Members included Forrest on vocals; bass player Jon Huck, guitarists Chris Handsome, Dix Denney and Mike Martt, and drummer Pete Weiss. In 1988, guitarist John Frusciante auditioned for Thelonious Monster, and in the band for only three hours, after which was asked to join the Red Hot Chili Peppers because they were so impressed by Frusciante's musical ability.
After several years of sporadic activity and side projects by Forrest, Thelonious Monster reunited in 2004 at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California and at the Sunset Junction Street Fair in Los Angeles, and released their first new album in 12 years. California Clam Chowder would feature guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who was also a member of Forrest's short-lived band, The Bicycle Thief. Klinghoffer would eventually go on to replace John Frusciante in the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
In 2009 Thelonious Monster reunited for their first shows in five years. The band played a show at The Echo in Los Angeles as a warm-up for dates on Warped Tour, and a show at Pappy And Harriet's in Pioneertown, California.
Former members of Thelonious Monster will be featured in the 2011 documentary Bob and the Monster, which details the life and career of Bob Forrest.
Try
Thelonious Monster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I never paid no telephone bill
And I ain't never had a job
And I'm glad and I hope I never will
But my mom yesterday
She asked me how I was doin'
I said I'm pretty good
But I don't know if I'm gonna eat today
But I'm gonna try...
I'm gonna try, try, try...
I swear to God, I'm gonna try...
I saw John Fogerty
And a beautiful girl in Camden
They were lookin' so fine
And their lives were so together
And me, I couldn't afford a cup of coffee
To cure my hangover
And ya know, it made me think
Lord, it made me think
About everything...
Made me think that I'm gonna try
I'm gonna try, try, try...
I'm gonna try.
Try, try, try...
The lyrics to Thelonious Monster's song "Try" are honest and introspective as the singer admits to not being responsible enough to pay bills or hold a job. This lack of responsibility is not something they are ashamed of though as they say they are glad they have never had to work. However, the second verse of the song shows the singer reflecting on their circumstances as they see John Fogerty and a beautiful girl who appear to have their lives together while the singer cannot even afford a cup of coffee. This juxtaposition causes the singer to think about everything and realize that they need to try harder. Despite not knowing if they will eat that day or have any direction in their life, the singer swears they will try.
The theme of the song revolves around the idea of trying, even when it seems like everything is against you. The singer's lack of responsibility is juxtaposed with the success of others, but rather than jealousy, it inspires the singer to put in effort and try harder. The repetition of the phrase "I'm gonna try" emphasizes the importance of perseverance and determination, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
Overall, "Try" is a moving song about the struggle to achieve success when the odds are stacked against you. The honesty and vulnerability in the lyrics, paired with the uplifting message of perseverance, make for a powerful piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I never paid the rent
I have never paid my rent
And I never paid no telephone bill
I have never paid my phone bill
And I ain't never had a job
I have never had a job
And I'm glad and I hope I never will
I am glad and I hope that I will never have a job.
But my mom yesterday
But my mother spoke to me yesterday
She asked me how I was doin'
She inquired about how I was feeling
I said I'm pretty good
I responded that I was well
But I don't know if I'm gonna eat today
However, I am uncertain if I'll be able to afford food today
I don't know if I'm gonna eat today
I am unsure if I will have enough money to buy food today
But I'm gonna try...
Nevertheless, I'm going to make an attempt to find a way to eat
I'm gonna try, try, try...
I will put in all my effort to try.
I swear to God, I'm gonna try...
I solemnly swear to give it my best shot.
I saw John Fogerty
I saw John Fogerty in person
And a beautiful girl in Camden
I also saw an exquisite woman in Camden
They were lookin' so fine
They both appeared attractive and pleasing to the eye
And their lives were so together
Their lives seemed to be all put together and in order
And me, I couldn't afford a cup of coffee
While I couldn't even manage to pay for a single cup of coffee
To cure my hangover
To remedy my hangover from the previous night
And ya know, it made me think
And it made me ponder
Lord, it made me think
Dear God, it made me think
About everything...
About everything else in my life.
Made me think that I'm gonna try
I contemplated that I should make an effort to change my situation and try to become successful like them
I'm gonna try, try, try...
I'm going to dedicate myself and give it my all
I'm gonna try.
I will try my very best to improve my life.
Try, try, try...
Try, try, try to succeed
Contributed by Nora H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@joedoomsdaypio4374
5 years sober today....
Recently became homeless, but as long as I stay sober it'll work out.
@ginabattz9716
Hope you’re hanging in there.
@salesgiant2069
Keep walking'. Keep talkin. I was homeless and landed on my feet. My family didn't help. BiPolar Disorder is a bitch.
At least I don't have to mail out Christmas cards anymore, lol. Stay strong.
@Azevedotk
Came from the sample in good time boys by RHCP. It's great.
@programmedwrong3795
UltimateLink30 You mean the peppers sampled it? This was out way before GOOD TIME BOYS. :)
@RobertScythe
Yup that's what Groove Chu said, don't see how you could think he meant otherwise.
@thegr816
RHCP did them a solid after taking Frusciante from them.
@Riskmangler
When the Monster held it together onstage, they were so great.
@joedoomsdaypio4374
Takes me back to foggy giddy nights half forgotten at Al's Bar.
Long Live The Monster...
@ginabattz9716
Just saw the doc. I had NO IDEA this band was around- I’m so glad I know now!!!!!!