Monkey
George Michael · Faith
Why can't you set your monkey free?
Always giving in to it -
Do you love your monkey or do you love me?
Why can't you do it?
Why do I have to share my baby with a monkey?
(With a monkey, with a monkey, aye, aye, aye, uh-huh)
Oh, I count to ten
But I don't know how and I don't know when
To open my eyes
If you kiss me again
Like you did just now, like you did just then
I've had the rest, now it's time I had the best
So you tell me that you won't do anymore
Well I'd write your heart a letter
But I think you know me better
If I keep on askin' baby, maybe I'll get what I'm askin' for
Why can't you do it? Why can't you set your monkey free?
Always giving in to it -
Do you love your monkey or do you love me?
Why can't you do it?
Why do I have to share my baby with a monkey?
Oh I hate your friends
But I don't know how and I don't know when
To open your eyes
Yes the monkey's back again
Do you want him now like you did back then?
I tried my best, but your head is such a mess
So I guess that I don't want you anymore
Well you say you care about me
That you just can't do without me
But you keep on dancin' baby
'Til that monkey has you on the floor
Why can't you do it? Why can't you set your monkey free?
Always giving into it
Do you love the monkey or do you love me?
Why can't you do it
Why do I have to share my baby with a monkey?
Don't look now
There's a monkey on your back
Don't look now
There's a monkey on you...
Monkey - George Michael
Released on the 1987 album Faith, "Monkey" stands as a defining track in George Michael's evolution from pop icon to soulful singer-songwriter. The song blends R&B, funk, and new wave influences, featuring Michael's distinctive falsetto and a production style that emphasized groove and emotional depth. It was the lead single from Faith, a record widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of the decade. The track showcases Michael's ability to merge his earlier pop sensibilities with a more mature, jazz-inflected sound, creating a sonic landscape that bridged the gap between his work with Wham! and his solo career. "Monkey" remains a staple of his discography, celebrated for its lush arrangements and Michael's vocal performance that set the tone for his subsequent success.