The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
i'm chained to the wall
i'm nothing at all
and my eyes look into the sunset thinking of better things to do
like a monkey in a zoo
the days go so slow
i don't have no friends
except all these people who want me to do tricks for them
like a monkey in a zoo
and it could happen to you
you could be in my place
no it wasn't always like this
oh but i never saw it coming
i'm so alone
but this is my home
and the bars that surround me keep me from knowing any better
like a monkey in a zoo
throw me a peanut
laugh and make jokes
but i've had enough peanuts and i'm ready to croak
like a monkey in a zoo
you come to look at me
you seem so amused
but things would look different
if you were in my shoes
i know it's my fault
but i want out
and when i cry out nobody seems to understand
like a monkey in a zoo
you say i'm cute
you don't know how much that hurts
you don't know how it feels to live in your own dirt
like a monkey in a zoo
and it could happen to you
you could be in my place
don't let yourself slip
don't keep egg on your face
i used to be happy
i can't remember those days
but i sold my freedom for free room and board
like a monkey in a zoo
i'm nothing at all
and my eyes look into the sunset thinking of better things to do
like a monkey in a zoo
the days go so slow
i don't have no friends
except all these people who want me to do tricks for them
like a monkey in a zoo
and it could happen to you
you could be in my place
no it wasn't always like this
oh but i never saw it coming
i'm so alone
but this is my home
and the bars that surround me keep me from knowing any better
like a monkey in a zoo
throw me a peanut
laugh and make jokes
but i've had enough peanuts and i'm ready to croak
like a monkey in a zoo
you come to look at me
you seem so amused
but things would look different
if you were in my shoes
i know it's my fault
but i want out
and when i cry out nobody seems to understand
like a monkey in a zoo
you say i'm cute
you don't know how much that hurts
you don't know how it feels to live in your own dirt
like a monkey in a zoo
and it could happen to you
you could be in my place
don't let yourself slip
don't keep egg on your face
i used to be happy
i can't remember those days
but i sold my freedom for free room and board
like a monkey in a zoo
Lyrics submitted by thedarkcanuck
Like a Monkey in a Zoo Lyrics as written by Daniel Johnston
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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