(sylvester / clarke / hicks) Johnny was a pusher on the east side Pushing anything to be pushed Laid something on a guy who didn't get high Didn't know the guy was a hood Wheeling-dealing johnny got frightened Thought the best place was out of town Packed up his bags and threw them in the back Packed up his bags and threw them in the back Of his chevy put his foot flat down Look out johnny there's a monkey on your back You better beware there johnny 'cause the monkey's packin' a gat Drivin' over red lights speeding down the freeway Johnny johnny get away You better beware there johnny There's a monkey on your back Johnny thought he'd do something clever Turning south on the old coast road Pushing 94 swerving leaning on the door Trying to shake off his heavy load Crossed the state line feeling safer Drinking in the corner of a bar In walked a guy looked the barman in the eye Said "hey is johnny in here" Chorus You better beware there johnny There's a monkey on your back Be good You better beware there johnny There's a monkey on your back Look out johnny 'cos the monkey's packin' a gat Drivin' over red lights speeding down the freeway Johnny johnny get away You better beware there johnny There's a monkey on your back Look out johnny there's a monkey on your back (repeat)