The Monkey

Manu Chao's song "The Monkey" is a satirical commentary on human behavior, using the perspective of monkeys to highlight the absurdities and moral failings of mankind. The song opens with three monkeys sitting on a coconut tree, discussing the rumor that humans descended from their noble race. The monkeys find this idea disgraceful, pointing out that no monkey would ever abandon his family or ruin their lives, a direct critique of human tendencies towards neglect and irresponsibility.

The song continues to draw contrasts between monkeys and humans, emphasizing the monkeys' communal and ethical behavior. For instance, the monkeys would never build a fence around a coconut tree to hoard resources and starve others, a metaphor for human greed and selfishness. This imagery criticizes the human practice of creating artificial scarcity and inequality, leading to theft and conflict. The monkeys' disdain for such behavior underscores the natural inclination towards sharing and community, which humans often overlook.

In the final verses, the song addresses more violent aspects of human nature. The monkeys would never engage in drunken brawls or use weapons to harm one another, highlighting the senseless violence that plagues human society. The repeated refrain, "The monkey speaks his mind," serves as a powerful reminder that the so-called 'primitive' monkeys possess a wisdom and moral clarity that humans, despite their advanced intellect, often lack. Manu Chao uses this clever narrative to provoke thought and self-reflection, urging listeners to reconsider their actions and the societal norms they accept.