“Shock the Monkey” by Coal Chamber is a cover of Peter Gabriel’s hit, but with a darker, more intense twist. The song dives into themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the internal battle one faces in such situations. It speaks to the primal instincts that awaken when one feels threatened in a relationship, symbolized by the “monkey.” The songwriter wants to convey the turmoil and chaos that ensue when these primal emotions take over. While the song isn’t about a specific person, it captures the universal experience of feeling displaced and defensive in the face of potential loss. Coal Chamber’s rendition brings a nuance and intensity that adds depth to these themes, making the song both a powerful and haunting experience.
Unleash the primal emotions within you with Coal Chamber’s intense rendition of “Shock the Monkey.” Feel the raw energy and turmoil as the band dives deep into themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the battle within. Are you ready to shock your own monkey?
“Shock the Monkey” Lyrics Meaning
“Cover me when I run, cover me through the fire.” The song starts with a plea for protection, as if the speaker is anticipating an upcoming battle.
“Something knocked me out the tree, now I’m on my knees.” These lines could symbolize a fall from grace or stability, leaving the speaker vulnerable.
“Cover me, darling please.” Again, a plea for protection, this time more personal with the addition of “darling,” suggesting a close relationship.
“Monkey, monkey, monkey, don’t you know you’ve gotta shock the monkey.” The chorus introduces the monkey, a symbol for primal instincts and emotions. The phrase “shock the monkey” suggests confronting or awakening these emotions.
“Fox the fox, rat the rat, you can ape the ape, I know about that.” These lines draw on animal imagery to depict deception and betrayal, common themes in the song.
“There is one thing you must be sure of, I can’t take anymore.” Here, the speaker sets a boundary, expressing a limit to how much turmoil they can handle.
“Darling, don’t you monkey with the monkey.” A warning or plea not to provoke the primal emotions.
“Wheels keep turning, something’s burning.” The imagery suggests ongoing chaos and turmoil.
“Shock! I don’t like it, but I guess I’m learning, shock the monkey.” Despite the discomfort, there is a sense of acceptance and learning.
“Cover me when I sleep, cover me when I breathe.” These lines reinforce the need for protection and safety.
“Throw your pearls before the swine, make the monkey blind.” Here, the lyrics suggest that valuable efforts or emotions are being wasted, potentially blinding one to reality.
“Ground beneath me shake, monkey, the news is breaking.” The instability continues, with news breaking suggesting a revelation or turning point.
The Story Behind “Shock the Monkey”
Coal Chamber, known for their nu-metal style, brought a unique energy and intensity to their cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Shock the Monkey.” At this point in their career, the band was exploring darker and more intense themes, both musically and lyrically.
The original song by Peter Gabriel delved into themes of jealousy and the primal instincts that surface in relationships. Coal Chamber’s rendition takes these themes to a new level, with their signature heavy guitar riffs and aggressive vocals. The band’s state of mind during this period was one of experimentation and pushing boundaries, which is reflected in their decision to cover a song outside of their typical genre.
By covering “Shock the Monkey,” Coal Chamber not only paid homage to a classic hit, but also infused it with their own dark and intense style, creating a version that resonates with fans of heavier music while still capturing the universal themes of turmoil and primal emotions.