Monty Got A Raw Deal

Album: Automatic For The People (1992)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The "Monty" in this song is the actor Montgomery Clift, who starred in The Misfits, From Here to Eternity, and A Place in the Sun. But unlike other songs about him (see the Clash's "The Right Profile"), this one doesn't specifically mention his last name, his movies or his pill and alcohol problems. Michael Stipe wrote the lyrics to be more of a contemplation on movies vs. reality.
  • Michael Stipe got the idea for this song after speaking with a photographer who took pictures of Clift when he was filming The Misfits.
  • According to Craig Rosen's R.E.M. Inside Out - The Stories behind the Songs, Peter Buck composed the music on a bouzouki in a hotel room in New Orleans. While he composed it, there was a quite amorous (read: loud) couple in a adjoining room. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Martin - Rostock, Germany

Comments: 3

  • Briancurtismith from IgnoretrumplandI say it's about a Python named Monty
  • Joshua from La Crosse, WiJudging from the title, R.E.M. must have also had a different Monty (namely Monty Hall, of Let's Make A Deal game show fame) in mind as well.
  • Joe from Baltimore, MdOne of the best songs from "Automatic For The People" next to "Man On The Moon," "Nightswimming," and "Ignoreland."
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Evolution Of The Prince Symbol

Evolution Of The Prince SymbolSong Writing

The evolution of the symbol that was Prince's name from 1993-2000.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."