Monkey Shines
Jonathan Coulton Lyrics
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Can you forget the big mistake?
Is it really living if you're living by the letter?
How many monkeys does it take, to change a lifetime?
(JoCo) Your monkey (JoCo) got a second chance, he thinks he'll take it
(JoCo) Your monkey (JoCo) knows that life is only what you make it
And once you learn how to love it's time to let it show
There's monkey shines wherever you go
The lyrics of Jonathan Coulton's "Monkey Shines" reflect on the human tendency to hold on to our mistakes and ponder on what could have been. The first verse puts forth a series of rhetorical questions, asking if it's possible to believe in improvement in tough times, if it's possible to forget a big mistake made in the past and if living by set rules really qualifies as living. The recurring line "How many monkeys does it take to change a lifetime?" leaves the listener with a sense of meaninglessness - are we doomed to keep making the same mistakes over and over again, never breaking the cycle?
However, the chorus offers hope in the form of a monkey who has been given a second chance. This monkey seems to understand that life only gets better if we actively work at it, and that love has to be expressed rather than held onto. The line "There's monkey shines wherever you go" can be interpreted as a comment on the interconnectedness of all things - we all have our own issues and mistakes, but it's important to acknowledge them and work towards improving ourselves.
In conclusion, Coulton's "Monkey Shines" is a song about second chances, growth, and the human condition. It encourages us to let go of our past mistakes and actively work towards self-improvement and expressing love to those around us.
Line by Line Meaning
When it gets bad do you believe it will get better?
Do you have faith that things will improve when they are difficult?
Can you forget the big mistake?
Are you capable of letting go of a major error?
Is it really living if you're living by the letter?
Does following set rules and regulations constitute a fulfilling life?
How many monkeys does it take, to change a lifetime?
What is the number of opportunities needed to turn your life around?
Your monkey got a second chance, he thinks he'll take it
You have another chance to improve your situation, don't waste it
Your monkey knows that life is only what you make it
You have control over the quality of your life, make it a good one
And once you learn how to love it's time to let it show
After you learn to appreciate and love yourself, share that love with others
There's monkey shines wherever you go
Unexpected events and opportunities will arise, embrace them as you journey forward
Contributed by Gianna N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
RGGregar
Wooo! Totally make this a real show! I'd watch it! And Paul (the one of Storm) you were totally right pushing this your way!
AeroWing
0:45-46 had me cracking up. Great work guys.
Jonathan Coulton Live
Brilliant in so many ways!!! Thank you for the entertainment!
hinakiba777
That was amazing. Especially when Neil Gaiman appeared. Now if only we could find more of the show. *searches* XP
Kaiyalai
I saw this show when it first aired. I was not even one year old yet. Still the best sitcom I have ever seen.
Vereis
Brilliant, I especially loved the Neil Gaiman cameo with Gaiman downing a bottle of wine straight from the bottle although you can clearly see a wine glass right next to him. The Paul and Storm moments were also top notch hilarious. Priceless!
Nukellavee Buke
The final episode was the saddest ending to any show ever. When Johnathan had to make the decision between moving away for that VP's position or to stay with the monkey. The final thing Johnathan said to the monkey is something that I will remember for the rest of my life: "Even though I would shine as a vice president, there is nothing that shines brighter than my monkey." And then they walk back into the house hand and hand. I give Monkey Shines a 10/10 in my book.
Jack Ferry
As much as I like this video, I found that the song works almost as well if you listen to it while watching the trailer for the movie Monkey Shines.
protoborg
This...would...make...an awesome show! I don't think any would produce it and I doubt Coulton has the money to produce it himself, but still would be awesome. It is pretty damn impressive that these four guys actually put this video together. It actually looks real.
lynxeagle
Best. Sitcom. Ever.