In 1964, at the age of 11, Khan formed her first musical group, the Crystalettes. While still in high school, she joined the Afro-Arts Theater, a group which toured with Motown great Mary Wells; a few years later, she adopted the African name Chaka Khan while working on the Black Panthers' breakfast program. After quitting high school in 1969, Khan joined the group Lyfe, soon exiting to join another dance band, the Babysitters — neither was on the fast track to success, but her fortunes changed when she teamed with ex-American Breed member Kevin Murphy and Andre Fisher to form Rufus.
Debuting in 1973 with a self-titled effort on the ABC label, Rufus was among the preeminent funk groups of the decade. Distinguished by Khan's dynamic vocals, the group earned half a dozen gold or platinum albums.
While still a member of the group in 1978, Khan embarked on a successful solo career. Her signature hits, both with Rufus and solo, include "Tell Me Something Good", "Sweet Thing", "Ain't Nobody", "I'm Every Woman", "I Feel for You" and "Through the Fire".
Democrazy
Chaka Khan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't know what it really means
A livin' lie, devoid of honesty
Where nothing's really what it seems
I'm in a funky situation
Doom is lurkin' ever nearer
I'm waiting for a revelation
Lies to my left, wrong to my right
Compassion unknown
This must be the twilight zone
A grizzly affair
Caught unaware
Why am I so scared
Where have all the flowers gone?
I've got a problem with democracy
So where exactly do I stand?
Who is this dark cloud hangin' over me?
It ain't from God; it must be a man
He is the one that you will seldom see
The new world order is his name
He's got a plan in mind for you and me
There are no winners in this game
Lies to my left, wrong to my right
Compassion unknown
This must be the twilight zone
And I'm standin' here
Tryin' to lose the fear
For this I would die
The truth will open up my eyes
Love will set you free from democracy
Supreme power invested in the people
Is a bit extreme
The highest rank of authority
Only God is Supreme!
The song "Democrazy" by Chaka Khan is a commentary on the flaws of democracy and the darkness that can lurk behind the system. The first verse of the song expresses the singer's confusion and frustration with democracy, which she sees as a "livin' lie, devoid of honesty" where "nothing's really what it seems." The second verse delves deeper into the singer's fear and paranoia, with references to a "new world order" and a "dark cloud" hanging over her. She questions where the truth lies and struggles to find compassion and stability in a world that feels like "the twilight zone."
The chorus of the song brings some semblance of hope, with the singer declaring that love will set you free from democracy. She seems to be saying that the human connections we make through love and empathy are more important than any political system, and that we should strive to create a world built on these values rather than blindly trusting in any one form of government. The final verse of the song reinforces this idea, with the singer asserting that only God is truly supreme, and that putting too much trust in any human-made system is a mistake.
Overall, "Democrazy" is a powerful commentary on the limitations and dangers of democracy, but also on the enduring power of love and human connection. It is a call to wake up from the illusions that surround us and to embrace the deeper truths that can guide us through troubled times.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a problem with democracy
The singer is not satisfied with democracy as a system of governance.
Don't know what it really means
The singer doesn't have a clear understanding of democracy.
A livin' lie, devoid of honesty
Democracy is fake and dishonest.
Where nothing's really what it seems
Things are not what they appear to be in a democracy.
I'm in a funky situation
The singer is in a difficult situation.
Doom is lurkin' ever nearer
A disastrous event is approaching.
I'm waiting for a revelation
The singer is hoping for a sudden realization or insight.
Each day the signs are getting' clearer
The singer is noticing more and more indications of something ominous.
Lies to my left, wrong to my right
There are falsehoods and mistakes all around.
Compassion unknown
People are not showing love and kindness towards each other.
This must be the twilight zone
The situation is strange and surreal.
A grizzly affair
The situation is unpleasant and difficult.
Caught unaware
The singer was taken by surprise.
Why am I so scared
The singer is afraid of what might happen.
Where have all the flowers gone?
The world has become a darker place.
So where exactly do I stand?
The singer is unsure of their position.
Who is this dark cloud hangin' over me?
The singer is referring to something ominous and negative.
It ain't from God; it must be a man
The source of the negative influence is not divine, but human.
He is the one that you will seldom see
The source of the negative influence is hidden or secretive.
The new world order is his name
The source of the negative influence is linked to a conspiracy theory about a plan for global domination.
He's got a plan in mind for you and me
The source of the negative influence has a harmful intention towards everybody.
There are no winners in this game
Everybody is going to lose in this situation.
And I'm standin' here
The singer is currently present in the situation.
Tryin' to lose the fear
The singer is attempting to overcome their fear of what might happen.
For this I would die
The singer thinks that the cause is worth sacrificing their life for.
The truth will open up my eyes
Discovering the truth will help the singer understand the situation better.
Love will set you free from democracy
The singer believes that love is a more powerful force than democracy.
Supreme power invested in the people
Democracy gives ultimate authority to the people.
Is a bit extreme
This amount of power for the people is too much.
The highest rank of authority
God is the ultimate authority.
Only God is Supreme!
No person or system of government can be considered greater than God.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: CHAKA KHAN PRINCE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Musiclover59
This is my jam right here This song is was written solely by Chaka Khan
Larry Graham on Bass and background vocals and Prince on multi instruments and background vocals
Jeri Mccombs
I agree Music L this thing is smokin to me!! that Bass .....Son of Gun!!! Love her and this whole thing.
Shady Mercury
this really should've got more radio play when it originally came out! catchy & awesome!
Marty Emmons
I'm old enough to remember the political statement music of the 1960's so, the content of the lyrics are not lost on me. I can relate to the confusion of the meaning of "de-mock-crazy" in the United States. The '70's are represented by Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On". Another song about social confusion by the people that live in America (land of the free?)!
Rita White-Crump
Well... knowing that I love me some Chaka, all I can say is better late than never.
Musiclover59
This CD is off the chain.
Brooklyn Agnew
Love this
Aloe Antinous Aquila
🎼it's a Chaka khan music year for me 🎶...
NPG Lamb
this song kicks ass
bundleofjoy
The intro is from the “Undisputed” track on rave un2