MySQL is an open-source relational database system that has gained significant traction over its 25 years of history, with companies like Sony and Uber using it to run their mission-critical databases. Despite its success, MySQL requires careful monitoring due to its complex nature and delicate balance. Monitoring key metrics such as uptime, connections, memory usage, storage speed, query speed, temporary files and tables, locks, and missing indexes is crucial to ensure database performance. The MySQL integration with New Relic provides a comprehensive platform for monitoring and optimizing database performance, offering features like infrastructure monitoring, slow query log analysis, and customizable dashboards. By leveraging this integration, businesses can gain valuable insights into their database's behavior and take control of their observability stack.