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Dave Matthews Band — Proudest Monkey
Album: Live At Red Rocks
Avg rating:
5.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 269









Released: 1997
Length: 7:03
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Swing in this tree
Oh I am bounce around so well
Branch to branch,
Limb to limb you see
All in a day's dream
I'm stuck
Like the other monkeys here
I am a humble monkey
Sitting up in here again
But then came the day
I climbed out of these safe limbs
Ventured away
Walking tall, head high up and singing
I went to the city
Car horns, corners and the gritty
Now I am the proudest monkey you've ever seen
Monkey see, monkey do, yeah

Then comes the day
Staring at myself I turn to question me
I wonder do I want the simple, simple life
That I once lived in well
All things were quiet then
In a way they were the better days
But now I am the proudest monkey you've ever seen
Monkey see, monkey do, yeah
Monkey see, monkey do
Comments (93)add comment
Gag me w/ a sax. Saxophones and clarinets just really rub me the wrong way. Like nails on a chalk board or a baby wailing.

My PSD button's getting a real workout today. {#Stupid} 

wilderbill wrote:
 Agreed.   The only one. 

jbuhl wrote:
gag me.   The only artist that will make me reach for the dial on RP.

 

 


Posted 8 years ago by icuski2    [ Reply ]
I have a few but yes he makes me yawn.

This one is Dave meets Kenny G ( or dull and duller )
 
wilderbill wrote:
 Agreed.   The only one. 

jbuhl wrote:
gag me.   The only artist that will make me reach for the dial on RP.

 

 

Posted 8 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
 Agreed.   The only one. 

jbuhl wrote:
gag me.   The only artist that will make me reach for the dial on RP.

 


Posted 8 years ago by wilderbill    [ Reply ]
 skyguy wrote:

This ten year old comment.cracks me up. I was looking for Creamy Radio a few months ago.Loved that station. Alas, they are no longer-no more-passed.
I'm easily amused.

 
Art Carnage - what a great name!
Posted 8 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
Damn, does this shit ever end? partway through I went to my library and played something else, came back, and this was still on! Arrgh!
Posted 8 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
gag me.   The only artist that will make me reach for the dial on RP.
Posted 8 years ago by jbuhl    [ Reply ]
I'm glad I've seen so much GOOD music at Red Rocks over the years. A few acts, I've missed but never noticed, or am very glad I did 
Posted 8 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Just to restore a little parity, I kinda like this. There. I said it!
Posted 8 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
Oh, that explains it.
Posted 9 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
RIP LeRoi Moore indeed.

Thanks for digging this up Bill...good timing with Deer Creek this weekend, and Alpine Valley next!
Posted 9 years ago by tirednotion    [ Reply ]
RIP LeRoi Moore. 
Posted 9 years ago by Keef    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:
I'm my life were a cartoon, there would be stink-lines coming out of my computer speakers right now. I wonder what's playing on Creamy Radio right now.... It's "The Corrections". Cool! I'll tune back when I'm sure Dave is gone.
 
