Throughout the 70s and 80s, the group remained up with the times and occasionally crept ahead of them, such that they became influences themselves upon younger generations of R&B and hip-hop acts. By the time the group's popularity started to fizzle in the late 80s, a series of hits were left in the band's wake, ranging from greasy, funky workouts to smooth ballads to swinging synthesized tracks and more. Further separating Cameo from their forebears was the fact that they didn't have a diaper-clad guitarist. Instead, they had a codpiece-wearing lead vocalist in Larry Blackmon.
Today, the group's iconic single "Word Up", released in 1986 from the album of the same time, remains a radio staple. The U.S. Hot Dance Singles and U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart topper has also been famously covered by artists such as the hard rock band Gun and the alternative metal group Korn. Other popular Cameo singles include "Attack Me With Your Love", "Candy", "Freaky Dancin'","I Just Want To Be", and "Sparkle".
The Man
Cameo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somebody tell me what to do
Cause Im in love in Monaco
Come on and tell me what to do, Monaco
I gotta be where I saw you
I gotta be in Monaco
Cause Im in love in Monaco
Somebody tell me what to do
Yes Im in love in Monaco
Im on a train to Monaco
Take a bite of the night, honey, for me
And do it again
Im on the run to attract you
So watch me, watch me now
Ill do what I please
I walk on a ledge
Youre calling me down
And you can't stop me
So watch me, watch me drown
La la la la la la
I gotta be in Monaco
I gotta see you, I gotta go
Cause I got my mind on Monaco
And you will see that Im on to you, Monaco
I gotta be where I saw you
I gotta be in Monaco
Cause Im in love in Monaco
Somebody tell me what to do
Cause Im in love in Monaco
Yes Im in love in Monaco
Im on a train to Monaco
Take a bite of the night, honey, for me
And do it again
Im on the run to attract you
So watch me, watch me now
Ill do what I please
I walk on a ledge
Youre calling me down
And you can't stop me
So watch me, watch me drown
La la la la la la
The lyrics of Cameo's song "The Man" revolve around the singer's infatuation with someone in Monaco. They are seeking guidance on what to do because of their love for this person. They express a strong desire to be where they saw this person and be in Monaco altogether. Further, they acknowledge that they are on the run to attract this individual's attention and want to do what they please in that process. Ultimately they say that regardless of anyone's opinion, they will go where their heart takes them, even if it leads them to drown.
The songwriter uses recurrent imagery of Monaco to express this deep love and desire for someone. Monaco is a land of wealth and extravagance known for its luxury vehicles, fashion, and entertainment scene. It's a glamorous backdrop, and the urging to be there, despite the unknown circumstances, speaks to the singer's uncontrollable longing for this person. When the singer says they will do what they please, it could also imply that they might be unpredictable or even frivolous. However, nothing can stop them from following their heart, which eventually leads them to "drown" in their feelings.
One of the interesting facts about this song is that it is one of Cameo's lesser-known songs, not achieving the same commercial success as their more popular tracks such as "Word Up!" and "Candy." However, the song's smooth sound, catchy chorus, and overall romantic vibe have gained it a modest following among listeners. The chorus is particularly memorable for many because of its repetition and easy-to-remember lyrics. Overall, the song is a testament to the songwriter's ability to create a compelling narrative infused with sensual imagery and storytelling.
Chords: Unfortunately, the chords for this song are not readily available since it is a relatively obscure track.
Line by Line Meaning
I gotta be in Monaco
I feel I have to be in Monaco to be with my loved one.
Somebody tell me what to do
I'm lost and need guidance regarding my next move.
Cause I'm in love in Monaco
I'm deeply in love with someone who is in Monaco.
Come on and tell me what to do, Monaco
I'm appealing to Monaco for direction and advice.
I gotta be where I saw you
I need to be where I last saw my loved one.
Yes I'm in love in Monaco
I'm unequivocally in love with someone who is in Monaco.
I'm on a train to Monaco
I'm traveling to Monaco to be with my loved one.
Take a bite of the night, honey, for me
And do it again
Enjoy the nightlife in Monaco, and savor it as if you're doing it for both of us, give it a second try.
I'm on the run to attract you
So watch me, watch me now
I'll do what I please
I walk on a ledge
You're calling me down
And you can't stop me
So watch me, watch me drown
La la la la la la
I'm chasing after my loved one, and I won't be deterred. Even if it leads to me falling off a dangerous ledge, nothing will stop me from pursuing my love. I'm willing to take the risk.
I gotta see you, I gotta go
Cause I got my mind on Monaco
And you will see that I'm on to you, Monaco
I need to see my loved one because I have thoughts of them on my mind all the time. I'm persistent and won't give up until I'm reunited with them in Monaco.
Contributed by Leah J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sambson Wayfinder
on Aphrodisiac
Woooaaaahhh! Oh why don't you, why don't you? Aaaay hey hey! The sensation is here, the vibration is clear, you really put me in the mood. You're my aphrodisiac, send cold chills down my back, when I'm on the dance floor with you. Come on girl dance! Dance! Smurf me! Dance! Dance. You make my body hot, don't ever stop, just put your hand right here, fear one I'll have to fail. I'll slip onto your move, your sweat I have to use, just let me hear you say, you can have it your way. I know I'm ready to do ya, I know I'm ready to do you. I've got to do what I have to do! Aaaww! When I need to dance my pressure starts to rise, and then I hear the words that always takes me high, like... I wanna have a dance with you, I wanna shake the date with you, you're a mean little lady, you drive me crazy, I wanna dance with you. Come on! I know I'm ready to do ya, I know I'm ready to do you. I've got to do what I have to do! Aaaww! Step on my neck girl! Heeey, hey! Just let me do what J have to do. Let us play! Bah dah bah bah baeeyah. Bah dah bah bah baeeyah, bop bow. OhhhOoooOoooh. Do it again. Bah dah bah bah baeeyah. Bah dah bah bah baeeyah, bop bow. OhhhOoooOoooh. Bah dah bah bah baeeyah. Bah dah bah bah baeeyah, bop bow. OhhhOoooOoooh.
Sambson Wayfinder
on Let's Not Talk Slot
Woooo! They think I'm weird but I'm not, cause all day they call the shots. They say this music sounds funny, but we're making the money. Whether or not the girl is hot, we'll take our shots cause that's all we got. We give a lot and the game is hot, let's not talk slot, that's not your slot. That's not your slot! Learn to live and love each other, never talk about his mother, do together, work together, play together, Aaaaah. Die die die die, die die die die, die die die die, die die diiiie... Oh no no no no no! You put your money in the machine, what does it mean? You get the hots for the score, last quarter, then no more. PacMan, Donkey Kong, top gun or the runs. So tell Slim, Bob and Hank, put their money in the bank.
Drianna
on Intro
Morty: Why can't we stay and watch then? I like Lola
Drianna
on Intro
Rick: Here's yo problem now dum dums!
Drianna
on Intro
Morty: I will never erase what I saw from my brain!