Mickey's Monkey
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles 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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Comments from YouTube:

@justinrichardson9554

Im a 95 baby, but my mama is a 1960 baby, and my grandparents were born in 41,42. They played this at their wedding. My mama used to play this in the house. I been looking for it.

@BillFEILHAUER-bu7go

I remember when this was on the radio living in Brooklyn. Where did the years go 😂

@coconoir9015

Who remembers being at the Fox Theater in Brooklyn when the Miracles performed this song?
Great memories, thank you Murray The K, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles for your incredible shows and talent!

@nevittwoods1730

Greenwood lake

@miket8081

What year was it? And what was it like??

@robertgandler3177

yes although I was not inside the Brooklyn Fox movie theater!

@raycota4322

Another one of my favorite jams !

@peterpagliaro1835

Pretty cool for 1963!

@advjoe2

You had to be there in 1963 to feel how cool it really was !!!!

@lowanaharris4644

I love this song

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