(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)