Monkey Man

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Monkey Man" by The Rolling Stones from their iconic 1969 album Let It Bleed. This track, a gritty, vibraphone-laced rocker, was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards as a nod to Italian pop artist Mario Schifano, whom they met while working on his experimental film Umano Non Umano! (Human, Not Human!). The song’s lyrics, with lines like “I’m a flea-bit peanut monkey” and “All my friends are junkies,” offer a satirical take on the band’s wild lifestyle during the late ‘60s, though Jagger cheekily clarifies, “That’s not really true.” Fans on platforms like Last.fm have noted its use in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, where it underscores a chaotic cocaine-smuggling scene, cementing its cinematic legacy.

Dive deeper, and you’ll find "Monkey Man" carries layers of meaning. Some fans, as seen in discussions on Songfacts, speculate the “monkey” could hint at heroin addiction, a nod to Keith Richards’ struggles, though the song’s playful tone leans more toward self-mockery than a dark confessional. Others connect the “lemon squeezer” line to Led Zeppelin’s “The Lemon Song,” released just a month earlier in 1969, suggesting a shared bluesy innuendo. Classic Rock History critic Matthew Pollard praises the track as the Stones’ 9th best deep cut, highlighting the “espionage-esque vibes” from Bill Wyman’s vibraphone and Richards’ searing slide guitar solo. The song’s raw energy made it a staple on the band’s 1994–1995 Voodoo Lounge Tour, with a live version later featured on their 2004 album Live Licks.

The Rolling Stones kicked off their legendary journey in London in 1962, rooted in a shared love for blues and early rock and roll. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts formed the core lineup, with Jones initially leading the charge. Their early gigs were fueled by covers of Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters, played in sweaty clubs like the Crawdaddy Club. Manager Andrew Loog Oldham, who joined in 1963, pushed them to write original songs, sparking the Jagger–Richards songwriting partnership that defined their sound. Oldham’s savvy marketing—pitching them as the rebellious foil to The Beatles—helped their gritty covers like “Come On” climb the UK charts. By 1964, they were spearheading the British Invasion, with hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” cementing their global fame. Despite Jones’ departure and death in 1969, the band’s resilience, now with Mick Taylor, kept them rocking through Let It Bleed and beyond.

Stay connected with The Rolling Stones on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, throwback photos, and more. Fans can dive into the community at sites like It’s Only Rock’n Roll (IORR), a fan-run hub with tour news and forums, or join the Rolling Stones Fans Facebook group to swap stories and memorabilia. For those craving more, Keno’s Rolling Stones Fan Club offers links to global fan clubs and detailed album reviews. Keep the Zoo Crew vibe alive, Zoo Freaks, and let “Monkey Man” take you on a wild ride!