Their peculiar brand of politically driven retro-pop made an impression on the British pop charts during 1981-1982. Their biggest hit was Our lips are sealed, a retread of Go-go's 1981 song, which was co-written by Terry Hall. Other well-known tracks include The Lunatics (Have Taken Over The Asylum) and T'ain't What You Do (Its The Way That You Do It), recorded with the fledgling all-girl group Bananarama.
Fun Boy Three's music draws on influences such as vintage soul, ska, reggae, muzak and kitsch movie soundtracks.
The band split-up in 1984, and Terry hall went on to perform solo and also form The Colourfield.
running away
Fun Boy Three Lyrics
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You only see the monkey not the man in me
But now I'm back, and that's a fact
Gonna show the next generation where I'm at
What I mean is to say
The way that I was is the same as I am today
Now if you're white, or if you're black
And now you're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running from the monkey man
And now you're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running from the monkey man
I was lost, but now I'm found
Some might even say that I've been around
With the crowd I would move
Mr. sophisticated just can't lose
Now in the style that I was dressed
I was the steady reason no-one could test
Yeah I was smart and I was cool
No matter how hard they tried I was no-ones fool
And now you're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running from the monkey man
And now you're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running from the monkey man
Did you hear what I say?
Now did you hear what I say?
When you look, what do you see?
You only see the monkey not the man in me
But now I'm back, and that's a fact
Gonna show the next generation where I'm at
What I mean is to say
The way that I was is the same as I am today
And if you're white, or if you're black
Remember you can't get the monkey off your back
And now you're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running from the monkey man
The song “Running Away” by Fun Boy Three is a social commentary on race relations and societal perception. The lyrics speak to the idea that people are often judged and perceived based on their physical appearance and race, rather than their character and personality. The singer expresses frustration at being seen as a “monkey” rather than a man, indicating that he has experienced discrimination and marginalization because of his race.
The song challenges listeners to recognize and confront their own biases and encourages them to see past race and other superficial differences to recognize the humanity in others. The lyrics also suggest a sense of empowerment, with the singer declaring that he’s “back” and ready to show the next generation where he’s at. This can be interpreted as a call to action for marginalized individuals to speak out and advocate for themselves and their communities.
Line by Line Meaning
When you look, what do you see?
People judge me by my surface, not who I am inside.
You only see the monkey not the man in me
People only see the superficial parts of myself, not the deeper aspects.
But now I'm back, and that's a fact
I'm back and ready to show my true self to the world.
Gonna show the next generation where I'm at
I'm going to be a positive role model for the younger generation.
The way that I was is the same as I am today
I haven't changed fundamentally, I'm still the same person I always was.
Now if you're white, or if you're black
It doesn't matter what race you are, we are all capable of the same things.
Remember you can't get the monkey off your back
There will always be something holding us back, we just have to learn to deal with it.
You're running from the monkey man
You are trying to escape from the superficial parts of yourself that others see.
I was the steady reason no-one could test
I was confident and unshakeable, nobody could bring me down.
No matter how hard they tried I was no-ones fool
I was wise to the ways of the world, and others couldn't take advantage of me.
Did you hear what I say?
Are you paying attention to my message?
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: ROBERT GABRIEL COOK, JACK COOK, NICK MILLS, GRAHAM SMITH, COLIN STRATON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind