Tones_and_i_dance_monkey_official_video

The video leans heavily into a playful, "misfit" aesthetic. By dressing up as an old man, Tones creates a literal interpretation of the song’s theme: the pressure of being a street performer (a "monkey") expected to dance and entertain on command. The golf course setting serves as a perfect backdrop for the "rebellion" of the elderly characters, clashing with the typically stiff and serious atmosphere of the sport.

The official music video for "Dance Monkey" by Tones and I is a whimsical, record-breaking visual that played a massive role in the song's global takeover. Released in June 2019, the video features Toni Watson (Tones and I) transformed into an elderly man named "Old Tones" who sneaks out of a nursing home with his friends to have a wild dance party at a golf course. tones_and_i_dance_monkey_official_video

: As of early 2024, the video has amassed over 3 billion views on YouTube, placing it among the most-viewed music videos of all time. The video leans heavily into a playful, "misfit" aesthetic

: It captures a DIY, fun-loving spirit that mirrors Tones’ origins as a busker in Byron Bay. The official music video for "Dance Monkey" by

: The prosthetic makeup and costume design for "Old Tones" became iconic, making the video instantly recognizable and highly shareable on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.