Monkey Chased the Weasel Lyric: A Journey into a Timeless Tune
Hey there, music mavens and guitar gurus! Welcome aboard for a thrilling exploration of the iconic "Monkey Chased the Weasel" lyric. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious newcomer, get ready to dive into the history, lyrics, chords, and playing techniques that have made this song an enduring classic.
A Snapshot of the Song
"Monkey Chased the Weasel" is a playful and upbeat melody that has captivated generations of listeners. It’s a traditional folk tune with origins shrouded in mystery, but some believe it originated in the American South during the 19th century. The song has been recorded by countless artists over the decades, with notable renditions by Bill Haley & His Comets and The Beatles.
It was released on Bill Haley & His Comets’ self-titled debut album in 1952. The single became a smash hit, selling over 2 million copies and reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart. The spirited lyrics, infectious melody, and catchy saxophone solo propelled the song to timeless popularity.
Monkey Chased the Weasel Lyric and Chords
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty with the lyrics and guitar chords for "Monkey Chased the Weasel":
Chords: Am – C – F – G
Verse 1:
(Am) Monkey chased the weasel
(C) The weasel chased the cat
(F) The cat chased the dog
(G) The dog chased the pig
(Am) Pig chased the horse
(C) Horse chased the goat
(F) Goat chased the man
(G) The man chased the monkey so away
Chorus:
(Am) Monkey chased the weasel
(C) The weasel chased the cat
(F) The cat chased the dog
(G) The dog chased the pig
(Am) Pig chased the horse
(C) Horse chased the goat
(F) Goat chased the man
(G) The man chased the monkey so away
Verse 2:
(Am) Weasel chased the monkey
(C) Monkey chased the weasel
(F) Weasel chased the cat
(G) Cat chased the dog
(Am) Dog chased the pig
(C) Pig chased the horse
(F) Horse chased the goat
(G) The goat chased the man so away
Chorus:
(Am) Monkey chased the weasel
(C) The weasel chased the cat
(F) The cat chased the dog
(G) The dog chased the pig
(Am) Pig chased the horse
(C) Horse chased the goat
(F) Goat chased the man
(G) The man chased the monkey so away
How to Play the Guitar Chords
Now that you know the lyrics, let’s break down the guitar chords:
- Am: (002210) Place your index finger on the first fret of the A string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the G string.
- C: (x32010) Place your index finger on the third fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the first fret of the D string.
- F: (133211) Place your index finger on the first fret of the E string, your middle finger on the third fret of the A string, your ring finger on the third fret of the D string, and your pinky finger on the second fret of the G string.
- G: (320003) Place your index finger on the third fret of the high E string and your middle finger on the second fret of the A string.
Tips for Playing "Monkey Chased the Weasel"
- Start by practicing each chord slowly and clearly.
- Use a metronome to keep a steady rhythm.
- Change chords smoothly and quickly to maintain the flow of the song.
- Strum with a light and even touch.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns to find what sounds best to you.
FAQs
- Who wrote "Monkey Chased the Weasel"? The exact songwriter is unknown.
- Is "Monkey Chased the Weasel" based on a true story? No, it’s a purely fictional tale.
- What kind of animals are featured in the song? Monkey, weasel, cat, dog, pig, horse, goat, and man.
- Is "Monkey Chased the Weasel" a children’s song? Yes, it’s often sung and played by children.
- What other songs have similar lyrics to "Monkey Chased the Weasel"? "The Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly" and "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Horse."
- What movie features "Monkey Chased the Weasel"? "Stand by Me" (1986).
- What TV show has used "Monkey Chased the Weasel" in its soundtrack? "The Simpsons."
- Who played the saxophone solo on Bill Haley & His Comets’ version? Rudy Pompilli.
- How many times is the word "chased" repeated in the song? 24 times.
- What is the moral of "Monkey Chased the Weasel"? Be careful not to get caught in a cycle of chasing after material things.
Conclusion
"Monkey Chased the Weasel" is a beloved song that has stood the test of time. Its cheerful melody, playful lyrics, and easily recognizable chords make it a perfect tune for both beginners and seasoned musicians alike. Whether you’re a karaoke enthusiast or a seasoned guitarist, we hope you enjoy this review and keep the spirit of this timeless classic alive.
Thank you for joining us on this musical journey. Keep strumming, singing, and sharing the joy of music with your loved ones!