"The Monkey" by Elvis Costello and The Imposters is a satirical song that uses monkeys as a metaphor to critique human behavior. The song suggests that monkeys, being noble creatures, are superior to humans in certain aspects. The lyrics begin with three monkeys sitting in a coconut tree, discussing a rumor that humans descended from monkeys. One monkey vehemently dismisses the idea, considering it a disgrace. The song then highlights various virtues that monkeys possess but humans often lack. The first virtue mentioned is monogamy and loyalty. Monkeys are depicted as faithful partners who never desert their mates or mistreat their offspring. In contrast, humans are criticized for abandoning their families and causing harm to their loved ones. Next, the song emphasizes the strong maternal instincts of monkeys. They are portrayed as devoted mothers who never leave their babies in the care of others, while humans are criticized for neglecting their parental responsibilities. The song also comments on human possessiveness and greed. Monkeys are described as never building fences around coconut trees and hoarding resources. Instead, they share and allow others to enjoy the fruits. The lyrics suggest that humans, driven by selfishness and fear of scarcity, would rather prevent others from benefiting. Additionally, the song points out that monkeys don't engage in violence. They don't use weapons or take another monkey's life. In contrast, humans are branded as "worthless bums" who resort to aggression and destruction. Overall, "The Monkey" is a satirical commentary on human flaws and shortcomings. It uses the noble qualities attributed to monkeys to highlight the stark differences between the two species. The song challenges the notion of human superiority and suggests that, in some aspects, monkeys lead more virtuous lives than humans.
