Leave My Monkey Alone
Warren Zevon · Sentimental Hygiene
(Whites go back to Europe Freedom for Africa)
Leave My Monkey Alone
Leave My Monkey Alone
Leave My Monkey Alone
Leave My Monkey Alone
Down in Kenya where the Masai roam
And the grass grows tall on the veldt
In our old colonial home
We drank our bitters while the empire fell
Leave My Monkey Alone
One day the Mau Mau came
All we had was lost
In our old colonial home
Under the Southern Cross
Leave My Monkey Alone
Down in Kenya where the Masai roam
And the grass grows tall on the veldt
In our old colonial home
We drank our bitters while the empire fell
Leave My Monkey Alone
the Mau Mau came in '52
The sun went down and we drew the drapes
In our old colonial home
We hid behind the Mau Mau gates
Leave My Monkey Alone
Leave My Monkey Alone
Warren Zevon's 'Leave My Monkey Alone' stands as a defining track from his 1986 album 'Sentimental Hygiene,' showcasing his signature blend of bluesy rock and satirical storytelling. The song captures the chaotic energy of the late 1980s with its driving rhythm and Zevon's distinctive, gravelly vocal delivery. It reflects his ongoing exploration of urban life and the absurdity of modern existence, a theme central to his discography during this period. The recording features a tight band arrangement that highlights Zevon's ability to weave complex narratives into catchy hooks, cementing his status as a master of the American singer-songwriter tradition. This work remains a quintessential example of his late-career output, bridging the gap between his earlier outlaw country roots and his later, more experimental sound.