Giving in to the Monkey

So, this evening I was listening to an '80s weekend program on the local rock/pop station and heard "Monkey" by George Michael.  I have to say that I have not heard this song in YEARS....  I think the last time I heard it, I was in middle school--probably on the bus, too.  So, I had this immediate middle school flashback.  You see, back in the day, we had no idea what this song was about, because we were just kids.  I was probably 13 years old.  Kind of scary.  Makes me wonder how many 13-year-olds are out there listening to Lady Gaga and memorizing every word--yet having no idea what her songs are about.

Don't look now...

So, I think I figured out this "Monkey" tune.  I never realized what a good song it was!  Lyrics were perfect, and although it is pretty much 100% synthesized as far as the "instrumental" tracks, it is pretty good.  Very upbeat and catchy.  To me, it's about George being in a relationship with someone who keeps going back to an ex-lover, or "monkey."  That is what it sounds like to me.  The expression, "monkey on your back" refers to any sort of burden that keeps you back--or something that keeps haunting you so to say.  Something you can't get away from.  I read some people's interpretations, and the seem to think the "monkey" is an addiction of some sort (like drugs or alcohol).  That could certainly be the case.  "Monkey on your back," can refer to being addicted to something.  I guess we'll never know, but that is okay.  Whatever your interpretation, I think it would probably fit just perfectly.  The video is pretty straightforward--not a staged scene or mini "story."  Nope.  Just George Michael singing and dancing on stage at an arena only the way he could.  Really pretty engaging, I have to say.  No matter what his orientation, he really had us captivated back in the day, and he still seems to have that effect...  There is just something so cool, so "tongue-in-cheek" about his songs.  "Well I'd write your heart a lettah....but I think you know me bettah..."  Okay, so its "letter" and "better," but it sounds so suave when he sings it--I wrote it the way I hear it.  Hope you enjoy this tune--and don't give in to the monkey!