When the history of postmodern dance music is written he is ubiquitous: his visions, his stylistic versatility and open mindedness had a huge influence on the development of global dance culture. Very early on, he experimented with acid house and helped pioneer the style that was later called jungle and drum'n'bass. Fiercely independent he's preparing himself for a string of new releases, the launch of his online shop and touring worldwide.
The Manchester scene in the late 80s radiated from the Hacienda. It was a place which grew to be a breeding ground for the likes of Laurent Garnier and Chemical Brothers and in the Summer of Love the Hacienda had a theme tune called Voodoo Ray. It was A Guy Called Gerald's first release in 1988 and became a seminal classic that put British house music firmly on the map. As part of 808 State’s first incarnation he co-produced another Hacienda classic, Pacific State. He soon decided to concentrate on his solo project and toured worldwide (and with a quarter of a ton of equipment!) performing live.
In the early 90s he launched his own label Juice Box and released a series of 12"s that were the blueprint to what would become jungle. In 1992 he compiled these releases into the proto jungle classic "28 Gun Bad Boy" album. In 1995 he followed up with the definitive "Black Secret Technology" to critical acclaim. Black Secret Technology featured Finley's Rainbow with vocals by Finley Quaye and a collaboration with Goldie. Finley's Rainbow featured Finley Quaye who later re-released the tune on his debut album. In 2005 Knowledge Magazine ranked "28 Gun Bad Boy" EP was as the No. 1 jungle single of all time. His sound was an inspiration to many - Goldie, LTJ Bukem and DJ Krust have all stated his influence.
But never wanting to be stereotyped into any particular style of music his sound continued to develop. In 2000 he signed with !K7 Records and released "Essence" with guest vocals from singer/songwriter Wendy Page, Lady Kier and Finley Quaye. In 2005 the down tempo "To All Things What They Need". In 2005 he launched his Sugoi and Protechson labels. His latest album "Proto Acid / The Berlin Sessions" was released on Berlin's Laboratory Instinct label.
In 2006 he released "Proto Acid - The Berlin Sessions" album and in 2010 the follow up "Tronic Jazz - The Berlin Sessions" - on Berlin's boutique Laboratory Instinct label.
In July 2008 a remastered edition of the jungle classic “Black Secret Technology” was reissued. And in August of the same year “In Ya Head feat. Mia” came out on Berlin’s favourite Perlon Records.
2012 sees a new EP "How Long Is Now" out on Bosconi Records.
He continues to tour bringing his studio into the clubs worldwide.
I Make It
A Guy Called Gerald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where do I belong? Why do I sing this song?
I'm feeling like a slave, oh, to the rhythm
I make it, you take, you fake it
You break it, yeah
Got to know I'm, yeah
Got to know when to
Yes, you know that
Where do I belong?
Where do I belong?
Where do I belong?
Need a place where I can call my own
Where do I belong?
Need a place where I can stand alone
Where do I belong?
Where do I belong? Where do I belong?
Need a place where I can call my own
Why do I sing this song?
Feeling like a slave to the rhythm
Land of hope and glory
Listen to my story
I make it, you take, you fake it
You break it
Got to know my place
Got to know my place
Need a place that I can call my own
Need a place where I can stand alone
Got to know my place
Got to know where to move
Where to run, where to hide
Leave us all alone, yeah
Leave us all alone
Need a place where I can call my own
Leave us all alone
Need a place where I can stand alone
Leave us all alone
The lyrics of A Guy Called Gerald's song "I Make It" describe the singer's search for a place where he can call his own and stand alone. The line "Where do I belong? Why do I sing this song?" suggests that he is questioning his own identity and purpose in life. He feels like a slave to the rhythm, which could refer to the pressures of society and the expectations placed on him.
The chorus "I make it, you take, you fake it, you break it" could be interpreted as a commentary on the cycle of success and failure in the music industry. The singer is trying to make it on his own terms, but feels that others are taking advantage of him and faking their way to the top. The repetition of "Got to know my place" emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and staying true to oneself.
The verses continue the theme of searching for a place to belong. The line "Land of hope and glory, listen to my story" could be seen as a plea for recognition and validation from society. The final lines "Leave us all alone, need a place where I can call my own, leave us all alone" suggest a desire for solitude and independence.
Overall, "I Make It" conveys a sense of frustration and uncertainty about one's place in the world. The singer is searching for a sense of belonging and authenticity, while also facing the pressures of the music industry and societal expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, oh, you owe it to yourself, yeah
You have a responsibility to yourself for finding your place in the world.
Where do I belong? Why do I sing this song?
I am searching for my place in the world while expressing my emotions through this song.
I'm feeling like a slave, oh, to the rhythm
I feel trapped and controlled by the beat and tempo of music.
I make it, you take, you fake it
I create something genuine, but others may steal or imitate it insincerely.
You break it, yeah
Others may even go so far as to ruin or destroy my work.
Got to know I'm, yeah
I must have knowledge of myself and know who I truly am.
Got to know when to
I must also be aware of the appropriate time and place for my actions.
Yeah, you know that
It is commonly understood or recognized that this is important.
Yes, you know that
This concept is not a new or revolutionary idea.
Where do I belong?
I am still searching for my place and purpose in the world.
Need a place where I can call my own
I desire a place where I can feel comfortable and truly belong.
Why do I sing this song?
I use music as a means of expressing my emotions and searching for my identity.
Feeling like a slave to the rhythm
I feel as though I am controlled by the tempo and beat of my music, like a slave.
Land of hope and glory
I dream of a place where I can find hope and success.
Listen to my story
I ask for your attention as I tell my tale and express my emotions.
Got to know my place
I must understand my position and purpose in the world.
Got to know where to move
I must be aware of how to act and proceed in order to succeed.
Where to run, where to hide
In times of trouble or crisis, I need to know where to go or what to do.
Leave us all alone, yeah
Sometimes, all we need is to be left alone and given space to think and reflect.
Leave us all alone
I repeat this message, insisting on the importance of solitude and personal reflection.
Need a place where I can stand alone
I wish for a place where I can be independent and confident in myself.
Leave us all alone
I reiterate my desire to be left alone, emphasizing the importance of personal space and reflection.
Contributed by Addison N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.