Monkey Business
Smokey Joe & The Kid Lyrics

The lyrics to Smokey Joe & The Kid's song "Monkey Business" tell a whimsical and playful story of various animals behaving in unconventional ways. The overarching theme is one of chaos and rebellion, as the monkeys in the zoo have managed to set themselves free and open all the other cages. This symbolizes a departure from the norm, a break from the confines of their typical routine. It's as if they've decided to let loose and indulge in mischievous activities.

The first verse introduces the idea of unexpected animal behavior as Mr. Giraffe marries Miss Gnu. This unlikely union highlights the absurdity of the situation and emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the animals' actions. The mention of cross my heart and swearing it's true invites the listener to suspend their disbelief and fully embrace the fantastical world being created by the lyrics.

In the second verse, the lizard breaks a boiled egg on the lion's head, further adding to the sense of unconventional behavior. The mention of tigers toasting slices of bread adds a humorous touch, as it juxtaposes their normally fierce and carnivorous nature with ordinary human activities. Again, the singer emphasizes the veracity of these bizarre events.

The third verse continues with the theme of animals disregarding their expected behavior. The dolphin jumps out of its pool, which is unusual for this sea creature, while the wombat prepares itself for school, breaking the stereotypical perception that animals don't engage in educational pursuits. The mention of flamingos enjoying strawberry fool reinforces the sense of playful abandonment, as it's a delightful and unconventional treat for these elegant birds.

The final verse keeps up the enchanting and imaginative atmosphere. The tiger eating a fairy cake showcases another imaginative twist, creating a whimsical image of a wild animal indulging in a delicate and dainty treat. The dog doing backstroke in the lake highlights the animal's capability for amusing and unexpected behaviors. Lastly, the frog's heart breaking from crocodile tears adds a touch of emotion to the song, reminding us that even in the midst of playful chaos, there can be moments of genuine emotion.

Throughout the song, the repetition of the phrase "Cross my heart, I swear it's true" acts as a reminder that these fantastical scenarios are all part of the playful narrative. It's a whimsical experience, inviting us to escape the confines of reality and indulge in the imaginative world created by the lyrics. "Monkey Business" is a vibrant and lighthearted celebration of the unexpected, urging us to embrace our playful and mischievous side.