New Monkey
New Monkey

Elliott Smith - New Monkey Lyrics

Alternative
May 7, 2007
441
New Monkey Music Video

New Monkey Lyrics

Here come the sidewalk boss again
Telling me how I can't cave in
That I'm a study in black
Need a pat on the back
I look up and smile
A picture of dissatisfaction
That he can only see as a junkie
Though I might be straight as an arrow
He's busy shaking hands with my monkey
Busy shaking hands with my monkey well I go in the car
Straight to the bar
Where my sweetie pours the beer
For the millions of fans ignoring the bands
He's in my ear
Wants me to live in denial
Says you've gotta settle for something
Though it might not be really living
Anything is better than nothing
Anything is better than nothing

No actor action man gonna move in to take my place
I'll be pumping out the product
Just a total waste

Look at your hands unoccupied
Look at the lengths you'll go to hide
You're under the veil
Pretending to fail
Gotta whole lot of empty time left to go
Now you've gotta fill it with something
I know what you can do don't you know
Anything is better than nothing.

No actor action man gonna move in to take my place
I'll be pumping out the product
Just a total waste

I'm here with my cup
Afraid to look up
This is how I spend my time
Lazying around, head hanging down
Stuck inside my imagination
Busy making something from nothing
Pictures of hope and depression
Anything is better than nothing
Anything is better than nothing
Anything is better than nothing
Anything is better than nothing

Writer(s): Steven Paul Smith
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What album is the song 'New Monkey' from?

    The song 'New Monkey' is a part of the posthumous compilation album 'New Moon' by Elliott Smith. It was released on May 8, 2007, by the independent record label Kill Rock Stars.

  2. Who was responsible for mixing the song 'New Monkey'?

    Mixing for 'New Monkey' was done by Larry Crane, who is the archivist for Elliott Smith's estate. He worked on the compilation album 'New Moon,' which features the song.

  3. What period do the recordings on 'New Moon' cover?

    The recordings featured on 'New Moon,' including 'New Monkey,' span the period from 1994 to 1997. The tracks are primarily drawn from sessions for Elliott Smith's albums 'Elliott Smith' and 'Either/Or,' with some from early XO sessions and a 1996 radio session.

  4. Who created the album cover for 'New Moon'?

    The album cover for 'New Moon' was created by Portland, Oregon artist Mike King. King has worked with numerous other musicians and contributed to the visual presentation of the album.

  5. Did Elliott Smith record 'New Monkey' with any band?

    Elliott Smith did not record 'New Monkey' with his band Heatmiser. Although some tracks on 'New Moon' share origins with Heatmiser's work, 'New Monkey' itself is a solo effort.

  6. What themes are explored in the song 'New Monkey'?

    In 'New Monkey,' Elliott Smith explores themes such as dissatisfaction, living in denial, and the struggle between reality and imagination. The lyrics reflect on personal interpretations and societal pressures.

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