From the Flicted album .. 2022.
Too Much Monkey Business features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals); J.T. Thomas (mellotron); Gibb Droll (Albert Freddie and BB); Chad Wright (triangle); Wayne Pooley (rhythm guitar); Ethan Gruska (schmutz)
The history of “Too Much Monkey Business”
“Too Much Monkey Business” is a classic rock and roll song written and performed by Chuck Berry. Released in September 1956 as a single on Chess Records, it appeared as the B-side to “Brown Eyed Handsome Man.” The song became one of Berry’s most influential works, praised for its clever wordplay, rapid tempo, and unique narrative style.
Chuck Berry was an early pioneer of rock and roll, known for blending elements of rhythm and blues with the emerging rock sound of the 1950s. His lyrical storytelling, often focused on youth culture, everyday struggles, and humour, set him apart from other artists of the time. “Too Much Monkey Business” is an excellent example of Berry’s ability to craft witty lyrics that resonated with a wide audience.
Song structure and lyrical themes
“Too Much Monkey Business” features a simple, but energetic, 12-bar blues structure typical of early rock and roll. Berry’s delivery is rapid and syncopated, matching the frenetic nature of the song’s themes. The lyrics revolve around the frustrations and challenges of daily life, describing different situations where the protagonist faces constant hassle, or “monkey business.”
In the song, Berry presents various scenarios, from working a monotonous job to navigating high consumer costs and romantic entanglements, each time expressing the exasperation of dealing with too much hassle. The refrain “Too much monkey business for me to be involved in” captures the overall sentiment of being overwhelmed by life’s trivial frustrations.
The song’s rapid-fire delivery and humorous take on life’s difficulties made it a favourite among young listeners who could relate to the sense of rebellion and frustration embedded in the lyrics.
Cultural significance
“Too Much Monkey Business” is often cited as one of the earliest examples of rock and roll songs that used clever, observational lyrics to convey a deeper meaning. While many early rock songs focused on simple themes like love or dancing, Berry’s song was more satirical, poking fun at the complexities of modern life. It was one of the first rock songs to blend humour, social commentary, and an upbeat, rhythmic sound, paving the way for future rock lyricists who would continue this tradition.
The song also had a significant influence on the emerging British Invasion bands of the 1960s. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Yardbirds all covered or referenced Berry’s work, including “Too Much Monkey Business.” Bob Dylan and other songwriters admired Berry’s lyrical dexterity and wit, and it’s often suggested that Berry’s influence can be seen in Dylan’s more narrative-driven, rapid delivery style in the early 1960s.
Influence on rock music
“Too Much Monkey Business” helped shape the lyrical direction of rock music, moving it away from the more basic, repetitive lyrics that characterized much of early rock and roll. Berry’s use of language in the song – quick, conversational, and packed with slang – was innovative for the time. It demonstrated that rock lyrics could be just as much about clever storytelling as about rhythm and melody.
The song’s impact was also felt musically, particularly in the British rock scene. The Beatles performed the song during their early live performances, and The Yardbirds, with Eric Clapton on guitar, recorded their version in 1964. These covers introduced Berry’s music to a new generation of fans, solidifying his role as a foundational figure in the history of rock music.
Legacy of the song
“Too Much Monkey Business” continues to be regarded as one of Chuck Berry’s defining works, capturing the energy, wit, and rebellious spirit that defined much of his music. The song’s fast-paced, spoken-sung vocal delivery would later influence rock subgenres such as punk and rap. Its blend of humour and social commentary also set a template for rock songs that challenged societal norms and voiced frustrations with the status quo.
Throughout his career, Berry performed “Too Much Monkey Business” at his live shows, where it remained a fan favourite. Many artists who came after Berry, from Bob Dylan to The Beatles and beyond, cited this song as an example of Berry’s genius in combining storytelling with rock and roll music.
Today, “Too Much Monkey Business” is remembered as a cornerstone of early rock and roll and a song that set the stage for the more sophisticated lyrical styles that would emerge in the following decades. It remains a symbol of Chuck Berry’s lasting influence on the development of popular music and his role in shaping the narrative possibilities of rock and roll.