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

The days go so slow
And I don't have no friends
Except for all of 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