Dance Monkey

They say, "Oh my God, I see the way you shine Take your hand, my dear, and place them both in mine" You know you stopped me dead while I was passing by And now I beg to see you dance just one more time Ooh, I see you, see you, see you every time And oh my, I, I, I like your style You, you make me, make me, make me wanna cry And now I beg to see you dance just one more time So they say, "Dance for me, dance for me, dance for me, oh I've never seen anybody do the things you do before" They say, "Move for me, move for me, move for me, ay And when you're done, I'll make you do it all again" I said, "Oh my God, I see you walking by Take my hands, my dear, and look me in my eyes" Just like a monkey, I've been dancin' my whole life But you just beg to see me dance just one more time Ooh, I see you, see you, see you every time And oh my, I, I, I like your style You, you make me, make me, make me wanna cry And now I beg to see you dance just one more time So they say, "Dance for me, dance for me, dance for me, oh I've never seen anybody do the things you do before" They say, "Move for me, move for me, move for me, ay And when you're done, I'll make you do it all again" They say, "Dance for me, dance for me, dance for me, oh, oh, oh I've never seen anybody do the things you do before" They say, "Move for me, move for me, move for me, ay And when you're done, I'll make you do it all again" Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh (do it all again, do it all again, do it all again) Whoa, whoa, oh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh (do it all again, do it all again, do it all again) Whoa, ah They say, "Dance for me, dance for me, dance for me, oh I've never seen anybody do the things you do before" They say, "Move for me, move for me, move for me, ay And when you're done, I'll make you do it all again" They say, "Dance for me, dance for me, dance for me, oh, oh, oh I've never seen anybody do the things you do before" They say, "Move for me, move for me, move for me, ay (ooh) And when you're done, I'll make you do it all again" All again

Composer: Toni Watson

In-depth Analysis of 'Dance Monkey' by LyricLens AI

Tones And I's global phenomenon 'Dance Monkey' is deceptively upbeat. While its infectious beat makes you want to dance, the lyrics delve into a poignant commentary on the pressures of performance and the commodification of artistry. The song is sung from the perspective of an artist feeling increasingly drained by the insatiable demands of their audience.

Themes Central to 'Dance Monkey':

Pressure of Performance: The repeated refrain "Dance for me, dance for me, dance for me" highlights the relentless expectation for the artist to entertain, regardless of their own feelings.
Loss of Joy/Authenticity: The line "Just like a monkey, I've been dancin' my whole life" suggests a feeling of being a trained animal, losing the genuine passion for their craft as it becomes a chore.
Audience Demands: The crowd's desire for "just one more time" and the threat of making them "do it all again" speaks to an insatiable hunger from consumers, often without regard for the human behind the art.

Emotions and Atmosphere:

The song creates a contrast between its joyful, danceable melody and the underlying weariness and frustration conveyed in the lyrics. There's a sense of resignation, exhaustion, and a hint of sadness or vulnerability from the artist who feels reduced to a spectacle. It captures the bittersweet reality of massive success when it comes at the cost of personal well-being and artistic freedom.

Ultimately, 'Dance Monkey' serves as a powerful, introspective critique of the music industry's demands and the emotional toll they can take on artists, despite the outward appearance of glittering success.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'Dance Monkey' by Tones And I

What is the main message behind Tones And I's 'Dance Monkey'?

The song primarily addresses the pressure artists face to constantly perform and entertain for an audience, often feeling like their art is being commodified and their personal well-being overlooked. It reflects the emotional toll of relentless demands for "more" from fans and the industry.

Why does the singer mention wanting to "cry" in 'Dance Monkey'?

The line "You, you make me, make me, make me wanna cry" suggests the overwhelming and emotionally draining experience of being under constant scrutiny and pressure. It highlights the vulnerability and exhaustion felt when art becomes a forced performance rather than an expression of joy.

What does "Just like a monkey, I've been dancin' my whole life" mean in the song?

This metaphor conveys a feeling of being an entertainer whose actions are dictated by others, similar to a monkey trained to perform. It implies a loss of autonomy and a sense of being trapped in a cycle of performing, losing the inherent joy or purpose in the act itself.

Fun Facts About 'Dance Monkey':

'Dance Monkey' became one of the most streamed songs globally, reaching number one in over 30 countries.
Tones And I wrote the song after experiencing pressure from crowds at her street performances who kept demanding "just one more song."
Despite its upbeat sound, the song's lyrics offer a critical perspective on the music industry and the burdens of fame, contrasting with its commercial success.