Mickey's Monkey
Smokey Robinson Lyrics


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Lum di lum di lie
Lum di lum di lie
Lum di lum di lie
Lum di lum di lie
Lum di lum di lie
Lum di lum di lie
Come on, let's do Mickey's monkey, children
Yea, let's do Mickey's monkey, children
Lum di lum di lie
Lum di lum di lie
Lum di lum di lie
Lum di lum di lie
Lum di lum di lie
Lum di lum di lie
Come on, you can do the monkey, children
Yea, you're doing Mickey's monkey, children
Lum di lum di lie
Lum di lum di lie
Do the monkey, Mickey's monkey
Do the monkey, Mickey's monkey




Mickey's monkey
Mickey's monkey

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' song "Mickey's Monkey" are a call to action, inviting listeners to participate in the dance craze known as the monkey. The repetitive use of "Lum di lum di lie" creates a catchy and energetic rhythm, encouraging listeners to join in and do the monkey dance. The song specifically references "Mickey's monkey," which may refer to a specific style of monkey dance or a particular person who popularized the dance.


The lyrics of "Mickey's Monkey" are reflective of the musical styles and trends of the early 1960s, particularly in the realm of dance crazes. During this period, there was a surge in popularity of dance music and new dances, such as the twist and the mashed potato. "Mickey's Monkey" was released in 1963, and its upbeat, catchy sound reflects the energy and excitement of this time. Moreover, the dance craze trend often blurred racial and cultural boundaries, allowing for more integration and inclusion on the dance floor.


Overall, "Mickey's Monkey" is a fun and upbeat song with simple, repetitive lyrics that encourage participation and dancing. It reflects a time in music when dance crazes were all the rage, and people of all backgrounds could come together and enjoy the music and dance together.


Line by Line Meaning

Lum di lum di lie
Just meaningless sounds to create a fun rhythm


Come on, let's do Mickey's monkey, children
Let's dance the cool and popular dance called Mickey's Monkey together, kids


Yea, let's do Mickey's monkey, children
Yes, let's follow the steps of Mickey's Monkey dance together, kids


Come on, you can do the monkey, children
You guys totally have the moves for the monkey dance, kids


Yea, you're doing Mickey's monkey, children
Yes, you are indeed following the steps of Mickey's Monkey dance accurately, kids


Do the monkey, Mickey's monkey
Keep dancing the fun and groovy Mickey's Monkey dance


Mickey's monkey
Refers to the dance we are doing, which is called Mickey's Monkey




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, Edward Jr. Holland

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@l.angellove15

CONGRATULATIONS TO MOTOWN'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

AND TO YOURS TRULY
MR. SMOKEY ROBINSON AND
THE MIRACLES AND
VICE PRESIDENT OF MOTOWN.

SINGING ANOTHER GREAT MOTOWN'S FAVORITE HITS SONG
"MICKEY'S MONEY"



All comments from YouTube:

@mikecinquen

It should be a crime to have that much talent on one stage at one time!! Smokey = KING!

@breakevenbernie8543

You got that right Amen 😊

@user-um6lz9hg3r

It should also be a crime to have that much fun at one time.

@dustinredding4897

Went to a bar a few weeks ago...and decided to play this on the jukebox and bust out the moves lol...I'll be damn i had about 5 people between 55-65 join me latino, black and white! Warmed my heart and showed me that EVERYONE can knows the Mickeys Monkey 🤣❤️

@nadinelindo7448

Fun fact: The very first record Michael Jackson ever bought was this single "Mickey's Monkey" by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, cut by that classic Motown group in the 1960s. Within a few years Michael was recording for Motown himself. 😊 RIP Michael ❤

@kozmicblues7758

Born in 1947. Still one of my most favorite tunes.

@chriscoburn69

A great piece of footage, thanks for posting. It's one of my favourite Miracles songs, I love the way that they've used a classic Bo Diddley beat. Claudette's voice is all over this one - it's a shame that she didn't join Smokey and the boys in their public appearances during the 60s.'  

@laminage

+Chris Coburn What had happened was that she decided to Retire because she wanted to start a Family.  She suffered Seven Miscarriages including The Birth and Death of Fraternal Twin Girls.   She and Smokey had Two Children Berry born in 1968 and Tamla in 1970.  His Marriage deteriorated when he had a Baby with his Mistress.

@pst9821

Hand jive do that crazy hand jive

@johnfulton4061

Claudette stopped touring with the group in the mid sixties and became a stay at home mom she did continue to record with them

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