In 2013, on the DizastaMusic YouTube channel, Miller created the video "Do the Harlem Shake (Original)," which originated from a clip of the video "Filthy Compilation #6 – Smell My Fingers",the video has been viewed 60 million times (as of February 2019). The original clip led to the creation of the Harlem Shake meme, which was directly responsible for the debut of Baauer's "Harlem Shake" song atop the Billboard Hot 100. In addition to the DizastaMusic channel (inactive since 2015), he has operated two other channels: TooDamnFilthy (a secondary channel) and TVFilthyFrank (main channel).
His absurdist YouTube channel, now defunct, consisted of music, rants, ukulele performances, and a bizarre show, with all of the main characters played by Miller including the titular character of Filthy Frank. He also produced absurdist comedy music under the moniker Pink Guy, with his discography spanning two full-length albums and an EP. His second album, Pink Season, debuted at number 70 on Billboard 200.
In late 2017, Miller retired from the YouTube channel to focus on his music career under the name Joji, producing more nuanced and serious music, releasing the EP In Tongues, which peaked at number 58 on the Billboard 200, and his debut studio album BALLADS 1, which reached number 1 on Billboard's top R&B and hip-hop chart in November 2018. With this, Miller became the first Asian artist to do so. Miller's music has been described as a mix between R&B and trip-hop. As of 2022, Joji has released two more studio albums: Nectar on September 25, 2020, and SMITHEREENS on November 4, 2022.
Sanctuary
Joji Lyrics
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Fallen star, I'm your one call away
Motel halls, neon walls
When night falls, I-I am your escape
When you lay alone, I ache
Something I wanted to feel
If you've been waitin' for fallin' in love
Babe, you don't have to wait on me
'Cause I've been aimin' for Heaven above
But an angel ain't what I need
Not anyone, you're the one
More than fun, you're the Sanctuary
'Cause what you want is what I want
Sincerity
Souls that dream alone lie awake
I'll give you somethin' so real
If you've been waitin' for fallin' in love
Babe, you don't have to wait on me
'Cause I've been aimin' for Heaven above
But an angel ain't what I need
Pull me oh-so close
'Cause you never know
Just how long our lives will be
If you've been waitin' for fallin' in love
Babe, you don't have to wait on me
'Cause I've been aimin' for Heaven above
But an angel ain't what I need
The song Sanctuary by Joji is a heart-wrenching ballad about finding solace in one special person in this chaotic world. The opening lines bring out the feeling of being vulnerable and exposed, as if howling and barking after dark, making it clear that the persona is in a troubled situation. But then he immediately offers his support for the person in need, declaring himself as their one call away. The line “Motel halls, neon walls” refers to a generic dingy motel, where the persona finds himself safe and protected like a sanctuary with his loved one.
In the chorus of the song, Joji expresses his feelings and acknowledges that he has been actively looking for a way to reach Heaven. However, he realizes that he doesn't need anyone divine to guide him since his loved one is the one who gave him unconditional love and a safe haven, a sanctuary, where he can rest and unload his emotional burden. The persona is genuinely in love with his loved one and feels that they are more than just a fling. They provide him with everything he needs - fun, love, and sincerity - all of which he craves the most.
Throughout the song, Joji repeatedly emphasizes the importance of cherishing the present moments with his loved one because life is unpredictable - “Pull me oh-so close, 'Cause you never know, Just how long our lives will be”. The lyrics of Sanctuary suggest that love isn't just a feeling but a sanctuary where one person can feel free to be themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Go ahead and bark after dark
Feel free to express yourself when it's hardest for you to do so
Fallen star, I'm your one call away
When you feel lost and alone, I'll be there for you
Motel halls, neon walls
The environment around us is bleak and devoid of life
When night falls, I-I am your escape
When everything else fails, I can be your solace and safe-haven
When you lay alone, I ache
The thought of you being lonely pains me
Something I wanted to feel
Being able to provide companionship to someone is a fulfilling experience
If you've been waitin' for fallin' in love
If you've been eagerly anticipating love
Babe, you don't have to wait on me
You don't have to wait for me to start falling in love with someone
'Cause I've been aimin' for Heaven above
I have constantly been seeking spiritual growth
But an angel ain't what I need
My needs are more grounded and human
Not anyone, you're the one
You are the only one who meets my needs and desires
More than fun, you're the Sanctuary
You're more than just a source of entertainment; you're my refuge
'Cause what you want is what I want
Our desires and interests align
Sincerity
What we share is genuine and honest
Souls that dream alone lie awake
When you're all on your own, your dreams keep you up at night
I'll give you somethin' so real
I have something tangible and authentic to offer you
Pull me oh-so close
Embrace me tightly
'Cause you never know
We can't predict how long we'll be together
Just how long our lives will be
We don't have control over the length of our lives
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Maurice Wilson, George Kusunoki Miller, Justin Louis Raisen, Luke A. C. Niccoli
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind