INTRODUCTION: Where It All Began for “Dance Monkey”
Some songs drop and change everything—“Dance Monkey” by Tones and I is one of those tracks. Released in May 2019, it didn’t just climb the charts; it owned them. Written by Toni Watson, who performs under the name Tones and I, the song was first included in her debut EP, The Kids Are Coming. Despite being her breakout single, “Dance Monkey” didn’t have the usual backing of a big-label machine when it hit the airwaves—it was an independent release that quickly turned global.
Chart-wise? It crushed records. In Australia, it topped the ARIA Singles Chart for 24 weeks—the longest-ever run by any artist. Across Europe and Asia, it was a phenomenon, eventually reaching #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100. That’s a rare feat for any Australian artist, let alone a new one.
Famous musicians started covering it, DJs remixed it endlessly, and street performers the world over added it to their repertoire. All from a song written by a former busker from the town of Mount Martha, Australia. That humble background gave the song an edge of raw authenticity, which many say is what made it impossible to ignore.
The Meteoric Rise of Tones and I
Before becoming Tones and I, Toni Watson was busking on the streets of Byron Bay. Armed with a loop station and raw passion, she performed her original songs for small crowds of tourists and beachgoers. No flashy stage, no backing band, just her, her keyboard, and a gritty, soulful voice.
“Dance Monkey” was inspired by the strange reality of that life. Watson has explained in interviews that the song is a reflection on the pressure of performing on demand, of being treated like a jukebox by people who don’t see the artist behind the music. That theme—of being pushed to entertain, constantly—resonates with a lot of creatives, and that’s probably why the lyrics hit so hard.
But here’s the twist: despite the seemingly lighthearted vibe of the track, its message is a bittersweet commentary on fame and expectation. And the world took notice. In just months, she went from unknown busker to viral sensation, eventually signing with Elektra Records and appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Tones and I became a household name not just for her quirky voice or catchy hooks, but because her rise was the stuff of modern fairytales.
ON THE VIDEOCLIP: A Wild Ride in Every Frame
The official music video for “Dance Monkey” isn’t just memorable—it’s wildly unexpected. Directed by Ben O’Connor, the clip sees Tones and I transformed through prosthetics into an elderly man breaking out of a retirement home to hit the golf course with a gang of senior rebels. Yep, it’s as bizarre and delightful as it sounds.
There’s a whimsical sense of rebellion throughout the entire video. No surprise—it reflects the song’s core message of challenging societal expectations. The choreography, while not traditional dance, plays with body language and movement in a way that keeps your eyes glued to the screen.
No high-budget CGI, no overproduced drama—just clever editing, humorous storytelling, and a tongue-in-cheek celebration of freedom. The backup “dancers” (a mix of character actors and performers in elderly makeup) add layers of absurdity that somehow align perfectly with the track’s off-kilter energy.
Interestingly, Tones and I appeared in multiple roles, hidden beneath prosthetics and wigs. It was theatrical, exaggerated, and self-aware—a perfect complement to a song about being seen as a spectacle.
TALK NERDY TO ME: Music Theory and Composition in “Dance Monkey”
Let’s get geeky for a moment. Despite its danceable groove and pop structure, “Dance Monkey” is a bit of a musical enigma. The song is in the key of F# minor and follows a relatively simple chord progression—F#m–D–E–C#m—but don’t let that simplicity fool you.
What makes it pop is the layered production and unexpected vocal rhythm. Tones and I plays with syncopation in the vocal phrasing, using triplets and staccato beats that contrast the steady pulse of the instrumental. This rhythmic tension creates a hypnotic loop that pulls listeners in.
Then there’s her voice. Watson’s vocal range in this track is surprisingly wide, stretching from low soulful tones to high falsettos. The glottal vocal fry and deliberate warble she employs? That’s not an accident. It adds texture and emotion, making the melody more human and less robotic—even though the song leans heavily on programmed beats.
One music theory tidbit that fascinates many is the use of call-and-response between the lead vocals and backing harmonies—mirroring a crowd demanding an encore and the performer answering back. It’s musical storytelling, embedded right into the arrangement.
MORE from TONES AND I: Beyond “Dance Monkey”
Of course, Tones and I didn’t stop with “Dance Monkey.” Her follow-up singles like “Never Seen the Rain” and “Bad Child” continued to showcase her unique storytelling. While none matched the explosive virality of her debut hit, they helped establish her as more than a one-hit wonder.
Her debut album Welcome to the Madhouse (2021) was a more introspective record, featuring tracks that dealt with anxiety, loneliness, and fame’s darker side. Songs like “Fly Away” touched on her desire for freedom and peace amidst the chaos.
She also launched a YouTube series where she performed stripped-down versions of her songs in quirky, intimate settings. These videos further emphasized her vocal chops and storytelling ability, often gaining millions of views and fan comments praising the rawness of it all.
From festival stages to late-night TV, Tones and I has consistently proven that she’s here to stay. And judging by the loyalty of her fanbase, there’s plenty more music on the horizon.
Tones and I
At the center of it all is Toni Watson, the real human behind Tones and I. Whether she’s belting out a viral chorus or speaking vulnerably about the pressures of success, she continues to be a voice for artists who don’t fit the mold. Her journey—from busker to billboard icon—is still unfolding. But if “Dance Monkey” taught the world anything, it’s to expect the unexpected when it comes to Tones and I.
FAQs
What inspired Tones and I to write “Dance Monkey”?
The song was inspired by her experience as a street performer and how people would constantly demand entertainment from her, treating her more like a machine than a person.
How old was Tones and I when “Dance Monkey” became a hit?
She was in her mid-20s when the song skyrocketed in popularity in 2019.
Is “Dance Monkey” Tones and I’s first song?
Not exactly. It was her second official release after “Johnny Run Away,” but it was the song that brought her international fame.
Did Tones and I act in the “Dance Monkey” video?
Yes! She wore prosthetics and played multiple characters, including the elderly man in the video.
What genre is “Dance Monkey”?
It falls under alternative pop with electronic and soul elements.
How long did “Dance Monkey” stay at #1 in Australia?
A record-breaking 24 weeks at the top of the ARIA charts.
Conclusion
“Dance Monkey” by Tones and I isn’t just a catchy pop song—it’s a cultural moment, an anthem for outliers, and a masterclass in turning personal experience into global resonance. With quirky visuals, compelling lyrics, and a totally unconventional voice, Tones and I danced her way into music history. If this is just the beginning, we can’t wait to see what the next verse of her journey looks like.