This ten year old comment.cracks me up. I was looking for Creamy Radio a few months ago.Loved that station. Alas, they are no longer-no more-passed.
I'm easily amused.
Posted 9 years ago by skyguy    [ Reply ]
why revive this stinker, ee-you what crap
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
My favorite DMB tune - love the ingeniously simple melody and message.
Posted 18 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
I'm my life were a cartoon, there would be stink-lines coming out of my computer speakers right now. I wonder what's playing on Creamy Radio right now.... It's "The Corrections". Cool! I'll tune back when I'm sure Dave is gone.
Posted 18 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
Sure the musicianship is good.....if only they could produce music I liked. To me it sounds like a bunch of people caught up in trying to be technically sound; I'm more interested in hearing their passion. A 2 from me.
Posted 18 years ago by The_Seeker    [ Reply ]
One of the finest live albums ever! Great song!
Posted 18 years ago by Pipes    [ Reply ]
Sorry to say...nothing very good about this song, imo. A "3".
Posted 18 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
algrif wrote:
Well I like it !! And the sax caught my attention. Am I in a minority, or is this a gripers only page?
I love this song, though I find most of the live DMB stuff to not work at home. I'd much prefer to hear the studio version. It seems clear that those that don't like this band really don't - there's always a lot of griping about them.
Posted 18 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
The sax player just quoted "Sunshine on My Shoulders... makes me happpieeee."
Posted 18 years ago by rgrace    [ Reply ]
Well, it appears that I am in the minority for liking DMB. I really learned to appreciate their muscianship seeing them live...best concert I've seen was at Red Rocks, CO where they played with Blues Traveler (not the concert on the cd). This isn't their best song but I'm always up for a little Dave in my day.
Posted 18 years ago by chinchita    [ Reply ]
Pretty much an entire page of negative comments.... And it still gets played. Like I said, Bill doesn't give a damn what his listeners think. He plays what he personally likes. No more listener support from me, thanks.
Posted 18 years ago by Old_Pink    [ Reply ]
Well I like it !! And the sax caught my attention. Am I in a minority, or is this a gripers only page?
Posted 18 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]
Dave Matthews gets more and more painful to endure as time passes. This monkey song nonsense isn't as agonizing as having red-hot pokers jammed into my ears, but it's really close. Wait. I already complained about this. Oops.
Posted 19 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
mettle wrote:
This hits the nail on the head, courtesy of the Onion: Dave Matthews Not That Into Himself Anymore
ahh... the Onion. gotta love it!
Posted 19 years ago by four_felicity    [ Reply ]
Godawful.
Posted 19 years ago by Duffalo    [ Reply ]
This hits the nail on the head, courtesy of the Onion: Dave Matthews Not That Into Himself Anymore
Posted 19 years ago by mettle    [ Reply ]
markE wrote:
I respect the writing and musicianship (great drummer). Honestly I think a lot of people never got over Dave's creepy "hike up your skirt a little more, show your world to me" lyric from whatever that song was.
whathesaid. By the way, does this song ever start?
Posted 19 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
agonizingly monotonous and bereft of ideas. shrill, kenny g style, utterly cliched soprano sax. awful. amateurish.
Posted 19 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
My tastes have changed over the years, so I try to return to old works and to listen to new ones with as fresh an ear as I can muster... but some things refuse to click. I know he's had some songs I've enjoyed (that I can't think of one by name is a mix of items, not all of them Dave's fault) but for the most part I don't care for his style and delivery. Too many of his vocals are a sort of domesticated, asynchronous yodeling. As ever, that's simply IMHO, and that others enjoy his work is wonderful for them and for Dave. I need some breaks to hit the bathroom or refill my mug, and Dave's one of those breaks, so it's a win-win.
Posted 19 years ago by miraclo    [ Reply ]
I respect the writing and musicianship (great drummer). Honestly I think a lot of people never got over Dave's creepy "hike up your skirt a little more, show your world to me" lyric from whatever that song was.
Posted 19 years ago by markE    [ Reply ]
