Prototype
Andre 3000 Lyrics


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[Intro]
I hope that you're the one
If not, you are the prototype
We'll tiptoe to the sun
And do thangs I know you like

[Hook]
I think I'm in love again [repeat]

[Verse 1]
Today must be my lucky day
Baby, you are the prototype
Do sumn' outta the ordinary
Like catch a manitee
Baby you are the prototype
I think I'm..

[Hook]

[Verse 2]
If we happen to part
Lord knows I don't want that
But hey, we can't be mad at God
We met today for a reason
I think I'm on the right track now

[Hook]

The Scene
Come here

[Hook]

[Outro (ad libs)]
Girl, right now I wanna say, I wanna say
I wanna say stank you very much
For picking me up
And bringing me back to this world
I can't, I'm not
I can't afford to not record
I thank I wanna say
I thank I wanna say stank you, stank you
Smelly much!
For picking me up and bringing me back to this world
Hey, hey John! Are we recording our ad libs?
Really?? Were we recording just then?




Let me hear that, that first one
When I first started

Overall Meaning

The song Prototype by Andre 3000 is a romantic ballad that expresses the singer's affection for the woman he is with. The intro sets the tone for the song, expressing hope that the woman is the one he wants to be with, and that if she is not, she is still the prototype for the woman he desires. The singer hopes to touch the sun and do things that she likes, a clear indication of his love for her. The lyrics in the first verse proclaim that it must be a lucky day for the singer because he is with the prototype of the perfect woman. He wants her to do something out of the ordinary, like catching a manatee, which helps illustrate his appreciation for her uniqueness. The chorus, "I think I'm in love again," is a clear affirmation of his feelings for her.


The second verse is a bit more introspective, as the singer reflects on the possibility of a separation. He hopes that doesn't happen because he is happy with her, but he understands that things might not always go as planned. He expresses his faith in God, and that they met for a reason, indicating that he believes their relationship has a purpose. The final chorus is a repeat of the previous chorus, with the singer declaring his love for the woman. The ad-lib outro is a playful nod towards the recording process, and the happiness the singer feels with the woman.


Line by Line Meaning

I hope that you're the one
I'm hoping that you are the person I've been waiting for


If not, you are the prototype
If it's not you, then you are still a model of the perfect person I seek


We'll tiptoe to the sun
We'll go on a romantic journey to enjoy the warmth of the sun


And do thangs I know you like
We'll do activities that I know you will enjoy


I think I'm in love again
I believe I've fallen in love again


Today must be my lucky day
I am fortunate to have met you today


Baby, you are the prototype
You are a model of the perfect person, unique and special


Do sumn' outta the ordinary
Let's do something unusual and exciting


Like catch a manitee
For example, let's catch a manatee, a gentle and peaceful creature


If we happen to part
If for some reason we have to separate


Lord knows I don't want that
God knows how much I don't want us to be apart


But hey, we can't be mad at God
But we can't be angry at God if it happens, it's fate


We met today for a reason
I believe we were meant to meet each other today for some purpose


I think I'm on the right track now
I think I'm headed in the right direction now that I've met you


Come here
Get closer to me, let's have an intimate moment


stank you very much
A play on words, thanking you with humor


For picking me up
Thank you for being there for me


And bringing me back to this world
Thank you for bringing me back to a happier state of mind


I can't afford to not record
I can't ignore the impulse to create and express myself through music


I thank I wanna say stank you, stank you
Again, a humorous way to express gratitude


Smelly much!
A play on words, using 'stank' and 'smelly' to create a joke


Hey, hey John! Are we recording our ad libs?
A reference to the recording process, asking if their spontaneous comments are being recorded


Really?? Were we recording just then?
Surprised that their ad libs were being recorded


Let me hear that, that first one
Request to listen to the first ad lib they recorded


When I first started
When they first began the recording process




Contributed by Isabella P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Skrzy33

Sure thing. In the way of fusion, this song kinda has a slow Stanley Clarke/George Duke vibe. I'm just gonna list some 70's fusion artists and a few of my favorite albums of theirs. If you have any specific styles you're looking for, let me know, and I'll try to point you that way.

Return To Forever - Romantic Warrior (the track 'Sorceress' has a great groove)
Chick Corea - Light as a Feather ('Spain' is a great track)
Stanley Clarke - School Days, I Wanna Play For You
Billy Cobham - Spectrum (You MUST hear this), Crosswinds, Total Eclipse, Simplicity of Expression
Jean-Luc Ponty - Cosmic Messanger, Imaginary Voyage
George Duke - Live on Tour in Europe, Face the Music (I like his later stuff, Chillin', Let's Roll, My Piano, etc.)
Herbie Hancock - Head Hunters ('Watermelon Man' so good!), Secrets
Passport - Infinity Machine (track 'Ostinato' is awesome)
Al Di Meola - Elegant Gypsy, Land of the Midnight Sun
Victor Wooten - Show of Hands, Soul Circus (from the 90's, but he's a great bass player. He started with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, also fantastic)

As far as fusion goes, I love the deep groove, in the pocket stuff. I also really like the driving upbeat stuff, but sometimes it can get a little too out there for me. Chick Corea is great, but he plays a million notes a second, and that doesn't quite do it for me.

My favorite fusion guys are Cobham and Jean-Luc. Check out that Spectrum album. The first side is driving, a million miles an hour, and the second side is real laid back, groovy stuff. It's amazing. Very raw and genuine. They did it at Electric Lady, studio in Greenwich Village built for Jimi. Awesome space. I had the privilege of working there last year. Lots of history.

Anyway, check that stuff out. You're bound to dig some of it. You play? What kind of music are you into?



All comments from YouTube:

@ladivasobougie706

My soul mate passed away today. He always call me his prototype. I'll forever miss you Charles. 💋

@badbn405

He with you in your heart sis!

@aqua10133

his soul will live on forever in your heart 🧡

@schooloflove7076

Ase to your soul mate, sending you lots of love and healing energy your way🙏🏾

@markbutler5039

Bless you

@domifyde5050

Sending you lots of love and positive vibes.

489 More Replies...

@MPZC

Andre paved the way for the Frank oceans, miguel's, joji's, tyler the creator's, childish gambino's and many others music we enjoy today. His vision and artistry was beyond his time.

@0Linerider0forever0

Could call him the prototype

@famelito007

The one artist that comes to mind while hearing this is THUNDERCAT. It literally sounds like he influenced him as well.

@teahgurl

And wait, there’s more 😂😂😂

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