Summer's career began in 1983 when she was cast as the voice of niece Penny on the original cartoon version of Inspector Gadget. Her unique, throaty voice was instantly recognizable to casting agents (as well as viewers even today), who began frequently casting her in animated programs. Many of these were part of cult franchises, like The Care Bears Movie and Ewoks. Audiences finally had a chance to put Summer's voice to a face when she was cast as the afrocentric Winifred "Freddie" Brooks in the Cosby Show spin-off A Different World. She remained a regular cast member of the show from 1988 through its end in 1993.
In all, Summer has voiced over 70 animated characters between 1983 and 2006, many of them African-American girls. Summer has also ventured into the realm of music. In 1990, she sang background vocals on two tracks for fellow A Different World cast member Jasmine Guy's self titled LP. In 1993 she released an album (as lead singer) with her band Subject to Change. The album was not officially released by Capitol Records because of creative differences; the records that were produced were distributed promotionally and are considered a rarity. The band, with an aggressive political message and rock-soul fusion sound, remained popular as a co-headlining act with other performers.
In 1999 Summer released the solo album Street Faërie produced by and featuring guest artist (and friend) Lenny Kravitz; The album was not hugely successful. Summer toured as Kravitz's opening act, but her label dropped her and a planned spot with Lilith Fair was cancelled. The label continued to promote it, however, sending out a four-track sampler to radio and issuing remix singles of the track "Revelation Sunshine" in Europe, with a special single specifically for Austria.
Angry Boy
Cree Summer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Up to his neck in ancient shit
He'd make a real good military beast
But i'm afraid that's about it
Talking off the wall in a voice to shut you out
Angry boy
He would rather kill than find a cure for it
Poor boy
'Neath her wings it's alright she'll take care of you
He stopped looking up at what might have been
He left no room to turn around and change
He's waiting for the panic to set in
He's hunting around for pain
Talking off the wall in a voice to shut you out
Angry boy
He would rather kill than find a cure for it
Poor boy
He's got soft words he will
Slug you with
But she'll lay you down, hold you close
'Neath her wings it's alright she'll take care of you
In Cree Summer's song "Angry Boy," the lyrics describe a boy who is consumed by anger and is unable to control his emotions. The imagery of the boy blending his grin into a sneer shows how his anger has taken over and turned him into someone who is unapproachable and difficult to deal with. The line "up to his neck in ancient shit" represents the boy being weighed down by his past and the things that have caused him pain, leading to his anger.
The second stanza takes a more introspective turn, describing the boy's inability to change his ways and the anticipation of his own panic. This suggests that his anger has become a cycle which he is trapped in and cannot break free from. Despite this, there is a hint of hope in the lyrics, with the mention of a woman who will "lay you down, hold you close" and "take care of you." This offers the possibility that with help, the angry boy might be able to find a way out of his anger and pain.
Overall, the lyrics of "Angry Boy" offer a powerful insight into the struggles faced by someone consumed by anger and the ways in which it can impact their lives. It also suggests that there is hope for those who are struggling, and support from others can make all the difference in helping them find a way out of their pain and anger.
Line by Line Meaning
Blending his grin into a sneer
He changes his happy expression into a mean one
Up to his neck in ancient shit
He's in a situation that's full of problems and complications
He'd make a real good military beast
He's suited for fighting in war
But i'm afraid that's about it
He doesn't have any other talents
Talking off the wall in a voice to shut you out
He speaks in a way that excludes and isolates others
Angry boy
He is filled with rage and anger
He would rather kill than find a cure for it
He is willing to use violence instead of finding a peaceful solution
Poor boy
He is a miserable and unfortunate person
But she'emm may you down, hold you close
Someone will comfort and protect him
'Neath her wings it's alright she'll take care of you
This person will make sure he is safe and cared for
He stopped looking up at what might have been
He has given up on his hopes and dreams
He left no room to turn around and change
He has closed himself off from the possibility of growth and transformation
He's waiting for the panic to set in
He knows that he will soon feel fear and anxiety
He's hunting around for pain
He is seeking out suffering and distress
He's got soft words he will
He talks kindly and gently
Slug you with
But he will use his words to hurt you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CREE SUMMER, TORRELL RUFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind