Hard Monkeys

Ten Years After · Think About The Times: Chrysalis Years 1969 - 1972 [2010]

Got no monkey on my back

And i'm never gonna crack



Cause it's a good life

Too good to lose

But it's a hard world

With the junkie blues



Got no street car called desire

And i'll never light the fire



'cause it's a good life



Too good to lose

But it's a hard world

With the junkie blues

Hard Monkeys

Hard Monkeys stands as a compelling example of Ten Years After's energetic approach to blues-rock during their mid-career period. The band, fronted by the legendary guitarist Alvin Lee, was renowned for blending traditional blues structures with high-octane rock instrumentation. This track captures the group's signature sound, characterized by Lee's rapid-fire picking and a driving rhythm section that propels the song forward with infectious momentum. While the band achieved significant commercial success with their earlier albums, this recording reflects their continued exploration of the genre's boundaries. The song showcases the tight interplay between the musicians, highlighting the improvisational spirit that defined their live performances and studio work alike. It remains a testament to the group's ability to deliver powerful, guitar-centric rock music that resonated with audiences throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.