmed at various concerts during the band's world tour, and showed footage of the band performing the song live.
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Commercial SuccessThe "Pump" album was a significant commercial success for Aerosmith, reaching multi-platinum status and contributing to the band's incredible comeback in the late '80s and '90s.
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AwardsAlthough "Monkey on My Back" itself did not win any awards, the album "Pump" won Aerosmith their first Grammy.
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Critical ReceptionWhile not as famous as some of Aerosmith's other hits, "Monkey on My Back" has been praised for its raw and honest exploration of addiction.
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InfluenceThe track is considered an influence on the hard rock and metal scenes of the 90s, with its heavy, blues-tinged rock sound.
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Recovery MessageThe song is seen as an inspirational track by many who are struggling with addiction, due to its hopeful message of recovery and overcoming personal battles.
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Citation
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