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Elvis Costello — Monkey To Man
Album: The Delivery Man
Avg rating:
6.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1038









Released: 2004
Length: 4:18
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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A long time ago, our point of view
Was broadcast by Mr. Bartholomew
Now the world is full of sorrow and pain
It's time for us to speak up again

You're slack and sorry
Such an arrogant brood
The only purpose you serve is to bring us our food
We sit here staring at your pomp and pout
Outside the bars we use for keeping you out

You've taken everything that you wanted
Broke it up and plundered it and hunted
Ever since we said it
You went and took the credit
It's been headed this way since the world began
When a vicious creature took the jump from Monkey to Man

Every time that man struggles and fails
He makes up some kind of fairytales
After all of the misery that he has caused
He denies he's descended from the dinosaurs

Points up to heaven with cathedral spires
All the time indulging in his base desires
Ever since we said it
He went and took the credit
It's been headed this way since the world began
When a vicious creature took the jump from Monkey to Man

Big and useless as he has become
With his crying statues and his flying bomb
Goes 'round acting like the chosen one
Excuse us if we treat him like our idiot cousin

He hangs up flowers and bells and rhymes
Hoping to hell that someone's forgiven his crimes
Fills the air with his pride and his praise
He's big disgrace to our beastly ways

In the fashionable nightclubs and finer precincts
Man uses words to dress up his vile instincts
Ever since we said it
He went and took the credit
It's been headed this way since the world began
When a vicious creature took the jump from Monkey to Man
Comments (85)add comment
I was never a huge Elvis Costello fan, but when this album came out, I latched onto it like a hungry tick. I bought it after hearing this song and Bedlam, another great song that got quite a bit of airplay on whatever station I was listening to back in '04. The opening track Button My Lip is one of my favorite opening tracks on any album I've ever owned. His band The Imposter never sounded better. 
Posted 4 months ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
I loved this song but I’m not 14 and needing to hear something daily . I am starting to get turned off by it now. What’s up with this RP??. VARIETY!   I’ve rated almost every song that comes on now and I don’t listen that much.  Seems like I am listening to a commercial radio station with just a different set list
Posted 5 months ago by Rcallinjr    [ Reply ]
 creekgirl wrote:

brilliant, witty, trenchant lyrics.  youngsters take note.......he is THE master!
though this particular song is not his best musically IMO.....anything off This Year's Model or Armed Forces much stronger........



This is pretty good! The lyrics are more involved and the rhythm isn't as driving as his younger days, but it's catchy. 

I saw him a few times when he filled in for David Letterman as guest host of the Late Show. He was very smooth and funny. 
Posted 1 year ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Such great stuff from ELVIS.
Posted 1 year ago by liveaudio608    [ Reply ]
 Roguewarer wrote:
I saw Elvis.
At a fast food restaurant.
No lie.

Even on a bad day, he's fun and interesting to listen to. I know some folks don't dig him, but he's one of the few artists whose music I find myself dissecting into progressions, phrasing, etc. So intentional and, IMHO, brilliant. Love his stuff.
 
Read his biography. His prose is just as witty and entertaining as his lyrics
Posted 3 years ago by Soopertimes    [ Reply ]
The slideshow made me bump it to a 7. :-)
Posted 4 years ago by theralph    [ Reply ]
I like most EC...but this just sounds stupid to me.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
I think it'd be fun to play the Wilburys' "Tweeter and the Monkey Man" or the Stones' "Monkey Man" along with this one, but "Evolution" ({#Lol}) will do.
Posted 12 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Sam The Sham Wooly Bully
Posted 12 years ago by Toke    [ Reply ]
I never realized how much the video added to my appreciation of this EC song.... {#Eh} 
Posted 12 years ago by tuttle99    [ Reply ]
brilliant, witty, trenchant lyrics.  youngsters take note.......he is THE master!
though this particular song is not his best musically IMO.....anything off This Year's Model or Armed Forces much stronger........
Posted 12 years ago by creekgirl    [ Reply ]
I saw Elvis.
At a fast food restaurant.
No lie.

Even on a bad day, he's fun and interesting to listen to. I know some folks don't dig him, but he's one of the few artists whose music I find myself dissecting into progressions, phrasing, etc. So intentional and, IMHO, brilliant. Love his stuff.
Posted 12 years ago by Roguewarer    [ Reply ]
 TimeWaster wrote:
Ok, that cheesy organ sound hasn't been cool since the 60's. Get a Hammond, for cryin' out loud. And you've been around long enough, you should no longer sound like a teenagers in a garage. There, I said it.
 