I've tried to get into this thinking that in the past I might have been having a bad day or something. It's still BLAH to me. I'll try again some time.
Posted 19 years ago by triviagal    [ Reply ]
Excruciating.
Posted 19 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
damn this stuff sucks. its a fusion of the amateurish with the trite and cliched. kinda like hootie and the blowfish touring with kenny g.
Posted 19 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
MuadDib wrote:
I've gotten to the point when, upon hearing the rare DMB song on RP, I just gotta flip the screen to see the musical geniuses log on to bash poor old Dave. Remember, boys and girls, your musical taste, or lack therof, does not equal The Truth. I've had my tastes in music expanded here at RP. Why not give it a try? It's the hip thing to do.
All with you. Well said.
Posted 19 years ago by Beastie    [ Reply ]
this here monkey needs to be spanked. godawful.
Posted 19 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
I've gotten to the point when, upon hearing the rare DMB song on RP, I just gotta flip the screen to see the musical geniuses log on to bash poor old Dave. Remember, boys and girls, your musical taste, or lack therof, does not equal The Truth. I've had my tastes in music expanded here at RP. Why not give it a try? It's the hip thing to do.
Posted 19 years ago by MuadDib    [ Reply ]
Gets even worse on repeated listening. Your can really appreciate how trite and hackneyed the lyrics are. Truly Jr high school level writing.
Posted 19 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
DMB is one of the worst crimes against music in the last 10 years. And after 5 minutes they haven't even started this song yet!
Posted 19 years ago by physicsgenius    [ Reply ]
Love the live version, too.
Posted 19 years ago by Beastie    [ Reply ]
Time to see what's playing elsewhere.
Posted 19 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
Beastie wrote:
Previous comments notwhithstanding, I believe Dave Matthews is great. Non-conformist, with own style, good tunes, clever lyrics. Let the bashing begin!
Beastie is spot on!
Posted 19 years ago by Pipes    [ Reply ]
ppike wrote:
Thats the problem with good live music--it doesn't always translate to good recorded music.
This happens to be my favorite track on this particular album. I believe this song stands on it's lyrics alone.
Posted 19 years ago by trancefussion    [ Reply ]
Here we go with the Monkey set..... What next, the Beatles with "Me and My Monkey?" How about something from the Monkees?
Posted 19 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
Dave_Mack wrote:
Didja catch that "Sunshine on My Shoulders" bit near the end of the sax solo?
No one could be that trite and unimaginative. Oh wait. We're talking about the Dave Matthews Band. Nevermind.
Posted 19 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
ontheroadid wrote:
I'm not a DMB basher -- we have this disc. But my god, that song just drags on. We usually hit the forward button, especially if we are listening to it in the car.
Thats the problem with good live music--it doesn't always translate to good recorded music.
Posted 19 years ago by ppike    [ Reply ]
I'm not a DMB basher -- we have this disc. But my god, that song just drags on. We usually hit the forward button, especially if we are listening to it in the car.
Posted 19 years ago by ontheroadid    [ Reply ]
Xeric wrote:
Believe it or not, I'm such a cave-dweller that I have never heard a DMB song in my life, I think. Have heard OF the band, extensively, of course. So extensively, in such contexts, that I expected it to be completely awful. It's not. Heck, I don't think that this cut is much more than partially awful--and I'm only beginning to think that as it refuses to end, here. . . .
Wow! Come one, come all! We have got for ourselves a bona-fide unbiased opinion here folks... one for the ages! Please do not put your face up to the glass, as the unbiased are frequently scared of new and unusual things...
Posted 19 years ago by Chunnamark    [ Reply ]
..................bestthingtodowithaproudmonkeyshameityouhavetoshameitoutloud................
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Previous comments notwhithstanding, I believe Dave Matthews is great. Non-conformist, with own style, good tunes, clever lyrics. Let the bashing begin!
Posted 19 years ago by Beastie    [ Reply ]
Bites in the studio. Bites live. Monkey bites. Just plain bites. And I am unanimous in that.
Posted 20 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
Still I don't know if I have a soul Or if Heaven's the place to go... Or if Hell's where we burn... Or if sinning's what we do... Where do I know that I'm the smartest monkey... That I know 8)
