The Meaning Behind The Song: Shock The Monkey by Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel’s hit song “Shock The Monkey” was released in 1982 and quickly became one of the British singer-songwriter’s most recognized anthems. What many fans may not realize is the meaning behind the lyrics and the themes Gabriel intended to convey.
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“Shock The Monkey”: A Metaphor For Fear
According to Gabriel, the song was born from a self-imposed challenge to write a song using only animal imagery. This resulted in a song that is both poetic and symbolic.
The title, “Shock The Monkey,” speaks to the theme of fear, specifically the fear of the unknown or unfamiliar. Gabriel uses “monkey” as a metaphor for fear, and how people can be easily manipulated and controlled through the manipulation and exploitation of their fear.
The Power of Fear
In the first verse, Gabriel speaks to the power and influence of fear, specifically through media manipulation.
“Cover me, when I sleep
Cover me, when I breathe
You throw your pearls before the swine
Make the monkey blind
Cover me, darling please”
Gabriel urges the listener to consider how they might be manipulated by the media and to be cautious of the fear-mongering tactics of those who seek to control and exploit their fear.
The Dehumanizing Effect of Fear
In the second verse, Gabriel speaks to the dehumanizing effect of fear. He describes the use of fear to manipulate and control others, as well as the ways in which it can strip individuals of their humanity.
“Monkey, monkey, monkey
Don’t you know you’re gonna shock the monkey
Fox the fox, rat the rat
You can ape the ape, I know about that
There is one thing you must be sure of
I can’t take any more
Darling, don’t you monkey with the monkey”
Through this verse, Gabriel highlights the dangers of allowing oneself to be consumed by fear and urges listeners to reject the notion that fear is a necessary evolutionary response.
Overcoming Fear
While “Shock The Monkey” speaks to the dangers of fear and the ways in which it can be manipulated and exploited, it also speaks to the possibility of overcoming fear.
Throughout the song, Gabriel encourages listeners to confront their fears and to resist manipulation by those who seek to use fear as a means of control. To “shock the monkey” is to break the cycle of fear and to empower oneself to overcome fear-based manipulation and control.
What The Critics Say About “Shock The Monkey”
The impact of “Shock The Monkey” by Peter Gabriel is undeniable. Its symbolism, imagery, and themes continue to resonate with listeners to this day.
Many critics have lauded the song for its provocative and poetic refrain, its use of animal imagery to convey deep and complex themes, and its relevance to a wide range of social and political issues.
According to Rolling Stone Magazine, “‘Shock The Monkey’ is Gabriel’s most uncompromising record of the decade, dealing with political brutality and personal violence. But the music casts an unexplainable spell…”.
The Guardian called it “a joyously primal and liberating masterpiece that still possesses an otherworldly, almost mystical quality”.
The Legacy of “Shock The Monkey”
Since its release in 1982, “Shock The Monkey” has remained a cultural touchstone, with its themes and imagery remaining relevant in today’s world.
The song has become synonymous with the idea of overcoming fear and empowering oneself to resist manipulation and control. It speaks to the importance of challenging the status quo, and of rejecting the notion that fear is a necessary or inevitable part of the human experience.
As we continue to navigate an increasingly chaotic and uncertain world, the message of “Shock The Monkey” remains as potent and relevant as ever.
