Phil Collins - the next Dr Dolittle??

While searching for a different CD to play while in the bath earlier this evening, I came across Genesis' greatest hits.  I stuck it on and was happily, thoughtlessly listening until I got to the song "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight".  The first line of which is:

I'm coming down, coming down like a monkey, but its alright.

I'm now left wondering what *exactly* Phil is trying to convey in that lyric.

How does he know that he's coming down like a monkey?  Was there a little known Linguaphone set? "Teach Yourself Colloquial Monkey"?  All this time has he been chatting with them?  Getting their insights into modern culture?  All without us knowing?

Does this mean monkeys suffer less from the effects of a drug/booze binge than humans do?  Is this an evolutionary blip - something we may have benefited from but has disappeared?

Or is it that Phil is hardcore?  That a monkey come-down is worse than a human one but he's cool?  Weathering the storm? He can handle it because he was in a prog-rock band?

Answers (or insights) on a postcard please...

Comments

[Dandelion]

I think it's because monkeys live in the trees a lot and then they come down sometimes. But you see, that's when the predators can get them, so it's dangerous. So what he's saying is he's coming down out of his high tree, but we don't need to be afraid for him, because he's checked for predators already, so it's alright for him to do this. I think he's also trying to say that he's nimble like a monkey that climb up and down trees just like that.

[KennethSF]

It's the title song for the next movie featuring Phil Collins: The English Man who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Monkey. :-P

[Beth]

Dandelion - I like the idea that Phil Collins is nimble!

KennethSF - Thats genius. Although, based on his performance in Buster that'll be a film I pass on!

[Ing]

Spooky, have you seen the new Cadbury's advert that started on TV the other night?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TApA1fyoSdk&mode=related&search=

Phil really does like his Simians.

Though god knows what it's got to do with chocolate.

[Deb]

I like early Phil Collins - before he sent his wife a fax that he wanted a divorce.

[Clare]

Just checking in to say hello :).

[Beth]

Ing - I just saw that advert tonight. Its mad. It has nothing to do with chocolate. Weird.

Deb - I vaguely remember that story. Its awful, but succinct I guess!

Clare - Hello! Hope you're well!

[Mik]

Hello,

So glad i found this. While sitting at work with that tune in my head I was wondering what he meant. My mind works that a monkey come down must be worse than a human one like you have mentioned.
But im not sure old phil really indulged that much in his day even though genesis were quite freaky. Im off to find out now if Phil has any history of substance abuse....my days are so interesting locked in this skull.