Like A Monkey In A Zoo

from Songs of Pain (1980) by Daniel Johnston

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lyrics

I'm chained to the wall
I'm nothing at all
And my eyes look into the sunset thinking of better things to do
Like a monkey in a zoo

The days go so slow
I don't have no friends
Except all these people who want me to do tricks for them
Like a monkey in a zoo

And it could happen to you
You could be in my place
No it wasn't always like this
Oh but I never saw it coming

I'm so alone
But this is my home
And the bars that surround me keep me from knowing any better
Like a monkey in a zoo

Throw me a peanut
Laugh and make jokes
But I've had enough peanuts and i'm ready to croak
Like a monkey in a zoo

You come to look at me
You seem so amused
But things would look different
If you were in my shoes

I know it's my fault
But I want out
And when I cry out nobody seems to understand
Like a monkey in a zoo

You say I'm cute
You don't know how much that hurts
You don't know how it feels to live in your own dirt
Like a monkey in a zoo

And it could happen to you
You could be in my place
Don't let yourself slip
Don't keep egg on your face

I used to be happy
I can't remember those days
But I sold my freedom for free room and board
Like a monkey in a zoo

credits

from Songs of Pain (1980), released December 1, 1980

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about

Daniel Johnston Waller, Texas

An American singer, songwriter, musician, and artist, Daniel Johnston spent 30 or so years exposing his heartrending tales of unrequited love, cosmic mishaps, and existential torment to an ever-growing international cult audience.

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