This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Eh marara I lle llea
You are about to embark on a journey
You are going to visit monkeys, dolphins
And people
I look around and all I see are politicians on the take
I look at me, I am the same but I don't notice
And I have learned that everybody
Has a price tag on his head
Though it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey dance
And it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey, monkey
Monkey dance
On Sunday mornings when I went went to church
A buck was always made
A true parade to pave the way into the glory
And 30 coins was all they paid for
All the ways I should behave
Though it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey dance
And it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey dance
Aye, awa ko ako
And I have paid my way through life
I've kept myself so far removed
From everyone and everything that could be purchased
I will collect what I've put in my piggy bank is locked within
Though it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey dance
And it's money that will make the monkey dance
Oh, I want money give me money, so much money
Tender money
'Cause it's money that will make the monkey dance
I'm the monkey, I'm the monkey
Eh marara I
And though my pockets have a hole
I feel content within my soul
I've been sincere with all the customers encountered
I can't complain, I'm rich in love
And I must thank my God above
Though it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey dance
And it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey dance
You are about to embark on a journey
You are going to visit monkeys, dolphins
And people
I look around and all I see are politicians on the take
I look at me, I am the same but I don't notice
And I have learned that everybody
Has a price tag on his head
Though it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey dance
And it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey, monkey
Monkey dance
On Sunday mornings when I went went to church
A buck was always made
A true parade to pave the way into the glory
And 30 coins was all they paid for
All the ways I should behave
Though it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey dance
And it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey dance
Aye, awa ko ako
And I have paid my way through life
I've kept myself so far removed
From everyone and everything that could be purchased
I will collect what I've put in my piggy bank is locked within
Though it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey dance
And it's money that will make the monkey dance
Oh, I want money give me money, so much money
Tender money
'Cause it's money that will make the monkey dance
I'm the monkey, I'm the monkey
Eh marara I
And though my pockets have a hole
I feel content within my soul
I've been sincere with all the customers encountered
I can't complain, I'm rich in love
And I must thank my God above
Though it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey dance
And it's money that will make the monkey dance
Yes, it's money that will make the monkey dance
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More Featured Meanings
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
No Surprises
Radiohead
Radiohead
Same ideas expressed in Fitter, Happier are expressed in this song. We're told to strive for some sort of ideal life, which includes getting a good job, being kind to everyone, finding a partner, getting married, having a couple kids, living in a quiet neighborhood in a nice big house, etc. But in Fitter, Happier the narrator(?) realizes that it's incredibly robotic to live this life. People are being used by those in power "like a pig in a cage on antibiotics"--being pacified with things like new phones and cool gadgets and houses while being sucked dry. On No Surprises, the narrator is realizing how this life is killing him slowly. In the video, his helmet is slowly filling up with water, drowning him. But he's so complacent with it. This is a good summary of the song. This boring, "perfect" life foisted upon us by some higher powers (not spiritual, but political, economic, etc. politicians and businessmen, perhaps) is not the way to live. But there is seemingly no way out but death. He'd rather die peacefully right now than live in this cage. While our lives are often shielded, we're in our own protective bubbles, or protective helmets like the one Thom wears, if we look a little harder we can see all the corruption, lies, manipulation, etc. that is going on in the world, often run by huge yet nearly invisible organizations, corporations, and 'leaders'. It's a very hopeless song because it reflects real life.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
Great song, get as many songs from this guy as you can.. nillara.net to buy his cds he's so good..
This song is awesome, its the first track on this album. I've submitted a few more goodies from the album (the ones in english anyway). Even the ones in spanish are so musically good you don't care that you don't understand the words.