Posted 20 years ago by gypsy222    [ Reply ]
Didja catch that "Sunshine on My Shoulders" bit near the end of the sax solo?
Posted 20 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Believe it or not, I'm such a cave-dweller that I have never heard a DMB song in my life, I think. Have heard OF the band, extensively, of course. So extensively, in such contexts, that I expected it to be completely awful. It's not. Heck, I don't think that this cut is much more than partially awful--and I'm only beginning to think that as it refuses to end, here. . . .
Posted 20 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
Tritter wrote:
WHY can't you DMB/dave-bashers just lay off?!! It is becoming conformist to be a dave basher with some listeners--GEEZ!
WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU. THE PRETENTIOUS CRAP IS PLAYING TOO LOUD.
Posted 20 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
WHY can't you DMB/dave-bashers just lay off?!! It is becoming conformist to be a dave basher with some listeners--GEEZ!
Posted 20 years ago by Tritter    [ Reply ]
This song is so profound. Oh, wait. That's not quite what I meant. This song is pretentious crap. Yes, that's what I meant. So sorry for the confusion.
Posted 20 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Dave has his usual rubber-band guitar.
Posted 20 years ago by Patrick    [ Reply ]
Wild_Bill wrote:
Not overplayed - just crappy "easy listening music" of Gen X and Gen Y.
Your right ! Not overplayed unlike the stuff from previous generations
Posted 20 years ago by ironlung    [ Reply ]
hkhund07 wrote:
My god people.. DMB is NOT overplayed... they are just about NEVER played here on the radio in Philly. If you want overplayed talk about Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, 50 Cent..
Not overplayed - just crappy "easy listening music" of Gen X and Gen Y.
Posted 20 years ago by Wild_Bill    [ Reply ]
Just like all Dave Matthews songs: shitty voice by the band leader! Maybe if he sang in Chinese it would sound better, or more appropriate.
Posted 20 years ago by Wild_Bill    [ Reply ]
I def know some damn proud monkeys.....one of my dmb favs
Posted 20 years ago by Tritter    [ Reply ]
fun song
Posted 20 years ago by artmarcia    [ Reply ]
hkhund07 wrote:
While I agree with you that the #41->Say Goodbye transition is really good.. I have to say that "Proudest Monkey" is one of the BEST songs on Crash. The way the music builds up in that song is just great.. It is such an underrated song.
wow, that's interesting. I really like this song on the album (I'm not so hot on the live version though). I think I just loved what Steve Lillywhite did with sound on that whole album, and Proudest Monkey was a good ending. I agree with the crescendo comment too. It just builds you up slowly and lets you down softly. Plus, I always loved how Leroi mimics his own lick from Lover Lay Down...
Posted 20 years ago by Chunnamark    [ Reply ]
philarktos wrote:
Great cut !!!!! As for 'overplayed', I this one is a first for me.
Love these lines: When I walk, I walk so tall... Not bent or doubled up Like the other monkeys that I know... Still I don't know if I have a soul Or if Heaven's the place to go... Or if Hell's where we burn... Or if sinning's what we do... Where do I know that I'm the smartest monkey... That I know
Posted 20 years ago by gypsy222    [ Reply ]
Great cut !!!!! As for 'overplayed', I this one is a first for me.
Posted 20 years ago by philarktos    [ Reply ]
Always liked this tune.
Posted 20 years ago by Pusherman    [ Reply ]
My god people.. DMB is NOT overplayed... they are just about NEVER played here on the radio in Philly. If you want overplayed talk about Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, 50 Cent..
Posted 20 years ago by hkhund07    [ Reply ]
jpalembas wrote:
I agree with you, Window. This is my least favorite song off of Crash. The best 2 DMB songs are on that album though, with the coolest transition between the two: #41--> Say Goodbye. I'd love to hear either/both of those here!
While I agree with you that the #41->Say Goodbye transition is really good.. I have to say that "Proudest Monkey" is one of the BEST songs on Crash. The way the music builds up in that song is just great.. It is such an underrated song.
Posted 20 years ago by hkhund07    [ Reply ]
rsfc_carp wrote:
Oh Boy!!! Even MORE tuneless, pointless, annoying saxophone noodling. In their apparently unbounded repertoire, does the DMB have ANYTHING with an actual melody?
Uh.. hmmm.. maybe you should try a Britney Spears album.