Farfisa organs are always cool.  If anything, Hammond organs sound much more dated - like something from The Lawrence Welk Show, or a skating rink.  That's cool too, though.  
Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
I like this interview...

 

I gave the song an 8. 


Posted 13 years ago by Umberdog    [ Reply ]
Not bad for sober-Costello
Posted 13 years ago by gabrielle7nt    [ Reply ]
 namp wrote:
This guy is just... annoying
 
glad you think so

Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
This guy is just... annoying
Posted 14 years ago by namp    [ Reply ]
I haven't really liked much of his post-"Brutal Youth" stuff.  This one isn't bad, though.
Posted 14 years ago by jbunniii    [ Reply ]
 TimeWaster wrote:
Ok, that cheesy organ sound hasn't been cool since the 60's. Get a Hammond, for cryin' out loud. And you've been around long enough, you should no longer sound like a teenagers in a garage. There, I said it.
 

cheesy organ is what makes this song!
Posted 14 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
Ok, that cheesy organ sound hasn't been cool since the 60's. Get a Hammond, for cryin' out loud. And you've been around long enough, you should no longer sound like a teenagers in a garage. There, I said it.


Posted 14 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
Enough with the Elvis Costello, already.  I now hate this guy because of how often he is played here.
Posted 14 years ago by liteon1    [ Reply ]

Does anyone besides me here Cyndi Lauper "she bops" in this.... ?
At first I thought this was a remake of it


Posted 14 years ago by Cruzan    [ Reply ]
7 8
ArrowdNaughtySnooty
Posted 14 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]
The_Enemy wrote:

Johnny Rotten does commercials for butter. The World ended a long time ago.

Johnny's commercial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mSE-Iy_tFY


Johnny Rottens such a c*nt...and I'm sure he'd be flattered to hear it.....

"It's about the butter"......f*ck off.

Posted 14 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
 mortimer wrote:
I saw Elvis Costello in a Lexus commercial last night. How punk.
 
Johnny Rotten does commercials for butter.  The World ended a long time ago.

Johnny's commercial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mSE-Iy_tFY

Posted 15 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
Yaay, Ardi!

Posted 15 years ago by sirrus    [ Reply ]
Where did THIS come from? It's great!
Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
 mortimer wrote:
I saw Elvis Costello in a Lexus commercial last night. How punk.
 
Sheesh. The man is in his fifties and has scads of punk bona fides under his belt. AND he's married to Diana Krall! Let him enjoy a little luxury and make a few bucks.

Posted 15 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 papaman wrote:
This is one of the few EC songs that doesn't make me want to puke...but I'll puke anyway out of principle.
{#Puke}
 

But, but, but, I like this and ... EEEEUUUUW my shoes, you jerk!
Posted 15 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
This is one of the few EC songs that doesn't make me want to puke...but I'll puke anyway out of principle.
{#Puke}
Posted 15 years ago by papaman    [ Reply ]
super...
Posted 15 years ago by 2noir    [ Reply ]
 sugarbaby wrote:
damn good song. heard him sing this on austin city limits
 
I saw the same episode a couple of years ago. After hearing this song and Button My Lip, I had to buy the CD. He and his band really seemed energized and inspired around this time.  There was also a live DVD released around this time that is excellent - Elvis and band in a tiny, sweaty, crowded club. Good stuff. Lots of good extras, too.

