In addition, Cafiero has assembled a posse of colossal visual artists to complete an over-the-top, high-energy-bursting-with-color package, including original Topps bubble-gum card guru John Pound (Wacky Packs artist and creator of the Garbage Pail Kids); Space Monkeys designer and urban legend Dalek; Batman and Justice League wizard Butch Lukic; and Tragnark.
CAFIERO: “This is a combination of everything that has inspired me, of everything that I am. Japanese anime and toys, my love of punk rock and pop culture, and especially the defining 1970s bands of New York. More than anything, my heroes, The Ramones, taught me that punk rock is fun."
Shaolin Monkeys
Osaka Popstar & the American Legends of Punk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Without a sense of inner piece
Like a shaolin monkey yeah a barrel full
Genuine as you'll find for $1.99
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Sounds good for the image,
Sounds good fro the press
Those in the know are not a bit impressed
Now watch your step you're gonna slip on a peel
The extent of your knowledge will be revealed
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Swing from the tree and eat your own crap
You're a clueless, shoeless, skill-less mess
Pick at your fleas and scratch your head
Pick the wrong fight and you'll end up dead
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Stay in your cage and stay clear of me living your life of transparency
Put on a dress and make a silly face
Monkey see, monkey do, monkey imitate
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Orient-ation time's arrived
Stand up be human try to survive
Don't need fake identities
When evolution set you free
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
Shaolin monkeys
The song "Shaolin Monkeys" by Osaka Popstar & the American Legends of Punk is a satirical take on people who spout off eastern philosophies without truly understanding their deeper meaning or finding a sense of inner peace. The lyrics compare these individuals to "Shaolin monkeys" - energetic and barrel-full, but lacking in genuine depth. For the shallow image-conscious, these philosophies sound good and may impress the media, but those who truly understand the teachings are not impressed. The song warns the individuals to watch their step and be wary of revealing their shallow knowledge to those who truly understand.
The lyrics also ridicule those who imitate or copy others without understanding the reasons behind it. The last verse implores people to stand up and be human, to find their own identity without resorting to fakery or trying to imitate others mindlessly. The song ultimately suggests that true evolution is about finding one's own path, rather than blindly following others.
Line by Line Meaning
Spouting off eastern philosophies
Talking about eastern philosophies without actually living by them and understanding their deeper meanings
Without a sense of inner piece
Without any inner peace, despite having some knowledge of eastern philosophies
Like a shaolin monkey yeah a barrel full
Being like a monkey in a barrel, rather than being a true follower of the philosophy
Genuine as you'll find for $1.99
Not genuine at all, just putting on a show for cheap
Sounds good for the image,
It may sound good in terms of image and reputation
Sounds good fro the press
It may sound good to the media and get some attention
Those in the know are not a bit impressed
People who truly understand the philosophy are not impressed by the shallow display
Now watch your step you're gonna slip on a peel
Be careful, you are likely to make a mistake and reveal your lack of true understanding
The extent of your knowledge will be revealed
Your true level of understanding will eventually be exposed
Swing from the tree and eat your own crap
Acting like a monkey and behaving in a very childish and immature way
You're a clueless, shoeless, skill-less mess
Being completely clueless, lacking basic skills, and being a hopeless mess
Pick at your fleas and scratch your head
Behaving like a monkey and engaging in mindless actions
Pick the wrong fight and you'll end up dead
If you pick a fight in the wrong context, you'll suffer the consequences
Stay in your cage and stay clear of me living your life of transparency
Stay away from me and live a life of transparency and honesty, rather than pretending to be something you're not
Put on a dress and make a silly face
Behaving in a very silly and childish way, like a monkey putting on a dress
Monkey see, monkey do, monkey imitate
Copying others without any true understanding of the actions being imitated
Orient-ation time's arrived
Acknowledge and respect your heritage and traditions
Stand up be human try to survive
Be true to yourself, be human and try to survive in the world
Don't need fake identities
Don't pretend to be something or someone you're not
When evolution set you free
When you are allowed to evolve and truly be yourself
Contributed by Colin P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.