Feb 2022 folk singer singer-songwriter animals
A couple of weeks ago a truck carrying monkeys crashed on the highway here in Pennsylvania. Some of the monkeys, which they kept referring to as "lab monkeys" escaped. (As if they would be wearing white coats- and that's how they could be identified??) Anyway, I thought this might turn out to be humorous, but really, it's dark-just as dark as the idea of experimenting on monkeys.
I ain’t no lab monkey
By Jessica Graae 2/2/22
I ain’t no lab monkey, I’ve got a life.
I escaped that van ‘cause I didn’t want to die.
I ain’t no lab monkey. I know how to read.
I saw your instructions were to make me bleed.
Oh, let me go.
I ain’t no lab monkey. I know how to drive.
But they took my keys when they poked out my eyes.
Oh, let me go.
I ain’t no lab monkey. I was born in the wild.
I don’t trust you or your evil smile.
Oh, let me go.
I ain’t no lab monkey, ‘cause now I live on the street:
A cup in my hand and shoes on my feet.
Oh, let me go.
@roblincoln Feb 2022
I like the pulse of this song and the hard edge you explore in your singing. Very compelling lyrics and I always love non-human narrators. Excellent dark song with good energy.
@writeandwrong Feb 2022
Oh, wow!!! I didn't hear about this! That's crazy!!! Poor monkeys!!! I love monkeys!!! The depth of the lyrics and performance... beautifully done. Visuals in the lines are vivid. I hope the monkeys are okay :'-( This makes me so sad!!!!
@goldarrow Feb 2022
You got a smile out of me. I do remember the escaped monkeys from the news channel. We all feel like lab monkeys after two years of COVID. I do also like the haunting elements in Oh, let me go.
@gardeningangel1 Feb 2022
Wow, this is haunting. Your mournful voice, tinged with caged anger. That menacing tango of the guitar. The last couple lines made me think of how many people living on the street have been wounded by negligent psychiatric 'care'. "Shoes on my feet"... trying to tame and cage the animal that was born wild and free. Took what could have been a funny, jokey subject and shined a light on the brutal truth. Powerful.
@crisp1 Feb 2022
The anger is there amid the plaintiveness -- really evocative. Your voice sounds as wonderful as ever. I teach a non-fiction unit in my high school lit class and we always read a piece about lab animals written by Jane Goodall. This would totally resonate with her.
@markg Feb 2022
I read that story. They told people to stay away from any monkeys on the loose, but the monkeys were the ones in danger from the people, I presume.
I love your song, funny and desperate at the same time.
In the last verse, does the monkey end up working for an old-time organ grinder? Just asking.
@mightyq Feb 2022
Poor monkey. Very much to the point. Love the hook.
@cblack Feb 2022
Very moving. Glad you went dark with this one. Experimenting on animals is horrible.
Your voice really speaks to the idea of animal testing. It's got pain in it. Horrible topic, well handled.
Nice work. :)
@blindkiwi Feb 2022
I remember thinking when this came out "Cry freedom and run guys!" :D Love the tune and the lyrics. As Tom Waits says, we all just monkeys with money and guns.
@kovbleu Feb 2022
Dark indeed. But delicious and rich too...the tone and mood you created here is eery and completely fitting. Very emotional and stripped down. Your vocals sound great on this!
@cubizm Feb 2022
Jessica I love this so much. This is the first I've heard of the story, but It stands on its own. Love the rhythm of the guitar. Cool, latin rhythm.
@mikeb Feb 2022
I saw that headline, but never read the article as it was depressingly sad just to think about it. Your song captures that same feeling.
@the3queens Feb 2022
Wow! I love this. Very dark song even though it seems like funny event. In some ways it feels like we are the lab monkeys!
@johnstaples Feb 2022
Aww Jessica, this is so beautiful. And sad. Your vocals are passionate and perfect! You've done a great job of capturing the true tragedy...not that lab monkeys escaped...but that LAB monkeys exist! I was rooting for the monkeys when I heard this story. If there is indeed a hell we humans will burn for a long time because of how we treat our fellow creatures. But, back to your song...it is quite excellent! The guitar reminds me a little of a flamenco style. The whole song is quite lovely!!!
@hoppiern Feb 2022
I love this - the rhythmic feel of it - the lyrics (I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one hoping the monkeys would somehow escape!) and your voice sounds great on this!! So glad to hear you sounding so wonderful and great job on the song!! :-)