About the song
“Tweeter and the Monkey Man” is a timeless classic from the iconic supergroup, The Traveling Wilburys. Released in 1988, this song is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving a tale of mystery, intrigue, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. The song’s narrative is a testament to the band’s ability to craft compelling stories that captivate listeners and leave a lasting impression.
The song’s title characters, Tweeter and the Monkey Man, are shrouded in mystery, with their true identities and motivations remaining unclear. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a chance encounter between the two, which sets off a chain of events that leads to a series of surreal and fantastical occurrences. The song’s narrative is full of clever wordplay, witty one-liners, and clever references, making it a delight to decipher and interpret.
Musically, “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” is a standout track in The Traveling Wilburys’ discography. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody, with each band member bringing their unique talents to the table. Tom Petty’s distinctive vocals take center stage, while Jeff Lynne’s signature guitar work adds a layer of depth and texture to the song. The rhythm section, comprising of Roy Orbison and Jim Keltner, provides a solid foundation, while George Harrison’s subtle guitar contributions add a touch of elegance.
The song’s themes of mystery, intrigue, and the power of storytelling have resonated with listeners for decades. “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” is a testament to the enduring power of music to transport us to another world, to make us laugh, and to inspire us to think creatively. As a song, it is a true masterpiece, and as a reflection of The Traveling Wilburys’ collective talents, it is a shining example of what can be achieved when some of the most talented musicians in the world come together to create something truly special.
In this essay, we will delve deeper into the world of “Tweeter and the Monkey Man,” exploring the song’s themes, symbolism, and the creative process behind its creation. We will examine the ways in which the song has been interpreted and reinterpreted over the years, and how it continues to captivate audiences to this day. Join us on a journey into the world of this beloved song, and discover why “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” remains one of the most enduring and beloved songs in The Traveling Wilburys’ discography.
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Lyrics
Tweeter and the Monkey Man were hard up for cash
They stayed up all night selling cocaine and hash
To an undercover cop who had a sister named Jan
For reasons unexplained she loved the Monkey Man
Tweeter was a Boy Scout ‘fore she went to Vietnam
And found out the hard way, nobody gives a damn
They knew that they found freedom just across the Jersey line
So they hopped into a stolen car, took Highway 99
And the walls came down
All the way to hell
Never saw them when they’re standing
Never saw them when they fell
The undercover cop never liked the Monkey Man
Even back in childhood he wanted to see him in the can
Jan got married at fourteen to a racketeer named Bill
She made secret calls to the Monkey Man from a mansion on the hill
It was out on Thunder Road, Tweeter at the wheel
They crashed into paradise, they could hear them tires squeal
The undercover cop pulled up and said “Everyone of you is a liar
If you don’t surrender now it’s gonna go down to the wire”
And the walls came down
All the way to hell
Never saw them when they’re standing
Never saw them when they fell
An ambulance rolled up, a state-trooper close behind
Tweeter took his gun away and messed up his mind
The undercover cop was left tied up to a tree
Near the souvenir stand, by the old abandoned factory
Next day the undercover cop was hot in pursuit
He was taking the whole thing personal, he didn’t care about the loot
Jan had told him many times, “It was you to me who taught
In Jersey anything’s legal as long as you don’t get caught”
And the walls came down
All the way to hell
Never saw them when they’re standing
Never saw them when they fell
Some place by Rahwey Prison they ran out of gas
The undercover cop had cornered them, said
“Boy, you didn’t think this could last?”
Jan jumped out of bed, said, “There’s someplace I gotta go”
She took the gun out of the drawer, said, “It’s best that you don’t know.”
The undercover cop was found face down in a field
The Monkey Man was on the river bridge, using Tweeter as a shield
Jan said to the Monkey Man, “I’m not fooled by Tweeter’s curl
I knew him long before he became a Jersey Girl”
And the walls came down
All the way to hell
Never saw them when they’re standing
Never saw them when they fell
Now the town of Jersey City is quieting down again
I’m sitting in a gambling club called the Lion’s Den
The TV set was blown up, every bit of it is gone
Ever since the nightly news showed that the Monkey Man was on
I guess I’ll go to Florida and get myself some sun
There ain’t no more opportunity here, everything’s been done
Sometimes I think of Tweeter, sometimes I think of Jan
Sometimes I don’t think about nothing but the Monkey Man
And the walls came down
All the way to hell
Never saw them when they’re standing
Never saw them when they fell
And the walls came down
All the way to hell
Never saw them when they’re standing
Never saw them when they fell