King of Comedy

Album: Monster (1994)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Michael Stipe calls this his "Leonard Cohen copy," due to his unusually dark vocal range and cynical lyrics. In 1991 R.E.M. covered Cohen's hit "First We Take Manhattan" for his tribute album I'm Your Fan.
  • While this is the only song on Monster where a computer was used, the drum part was actually played by a "real" instrument and not by a drum machine, like it appears to be. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Martin - Rostock, Germany, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Zabadak from London, EnglandA version of this was available in Europe on a limited edition 12" with a different 808 State remix on each side.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Tim McIlrath of Rise Against

Tim McIlrath of Rise AgainstSongwriter Interviews

Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath explains the meanings behind some of their biggest songs and names the sci-fi books that have influenced him.

Maria Muldaur

Maria MuldaurSongwriter Interviews

The "Midnight At The Oasis" singer is an Old Time gal. She talks about her jug band beginnings and shares a Dylan story.

Don Felder

Don FelderSongwriter Interviews

Don breaks down "Hotel California" and other songs he wrote as a member of the Eagles. Now we know where the "warm smell of colitas" came from.

George Clinton

George ClintonSongwriter Interviews

When you free your mind, your ass may follow, but you have to make sure someone else doesn't program it while it's wide open.

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.