Their first single was "No, No, No", which was a minor local hit for them as the Brooktones, who soon formally broke up as national success proved elusive. Summers and Dennis left the group, forming The Gems with Mark Stevens and Alan Horowitz in 1960, while the remaining former Brooktones signed to Chancellor Records and added Jerry Sirlin and William Shunkwiler to the group.
Their first hit was "Bristol Stomp" (also known as "The Bristol Stomp"), a dance song followed by the similar hit "Do the New Continental". They released a series of poppy singles over the next few years, facing various levels of success. Len Borisoff left in 1965 for a solo career under the name Len Barry. Having provided staples of oldies radio, the band continued to tour for decades. Interesting, the Dovells notably performed as backup singers, with them being a part of the Chubby Checker hit "Let's Twist Again", and also played for then U.S. President Bill Clinton twice.
Stop Monkeyin' Around
The Dovells Lyrics
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(Monkey, monkey, monkey...)
I, I don′t mind dancing the Monkey
You are fine, dancing the Monkey
When the dance is over
You become a rover
A monkey out of me
If you're gonna mess around
(You better stop)
I′m putting you down
(You better stop)
I don't wanna be your clown
(You better stop) oh
You better stop your monkeying around
(Monkey, monkey, monkey...)
When you start doing your cheating
Then my heart is taking a beating
The way you keep on playing
You're gonna hear me saying
?
If you′re gonna mess around
(You better stop)
I′m putting you down
(You better stop)
I don't wanna be your clown
(You better stop) oh
You better stop your monkeying around
(Monkey, monkey, monkey...)
When the dance is over
You become a rover
Why must you make
A monkey out of me
If you′re gonna mess around
(You better stop)
I'm putting you down
(You better stop)
I don′t wanna be your clown
(You better stop) oh
You better stop your monkeying around
(Monkey, monkey, monkey...)
The Dovells' song "Stop Monkeyin' Around" is a lamentation to a lover who is both unfaithful and indecisive, leading to the singer feeling used and undignified. The metaphor of the monkey is a clever one as it implies that the lover's actions are primitive and lacking any sense of responsibility. The song starts with a plea to the lover to stop messing around and treating the singer like a toy or an object, urging them to take responsibility for their actions. The singer then expresses that they don't mind dancing the monkey, in other words, being silly and going along with their lover's whims, but feels lost once the dance is done and their lover goes wandering off.
The second verse focuses on the negative impact the lover's behavior has on the singer. Cheating and playing games with the singer's emotions are causing them pain and heartbreak. The singer warns the lover that they will no longer tolerate this behavior and will put them down if they try to continue. The chorus repeats the theme of stopping the monkeying around, emphasizing the plea for the lover to start behaving like an adult and treating the singer with respect.
Overall, "Stop Monkeyin' Around" is an excellent example of a lighthearted and catchy pop song that hides a more poignant message. With its upbeat tempo and catchy "monkey, monkey, monkey" refrain, the song is a perfect encapsulation of the sound of its time while delivering a timeless message about demanding respect in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
You better stop your monkeying around
I suggest you to stop acting like a monkey and being silly
I, I don′t mind dancing the Monkey
I don't mind dancing in a silly way like a monkey, it's actually fun
You are fine, dancing the Monkey
You are doing a good job dancing like a monkey
When the dance is over
After the fun dance is done
You become a rover
You start wandering around without any sense of direction
Why must you make
Why do you have to turn this into
A monkey out of me
A situation where I look foolish and ridiculous like a monkey
If you're gonna mess around
If you continue to fool around and be immature
(You better stop)
(I suggest you to stop)
I'm putting you down
I am going to disapprove and reject your behavior
I don't wanna be your clown
I don't want to be laughed at and made fun of because of your actions
(You better stop) oh
(It's better for you to stop)
When you start doing your cheating
When you start being unfaithful or dishonest
Then my heart is taking a beating
Then you are hurting me emotionally
The way you keep on playing
The way you keep acting silly and immature
You're gonna hear me saying
You're going to hear me warning you
?
The lyrics are incomplete, the meaning is unclear
(Monkey, monkey, monkey...)
(Repeating the word monkey as a playful frustration with the other person's behavior)
Writer(s): Kal Mann, David Appell
Contributed by Ellie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.