Posted 16 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
First time I heard this, I thought "..hey, the real Elvis is back! Of course, I'm 46yr old now...
Posted 16 years ago by Panama_Floyd    [ Reply ]
mortimer wrote:
I saw Elvis Costello in a Lexus commercial last night. How punk.
Jealous? Yesterday I saw a pimp driving a Volkswagen.
Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
great artist. great song.
Posted 16 years ago by keyholder    [ Reply ]
Not a horrible song I guess but it never would have made the cut on any of EC's first 5 or 6 albums. It's like he forgot how to write a clever melody and chord progression. This song rides on one chord almost throughout and there's nothing original about the melody.
Posted 17 years ago by rocco1207    [ Reply ]
obnoxious retro-puke
Posted 17 years ago by audiolizard    [ Reply ]
damn good song. heard him sing this on austin city limits
Posted 17 years ago by sugarbaby    [ Reply ]
DoctorHooey wrote:
Wow, that WAS him. *sigh* I really did see both Prince and Elvis in commercials within a 24 hour span. Well, there goes my last shred of idealism.
I understand being upset by Elvis, but Prince? Prince has always been about the bucks. First time I've heard this, and I like. 7.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
Great tune -- Elvis still has it!
Posted 17 years ago by welby    [ Reply ]
mortimer wrote:
I saw Elvis Costello in a Lexus commercial last night. How punk.
Wow, that WAS him. *sigh* I really did see both Prince and Elvis in commercials within a 24 hour span. Well, there goes my last shred of idealism.
Posted 17 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
I saw Elvis Costello in a Lexus commercial last night. How punk.
Posted 17 years ago by mortimer    [ Reply ]
Never enough Elvis!
Posted 17 years ago by scott4261    [ Reply ]
Lazy8 wrote:
A little more vitriol, a couple more smileys...you've almost got me convinced!
Long live passion
Posted 18 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
Deronius wrote:
Great performer Great song I've seen him several times in concert and Costello gives you lots of bang for your buck.
Amen, brother! It's not only a good rocking song, but a rare case of digging up a 50-year-old socially-conscious song (uncommon in itself) and tying in to a new rocker!!!!
Posted 18 years ago by rjs    [ Reply ]
Interesting. This is one of the few Elvis Costello songs I've liked, and it appears that most of the Costello fans here don't like it. I guess that means that this isn't his usual sound, which I don't like and his fans like?
Posted 18 years ago by UltraNurd    [ Reply ]
RPsavedme wrote:
had to mute
had to crank
Posted 18 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
Lazy8 wrote:
Huh. I think this would fit right in on Armed Forces. Compared to the self-indulgent swill he's put out since the glory days, this sounds like Elvis got his mojo back.
It's not bad, but it sure ain't anywhere near "Armed Forces" in terms of either quality or style.
Posted 18 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
just don't like this song. Bleah.
Posted 19 years ago by pdhski    [ Reply ]
Had no idea Mr. MacManus was so polarizing here. As self-indulgent as he has been for the past two decades, I regard his new thing as a welcome return to form. He actually seems to remember how to rock'n'roll once again, which was always wonderful combined with his acid wit.
Posted 19 years ago by dionysius    [ Reply ]
Recorded within one mile of where I'm sitting right now in Oxford, MS. https://www.sweettea.net/home.htm Elvis is a great guy that was really nice to all us locals. We treated him like family.
Posted 19 years ago by radioparadisehead    [ Reply ]
Great performer Great song I've seen him several times in concert and Costello gives you lots of bang for your buck.
Posted 19 years ago by Deronius    [ Reply ]
I like Elvis Costello's music...I think he's fairly innovative from album to album (at least in the sense that he explores several styles/sub-genres of rock). I do NOT, however, have a high tolerance for his voice. It's not horrible, it's not grating, but the simple way it sounds just doesn't agree with my aural faculties. So I give it a 5.
Posted 19 years ago by ploafmaster    [ Reply ]
I love Elvis, but just cause it's new Elvis doesn't mean in should be on the playlist. Besides, it's not even new anymore. Back on the shelf please.
Posted 19 years ago by srbarry    [ Reply ]
Trustocity wrote:
if songs were musical procedures, this would be an enema
Well, since you obviously won't up yours, I guess I'll have to up mine. An 8.
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
if songs were musical procedures, this would be an enema
Posted 19 years ago by Trustocity    [ Reply ]
Great "feel good" song.
Posted 19 years ago by artmarcia    [ Reply ]
had to mute
Posted 19 years ago by RPsavedme    [ Reply ]
Great simian groove! I love it! :D
Posted 19 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
orpheus wrote:
if this doesn't count as swill, I don't know what the hell does. As far as being on "Armed Forces"? in what universe? That album was pure genius. guess your reality check is still in the mail :o 8O :o 8O :P :P :x :!: :!: :?
A little more vitriol, a couple more smileys...you've almost got me convinced!
