Born in Atlanta, Georgia, he is one of a number of artists to successfully record as both a rapper and singer. He has appeared as a featured singing vocalist on songs by artists such as Esthero, Common, Carlos Santana, Royce Da 5'9", Twista, OutKast, Seeed, Black Eyed Peas, DangerDoom, Cunninlynguists and Trick Daddy, and sings background vocals on labelmates TLC's #1 hit single "Waterfalls".
His successes as a songwriter and producer include the 2005 hit single "Don't Cha", recorded by The Pussycat Dolls and Busta Rhymes.
Gnarls Barkley first collaborative album, St. Elsewhere, was released on April 24, 2006 in the United Kingdom and May 2, 2006 in the United States. St. Elsewhere entered the charts at #1 in the UK, as did the first single "Crazy". "Crazy" was the first single to go straight to #1 in the UK based on digital download sales alone. The album is Cee-Lo's greatest selling venture yet, having shipped over 1 million copies in the United States according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Cee Lo received a Grammy nomination for his song "Gettin' Grown", from his solo album Cee-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfections.
Georgia
Cee-Lo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I began as my fathers bright idea
A short time later
They all watched in awe
And all of a sudden I'm here
She was also my father so I hardly got to see her
I was afraid of the dark
But it was only because I was a believer
She swore that I would be special
I took a good look around
And thought don't worry mama this city's gonna have you
Georgia
You'll always be home to me
Georgia
I belong to you
And yes you belong to me
When they ask me where I'm from
I'm proud to say that I'm your son
I'm movin' on
Using mostly dirt roads
Until I find my way
Campbelton road
Cant forget cascade
There is somethin' about Atlanta that doesn't cease to amaze me
Oh, after all you even raised the people that raised me.
And my old man is very stealth cant be mad now why bother?
And you have been my mother nature also my godfather
The opening of Cee-Lo's song "Georgia" takes us down memory lane as he speaks about his childhood and family. He acknowledges that his existence was his father's "bright idea." Despite his parents watching him grow "in awe," Cee-Lo notes that he hardly saw his mother as she passed away when he was young. The mention of his fear of the dark seems to allude to his mother's passing and the idea of the unknown, which he was unable to understand or comprehend as a child. However, he recollects her foresight and that she believed he would be special even at the tender age of two. Cee-Lo gives us insights into his childhood moments as he takes a good look around and assures his mother that the city would have her.
He then goes on to mention his pride in where he comes from and the beauty of the city of Atlanta. He uses mostly dirt roads to travel as he moves forward, reminiscing about the memories that tie him to the city. "Campbelton road" and "Cascade" are some mentions that have a significant connection to his childhood. He speaks fondly of Atlanta, which never ceases to amaze him, giving credit to the people who raised him, and his hometown that molded him into who he is today. Furthermore, he highlights the influence of his community and how they raised him, emphasizing his belief that his father was his "godfather" and that his mother Nature was responsible for his nurturing.
Cee-Lo's "Georgia" is an emotionally charged song that takes us on a journey through his memories and influences. It captures the essence of his childhood while paying homage to his hometown.
Line by Line Meaning
Back down memory lane
Reflecting on my past experiences
I began as my fathers bright idea
My father had envisioned my birth and life
A short time later
Soon after my birth
They all watched in awe
Everyone was amazed by my arrival
And all of a sudden I'm here
Before I knew it, I was born into this world
She was also my father so I hardly got to see her
My mother was also my father figure, so I didn't get to see her often
I was afraid of the dark
As a child, I feared the unknown
But it was only because I was a believer
My fear was due to my strong belief in what I couldn't see
I was told when I was two years old
At a very early age, I was given a prophecy
She swore that I would be special
My mother promised that I would have a significant purpose
I took a good look around
Surveying the world around me
And thought dont worry mama this city's gonna have you
Assuring my mother that I would make her proud in our city of Georgia
Georgia
Addressing the state of Georgia as a personification
You'll always be home to me
Georgia is a place of comfort and belonging for me
I belong to you
I am connected and devoted to Georgia
And yes you belong to me
Georgia is also a part of me
When they ask me where I'm from
When I'm questioned about my origin
I'm proud to say that I'm your son
I'm honored to identify as a citizen of Georgia
I'm movin' on
Transitioning and progressing forward
Using mostly dirt roads
Taking the rustic path in my journey
Until I find my way
Continuing on until I reach my destination
Campbelton road
Referencing a street in Georgia
Cant forget cascade
Another street name in Georgia that holds significance
There is somethin' about Atlanta that doesn't cease to amaze me
Georgia's capital city is intriguing and always catches my attention
Oh, after all you even raised the people that raised me.
I acknowledge Georgia's major influence on my upbringing
And my old man is very stealth cant be mad now why bother?
Referring to my father, who was wise and didn't deserve my anger
And you have been my mother nature also my godfather
Georgia has provided me with maternal comfort and spiritual guidance
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CEELO GREEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind