1. The Monks (US) are a rock n r… Read Full Bio ↴There are two bands with this name:
1. The Monks (US) are a rock n roll band, primarily active in Germany in the mid to late sixties. They reunited in 1999 and have continued to play concerts, although no new studio recordings have been made. The Monks stood out from the music of the time, and have developed a cult following amongst many musicians and music fans.
Artists to have acknowledged the Monks as an influence include Henry Rollins, the Beastie Boys and Jello Biafra of the Dead Kennedys, as well as The Fall. The latter covered both I Hate You and Oh, How to Do Now on their 1990 album Extricate (under the titles Black Monk Theme Part I and Black Monk Theme Part II, respectively), as well as the song Shut Up! on their 1994 album Middle Class Revolt. The Fall have also covered "Higgledy-Piggledy" for the Monks tribute CD Silver Monk Time.
All the members were American GIs stationed in Germany in the mid-sixties. They began playing together in 1964, calling themselves the Torquays. The Torquays differed little from stinctive name and image to go with it. At the beginning of 1965, Dave Day and Roger Johnston, on a whim, got their heads shaved into monks' tonsures. The rest of the band followed their lead, and to complete the image, the band took to wearing a uniform - all black, sometimes in cassocks, with nooses worn as neckties. Eddie Shaw later claimed in his band autobiography "Black Monk Time" that the nooses were symbolic of the metaphorical nooses that all humanity wear. His explanation of the symbolism is unclear and confusing, but regardless, dressed as black monks, The Monks undoubtedly made a shocking visual impression.
Official Website: http://www.the-monks.com/
2. The Monks (UK) : After a four-year stint as the rhythm section for respected English trad rockers the Strawbs and a subsequent four-album run as Hudson-Ford, John Ford and Richard Hudson emerged in this utterly unexpected incarnation.As the '70s closed with punk at its apex, the Monks changed with the times. Unlike truly ticked-off punkers such as the Sex Pistols, they played it for a lark on their debut Bad Habits, which featured a leggy, cigarette-smoking, stocking-revealing nun on the cover. Revelling in their Englishness, they jabbed mirthfully at headbangers and ska-fanciers alike with spot-on spoofs including "Drugs in My Pocket," "Spotty Face" and of course "Johnny B. Rotten." Likely surprising even themselves, they watched as "Nice Legs Shame About Her Face" climbed to No. 19, borrowing the rhythmic strum Lou Reed perfected with Velvet Underground. Former drummer Hudson was playing bass by now, allowing one-time bassist Ford to be the band's guitarist. Terry Cassidy had full band member status as the writer or co-writer of half of the album's 12 tracks. Chris Pearce allowed Hudson to get out from behind the drum kit. Perhaps realizing the punk spoof concept didn't have much longevity, they had a fling with 1930s-style music as High Society in 1980. They returned to the ersatz punk of the Monks with Suspended Animation, an only-in-Canada release that didn't chart.
Complication
The Monks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Complication,
Complication,
Constipation!
People cry,
People die for you.
People kill,
People will for you.
Ain't it fun for you.
People go
To their deaths for you.
Complication!
The Monks' song "Complication" is a nihilistic take on the human condition, suggesting that life is full of struggle, suffering, and ultimately, death. The refrain of "Complication, constipation" seems to suggest that life is characterized by a sense of entrapment or blockage, that we are unable to fulfill our desires and ambitions because of the various constraints that exist in the world. The lines "People cry, people die for you / People kill, people will for you" suggest that we are willing to make great sacrifices for the sake of others, even if they do not necessarily deserve it.
The chorus "People go to their deaths for you, complication" reinforces the sense of futility and pointlessness in life, that we are constantly struggling and fighting for something that ultimately does not matter. The song ends on the word "complication," which could be interpreted as a final condemnation of life itself, with all its inherent difficulties and struggles. It's a stark and uncompromising take on the nature of existence, and one that is likely to resonate with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed or defeated by the challenges of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Complication,
Life is not simple, it's complicated.
Complication,
Struggles and uncertainties create complications in life.
Complication,
Chaos and disorder make everything more complicated.
Constipation!
Being unable to move forward or take action due to hindrances.
People cry,
Emotions run high due to frustration and pain.
People die for you.
People are willing to sacrifice their lives for your sake.
People kill,
Violence arises due to complex situations and motives.
People will for you.
People are willing to do anything for you, even if it's risky or harmful.
People run,
Some people seek thrills and excitement in the midst of danger.
Ain't it fun for you.
Some people find enjoyment and pleasure in the midst of chaos and danger.
People go
People embark on journeys and missions.
To their deaths for you.
Some missions or goals are so important that people are willing to die for them.
Complication!
Life is full of hurdles and obstacles that we must overcome.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DAVE HAVLICEK, GARY BURGER, LARRY CLARK, ROGER JOHNSTON, THOMAS SHAW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@unclenogbad1509
Believe it or not, I saw these guys when they did a brief reunion 'tour' in the early 2000's. Saw them at a gig in North London - can't even remember the venue, but I'll always remember them. Bunch of old guys get up on stage, looking even a little embarrassed, but then they TOTALLY ROCKED THE PLACE. Clean blew the heads off all the youngsters there, and left a buzz I was still feeling days later. Bless every one of them; living or in rock'n'roll heaven.
@1810Sound
I saw them at cavestomp in nyc and it was an amazing performance. The book by the bassist is worth reading, a really unique story.
@unclenogbad1509
@David Roby What's the name of the book? I'd love to read it.
@1810Sound
@Unclenogbad I believe it is “Black Monk Time” same as the LP.
@unclenogbad1509
@David Roby Thanks, I'll look out for it.
@christopherseat9871
Transatlantic Feed Back
@NondescriptMammal
This definitely qualifies as leading edge pioneering garage punk rock
@jamespiontkowski7855
I really like the fuzz bass sound..
@christopherseat9871
BLOODY HEAVY
@mrdaynes1
Wow never heard this b4 - stumbled on them after searching on the net for the 70's Monks. Brilliant! Superb rock riff, well ahead of it's time. New Wave before New Wave!!! 😎