Internationally, Green is best known for his soul work: his most popular was Gnarls Barkley's 2006 worldwide hit "Crazy", which reached number one in various singles charts worldwide, including the UK. In the United States, "Crazy" reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Its parent album St. Elsewhere, was also a hit, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and number four on the US Billboard 200 albums chart. Gnarls Barkley's second album, The Odd Couple (2008), charted at number 12 on the Billboard 200.
In 2010, Green took a break from working with Gnarls Barkley and released the single "Fuck You!" on August 19 as a solo artist. The song was a hit, with the radio-edit version "Forget You" reaching the top spot in the UK and the Netherlands and charting at number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Its parent album, The Lady Killer (2010), saw similar success, peaking within the top five of the UK Albums Chart and debuting within the top 10 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and receiving a Gold certification from the BPI in the UK. His next two single, "It's OK" and "Bright Lights Bigger City" were also hits in Europe.
Close Encounter
CeeLo Green Lyrics
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Okay, what's up homeboy?
You know what I'm sayin'
I was just sittin' on the vibe there they sayin'
Said, it's cool, know what I'm sayin'
But that's my word?
Niggas just want to hear you rhyme, kid
Just rhyme, sha, cool?
Aight?
Hmmm, what would Jesus do?
The lyrics to CeeLo Green's "Close Encounter" offer an interesting perspective on the creative process and pressures of being a rapper. In the opening, CeeLo is approached by someone who wants to talk to him. They exchange a few pleasantries before the person mentions that other people just want to hear CeeLo rhyme. It's a subtle hint that perhaps CeeLo should just focus on creating new music and performing it, rather than worrying about the deeper meaning behind his words.
However, CeeLo isn't content with merely rattling off rhymes. He questions himself, wondering what Jesus would do in his shoes. This suggests a desire to create music that has a deeper meaning and purpose beyond just making people dance. It's a theme that is explored further in the rest of the song, which features lyrics about alien encounters and the search for spiritual enlightenment.
Ultimately, "Close Encounter" is a meditation on the role of art in society and the pressures artists face to simply entertain their audience. It's a reminder that there is more to music than just catchy hooks and clever wordplay, and that true masterpieces are those that offer a window into the soul of the artist and the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Ayo ese, yo let me talk to you
Hey man, can I have a conversation with you?
Okay, what's up homeboy?
Sure, what's on your mind, friend?
You know what I'm sayin'
Do you understand the message I'm trying to convey?
I was just sittin' on the vibe there they sayin'
I was just taking in the atmosphere and the energy around us.
Said, it's cool, know what I'm sayin'
I agree, I understand what you're trying to say.
But that's my word?
Are you serious about what you're saying?
Niggas just want to hear you rhyme, kid
People just want to hear you rap, my friend.
For real, sha, will you do yo shit?
Seriously, are you going to perform to the best of your ability?
Just rhyme, sha, cool?
Just focus on your rhymes and perform to the best of your ability, alright?
Hmmm, what would Jesus do?
I need to reflect on what the teachings of Jesus would advise in this situation.
Contributed by Aubrey T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.