The Traveling Wilburys’ “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” – A Classic Collaboration of Rock Legends
When the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys was formed in the late 1980s, it brought together a unique blend of musical legends: Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison. The group’s collective sound was a fusion of rock, folk, and pop that captivated audiences and created a memorable catalog of music. Among the standout tracks from their debut album, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 (1988), one song stands out for its storytelling, infectious energy, and the unmistakable collaboration of the iconic voices: “Tweeter and the Monkey Man.”
A Deep Dive into “Tweeter and the Monkey Man”
“Tweeter and the Monkey Man” is a wild, eccentric song that features a mix of surreal storytelling and a catchy, upbeat tune. The track was written by the Wilburys’ five members, with each contributing to the distinctive lyrics and melodies. The song is a narrative about two characters, Tweeter and the Monkey Man, whose troubled lives and run-ins with crime create an oddly compelling story. As the narrative unfolds, listeners are taken through a whirlwind of misadventures, from robbery to jail to personal conflict.
What makes “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” especially intriguing is its ambiguity. The song’s lyrics are full of twists and turns, and many of the references feel like a mix of metaphorical or surreal elements. The two characters are caught up in a world of crime, betrayal, and self-doubt, with the chorus singing, “Tweeter and the Monkey Man were always out of luck,” capturing the essence of the song’s theme of misfortune. The lyrics, much like other Wilbury tracks, strike a balance between humor, social commentary, and a touch of whimsy.
The Unique Sound of the Wilburys
The musical arrangement of “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” reflects the distinctive sound of The Traveling Wilburys. The song starts with a catchy, laid-back rhythm and builds up with layers of jangly guitars, harmonica, and the blend of voices that are immediately recognizable as the likes of Bob Dylan and George Harrison. Each member of the band brings their unique flair to the track: Harrison’s soulful guitar work, Petty’s rock influence, Dylan’s sharp, storytelling vocals, and Jeff Lynne’s polished production style. Roy Orbison, who was part of the supergroup before his passing, is also present on some of the tracks of Vol. 1, but not in “Tweeter and the Monkey Man.”
The combination of these voices and musical talents gives the song a sense of lightheartedness and mystery, enhanced by the playful tone in the chorus and the clever wordplay in the verses. Despite the song’s seemingly dark subject matter, there’s a sense of fun in its performance, which is a hallmark of the Wilburys’ music.
A Connection to the Broader Story of The Traveling Wilburys
The Traveling Wilburys were not just a group of legendary musicians – they were friends, often indulging in a carefree, fun-loving attitude in their creative process. “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” is a perfect example of this playful collaboration, where the five artists allowed themselves to experiment with different sounds and ideas. The lyrics’ quirky nature and unconventional structure reflect their sense of freedom and the unpressured environment in which they created music.
The song also serves as a prime example of the storytelling traditions in rock music, with Bob Dylan, in particular, known for his masterful lyrics. His influence on the song’s narrative aspect is evident in the way the characters’ lives are told with vivid, often surreal imagery.
In addition to its playful nature, “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” touches on themes of loneliness, disillusionment, and a sense of being stuck in life, all wrapped in a catchy, fast-paced tune. The song’s characters seem to be struggling with their fate, echoing the feelings of discontent and confusion that many people experience in real life.
The Legacy of “Tweeter and the Monkey Man”
While Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 included several other standout tracks, such as “Handle With Care” and “End of the Line,” “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” remains one of the most memorable songs from the album. It represents a snapshot of a time when rock ‘n’ roll supergroups could come together and create something entirely fresh and exciting. The collaboration between these musical giants brought out the best in each of them, and “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” remains a testament to the enduring creativity that flourished in the Traveling Wilburys.
Additionally, the song’s quirky nature and clever wordplay have made it a fan favorite over the years, with fans constantly debating the deeper meanings of its lyrics and its place in the overall Wilburys’ catalog. It has become a beloved track that exemplifies the group’s lighthearted, collaborative approach to music-making, showing that even the most absurd and playful stories can make for timeless rock songs.
Conclusion
“Tweeter and the Monkey Man” is a perfect example of what happens when musical legends come together in an environment of creativity and fun. The song blends surreal storytelling with a catchy rock rhythm, showcasing the unique talents of the Traveling Wilburys. With its playful narrative, infectious melody, and incredible musicianship, it stands as one of the standout tracks from Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, reminding us all of the magic that occurs when rock legends like Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison unite to create something truly special.
Lyrics
Tweeter and the Monkey Man were hard up for cashThey stayed up all night selling cocaine and hashTo an undercover cop who had a sister named JanFor reasons unexplained she loved the Monkey ManTweeter was a Boy Scout ‘fore she went to VietnamAnd found out the hard way, nobody gives a damnThey knew that they found freedom just across the Jersey lineSo they hopped into a stolen car, took Highway 99And the walls came downAll the way to hellNever saw them when they’re standingNever saw them when they fellThe undercover cop never liked the Monkey ManEven back in childhood he wanted to see him in the canJan got married at fourteen to a racketeer named BillShe made secret calls to the Monkey Man from a mansion on the hillIt was out on Thunder Road, Tweeter at the wheelThey crashed into paradise, they could hear them tires squealThe undercover cop pulled up and said “Everyone of you is a liarIf you don’t surrender now it’s gonna go down to the wire”And the walls came downAll the way to hellNever saw them when they’re standingNever saw them when they fellAn ambulance rolled up, a state-trooper close behindTweeter took his gun away and messed up his mindThe undercover cop was left tied up to a treeNear the souvenir stand, by the old abandoned factoryNext day the undercover cop was hot in pursuitHe was taking the whole thing personal, he didn’t care about the lootJan had told him many times, “It was you to me who taughtIn Jersey anything’s legal as long as you don’t get caught”And the walls came downAll the way to hellNever saw them when they’re standingNever saw them when they fellSome place by Rahwey Prison they ran out of gasThe undercover cop had cornered them, said“Boy, you didn’t think this could last?”Jan jumped out of bed, said, “There’s someplace I gotta go”She took the gun out of the drawer, said, “It’s best that you don’t know.”The undercover cop was found face down in a fieldThe Monkey Man was on the river bridge, using Tweeter as a shieldJan said to the Monkey Man, “I’m not fooled by Tweeter’s curlI knew him long before he became a Jersey Girl”And the walls came downAll the way to hellNever saw them when they’re standingNever saw them when they fellNow the town of Jersey City is quieting down againI’m sitting in a gambling club called the Lion’s DenThe TV set was blown up, every bit of it is goneEver since the nightly news showed that the Monkey Man was onI guess I’ll go to Florida and get myself some sunThere ain’t no more opportunity here, everything’s been doneSometimes I think of Tweeter, sometimes I think of JanSometimes I don’t think about nothing but the Monkey ManAnd the walls came downAll the way to hellNever saw them when they’re standingNever saw them when they fellAnd the walls came downAll the way to hellNever saw them when they’re standingNever saw them when they fell