Posted 19 years ago by Lazy8    [ Reply ]
Lazy8 wrote:
Huh. I think this would fit right in on Armed Forces. Compared to the self-indulgent swill he's put out since the glory days, this sounds like Elvis got his mojo back.
if this doesn't count as swill, I don't know what the hell does. As far as being on "Armed Forces"? in what universe? That album was pure genius. guess your reality check is still in the mail :o 8O :o 8O :P :P :x :!: :!: :?
Posted 19 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
orpheus wrote:
why does this piece of crap get so much airplay when he's written so many other actually good/great songs!?!?
Huh. I think this would fit right in on Armed Forces. Compared to the self-indulgent swill he's put out since the glory days, this sounds like Elvis got his mojo back.
Posted 19 years ago by Lazy8    [ Reply ]
First Joe Jackson (Common People with Shanter), followed by Elvis. I really thought RP would play the third angry man, Graham Parker, but this is too much to hope for since Parker was already played today. Nevertheless, RP is the coolest damn radio station I've heard in my entire life.
Posted 19 years ago by Trustocity    [ Reply ]
orpheus wrote:
why does this piece of crap get so much airplay when he's written so many other actually good/great songs!?!? :o 8O :o
So tell us how you REALLY feel about it. Ha!
Posted 19 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
why does this piece of crap get so much airplay when he's written so many other actually good/great songs!?!? :o 8O :o :grumpy.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
jadewahoo wrote:
I like Elvis. I like his efforts. I like his creative verve. Sometimes I even like his songs. I like this song.
it's not like he's lost it. he does it great. but sadly, it's kind of a one-trick pony. i already heard all this in another elvis costello song somewhere along the line. some arists should give it a rest when they're done saying their bit. OMIGOD! now bill's playing nirvana. the irony is painful.
Posted 19 years ago by bluedot    [ Reply ]
I like this one a lot. I find it interesting that there's a bit of intentional distortion in the recording to give it a little "patina" like The Sonics did with their cover of the Richard Berry song "Have Love, Will Travel" Almost like these are garage recordings... but not really. The "Monkey to Man" video is available on the Elvis Costello website: (click here)
Posted 19 years ago by Randy_K    [ Reply ]
I like Elvis. I like his efforts. I like his creative verve. Sometimes I even like his songs. I like this song.
Posted 19 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
8)
Posted 19 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
LLMikeJ wrote:
I have a hunch that Bill especially likes this track
Bill loves Elvis. And this, as they say, is a good thing.
Posted 19 years ago by Dragonfly_Launch    [ Reply ]
ezzyme wrote:
I love early Elvis, but this comes off as trite and condescending - at least musically. Kind of an insult to his fans - and himself.
I think I can speak for Elvis when I say, "Bite me."
Posted 19 years ago by Dragonfly_Launch    [ Reply ]
artmarcia wrote:
I think this song has a great groove--makes me want to get up and dance!
GMTA! :nodhead:
Posted 19 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]
How cum I don't own any of this man's records?!? Every time I hear him on RP I like him a lot! Bill's framing doesn't hurt either! The lead in to this song was Albert King, Cake, and William Freakin' SHATNER with Joe Jackson! Wow! \\:D/
Posted 19 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]
I think this song has a great groove--makes me want to get up and dance!
Posted 19 years ago by artmarcia    [ Reply ]
I love early Elvis, but this comes off as trite and condescending - at least musically. Kind of an insult to his fans - and himself.
Posted 19 years ago by ezzyme    [ Reply ]
I saw a video for this song on some site somewhere (sorry, can't remember where) which was hilarious. Sort of 60s beach party-ish with a bunch of bikinied girls dancing. Anyway, not my favorite from this CD. The best song on there, I think, is the title track.
Posted 19 years ago by ceebeedubya    [ Reply ]
spartan wrote:
Overplayed! He's got a lot of other good stuff, why do we have to hear this one so much?
I have a hunch that Bill especially likes this track
Posted 19 years ago by LLMikeJ    [ Reply ]
was this inspired by current events? https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/11/1118_041118_great_ape_ancestor.html
Posted 19 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
Overplayed! He's got a lot of other good stuff, why do we have to hear this one so much?
Posted 19 years ago by spartan    [ Reply ]
This makes my ears bleed. I can't stand this guy.
Posted 19 years ago by imabubblygirl    [ Reply ]
Startin' to grow on me. 9 is the new 8,
Posted 19 years ago by timandjuliet    [ Reply ]
I like this has a bit more snarl than other Elvis cuts. Hence my symbol for rocking...cue the band!!!
Posted 19 years ago by stevebeaver    [ Reply ]
jdorn1 wrote:
New Elvis?? WOHOOOOOO!!!
Woohooo - my upload added !! :highfive:
Posted 20 years ago by ZM_Herb    [ Reply ]
New Elvis?? WOHOOOOOO!!!
Posted 20 years ago by jdorn1    [ Reply ]
Elvis Rules
Posted 20 years ago by drew    [ Reply ]