Ricky's been kicking the gong
  Lickety split didn't take too long
  A junkie's sick
  A monkey's strong
  That's what's wrong
  
  Well, I guess he's been messing around downtown
  So sad to see the man losing ground
  Winding down behind closed doors
  On all fours
  
  Mama, don't you call him my name
  He can't hear you anymore
  And even if he seems the same to you
  That's a stranger to your door
  Ask him what's he come here for
  
  Oh my God, a monkey can move a man
  Send him to hell
  And home again
  With an empty hand in the afternoon
  Shooting for the moon
  
  It's halfway sick
  And it's halfway stoned
  He'd sure like to kick
  But it's too far gone
  They wind him down with the methadone
  He's all on his own
  
  But baby, don't you throw your love away
  I hate to seem unkind
  It's only that I understand the man
  That the monkey can leave behind
  I used to think he was a friend of mine