Posted 20 years ago by hkhund07    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by rsfc_carp: Oh Boy!!! Even MORE tuneless, pointless, annoying saxophone noodling. In their apparently unbounded repertoire, does the DMB have ANYTHING with an actual melody?
Another mindless post. Utter drivel!
Posted 21 years ago by Pipes    [ Reply ]
Oh Boy!!! Even MORE tuneless, pointless, annoying saxophone noodling. In their apparently unbounded repertoire, does the DMB have ANYTHING with an actual melody?
Posted 22 years ago by rsfc_carp    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by window: This song is the one blemish on Crash, otherwise a brillant and landmark album. Oh well, at least it's the last one on the CD, that makes it easy to skip and forget it ever existed.
I agree with you, Window. This is my least favorite song off of Crash. The best 2 DMB songs are on that album though, with the coolest transition between the two: #41--> Say Goodbye. I'd love to hear either/both of those here!
Posted 22 years ago by jpalembas    [ Reply ]
I don't actively dislike DMB, I just don't see what the big freakin' deal is... The songs I've heard don't make me want to run out to buy the CDs, that's for sure.
Posted 22 years ago by TheLoneIguana    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by TonyApuzzo: IMHO DM is the most overrated act in rock. Always whining and boring.
I quite agree. This ain't a groove its a rut.
Posted 22 years ago by cds    [ Reply ]
elevator music
Posted 22 years ago by Platypus    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by mlsully7: DMB is one of my guilty pleasures. Before These Crowded Streets is a one of a kind phenomonal album. I think it's their mass popularity amongst (please excuse the stereotype, but this is the way it is 99% of the time in my school) beer-drinking, abercrombie-loving kids who don't always turn out to be the nicest of people.....
MLSully, I love your comments and I completely agree with you regarding Before these Crowded Streets, my all time fave DMB album. But how can DMB be a guilty pleasure? He plays rockin', fun, beautiful, awesome music!!! I am 30, out of college, own NOTHING Ambercrombie, and am told I am super nice (I do drink beer...)!! And I love Dave!! As do many of my friends in the same age group/situation! So you can too.. don't feel guilty!! :) :) :)
Posted 22 years ago by gypsy222    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by camarkim: Hmmm...If you think the popularity of DMB is a total mystery, then you would probably be HORRIFIED to hear that my wife and I let our two-and-a-half year old name our four month old son after one of the greatest drummers of all time, Carter Beauford...
Not at all horrified. I've always quite liked their names. :)
Posted 22 years ago by percolator    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by percolator: The popularity of the DMB is a total mystery to me, but I will admit that this song has crept up on me and I kind of like it. I'm so ashamed.
Hmmm...If you think the popularity of DMB is a total mystery, then you would probably be HORRIFIED to hear that my wife and I let our two-and-a-half year old name our four month old son after one of the greatest drummers of all time, Carter Beauford...
Posted 22 years ago by camarkim    [ Reply ]
DMB is one of my guilty pleasures. Before These Crowded Streets is a one of a kind phenomonal album. I think it's their mass popularity amongst (please excuse the stereotype, but this is the way it is 99% of the time in my school) beer-drinking, abercrombie-loving kids who don't always turn out to be the nicest of people.....
Posted 22 years ago by mlsully7    [ Reply ]
The popularity of the DMB is a total mystery to me, but I will admit that this song has crept up on me and I kind of like it. I\'m so ashamed.
Posted 22 years ago by percolator    [ Reply ]
IMHO DM is the most overrated act in rock. Always whining and boring. Thinks he's something special. Gets way way way way too much airplay on KBCO. Gag.
Posted 22 years ago by TonyApuzzo    [ Reply ]
It is a simple and sweet song that may not speak to everyone, but this one can\'t be beat, IMO.
Posted 22 years ago by gypsy222    [ Reply ]
One of my first memories about my husband...we were dating and he told me how much he felt like this song...he brought meaning to the song for the first time...
Posted 22 years ago by mel    [ Reply ]
A nice, mellow DMB tune that hasn\'t been overplayed. I like it! :D
Posted 22 years ago by Cy    [ Reply ]
This song is the one blemish on Crash, otherwise a brillant and landmark album. Oh well, at least it\'s the last one on the CD, that makes it easy to skip and forget it ever existed.
Posted 22 years ago by window    [ Reply ]