This is an odd one. Inspired by childhood memories and by reading The Chimp Paradox. I decided that Monkey in the song sounded better than Chimp. Also I thought a guitar backing did not fit. Instead used single notes instead of chords, on a digital piano. This changed the feel of the song which is a one run-through and one-take recording. It is a bit rough, though I can polish it a little .

Daddy shared his wisdom Told me life is simple You can listen to your own voice Or listen to a devil

As a child, I did not understand But the idea crept upon me Rising chatter in my head Not a devil but a monkey

Had a monkey on my back It climbed up on my shoulder Tail tight around my throat Bold and getting bolder

Had to listen to the monkey Had to listen to the monkey Listen, listen, listen Cos the monkey never stopped

The internal conversation So hard to ignore What monkey sees, monkey wants It's aways looking for more

Seems we all have two voices One is a brute reflex The rational self gotta take charge To resolve the paradox

Had a monkey on my back It climbed up on my shoulder Tail tight around my throat Bold and getting bolder

But I stopped listening to the monkey Stopped listening to the monkey Stopped listening, listening, listening 'Til the monkey listened to me

No monkey on my back Though it's still on my shoulder Tail limp around its feet It does what it told

Sometimes I talk to the monkey Sometimes I talk to the monkey I still talk to the monkey But only when it steps out of line