Monkey Time
Major Lance
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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 LabelThe 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.
|
GenreAlthough 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 ThemeThe 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 ArrangementThe 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 & AccoladesAlthough 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 VersionThe song has been covered by several artists, including Dusty Springfield, The Tubes, and Laura Lee, indicating its lasting appeal in the music industry.
|
Musical InfluenceThe beat and dance theme of "Monkey Time" supposedly influenced later "dance-craze" songs that became popular throughout the 60s and 70s.
|
Music VideoWhile 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.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Monkey Time Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 8 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5846057/Major+Lance/Monkey+Time>.
Discuss the Monkey Time 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