Monkey On A String
View chords used in this chart
Part 1
F# E
I used to let it run saw that it was havin fun
B
Thought that it would get tired, but it only just begun
F# E
Now I'm annoyed with the species as it’s jumpin branch to branch
B
Or throw a little feces, or do a little dance
F# E
And my mind isn’t steady it’s just spinning like a top
B
Got tangents and they vanish into English or to Spanish
F# E
And it never feels finished, I can almost touch the Grail
B
The monkeys in a circle and he’s swallowin his tail
Part 2
E
He’s got his buddies in a barrel and their arms are locked
B
I try to get one but only get the whole lot
E
I see the claws and the fangs and the riots on the way
B
Lord what i wouldn’t give to get quiet for a day
E
Devouring itself but it can’t feel the sting
B A
And the thoughts keep on turnin till i think i thought of
G#
everything
G
Got to keep your monkey on a string
Instrumental
F# - E - B
F# E
I used to let it run saw that it was havin fun
B
Thought that it would get tired, but it only just begun
F# E
Now I'm annoyed with the species as it’s jumpin branch to branch
B
Or throw a little feces, or do a little dance
F# E
And my mind isn’t steady it’s just spinning like a top
B
Got tangents and they vanish into English or to Spanish
F# E
And it never feels finished, I can almost touch the Grail
B
The monkeys in a circle and he’s swallowin his tail
Part 2
E
He’s got his buddies in a barrel and their arms are locked
B
I try to get one but only get the whole lot
E
I see the claws and the fangs and the riots on the way
B
Lord what i wouldn’t give to get quiet for a day
E
Devouring itself but it can’t feel the sting
B A
And the thoughts keep on turnin till i think i thought of
G#
everything
G
Got to keep your monkey on a string
E
Meditate to make that Primate sing
(Buddha, Buddha, Buddha!)
How to play Monkey On A String
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is F#. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.