Glee featured multiple major and secondary roles who have contributed vocals to the show: Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison, Dianna Agron, Cory Monteith, Amber Riley, Chris Colfer, Mark Salling, Jenna Ushkowitz, Kevin McHale, Naya Rivera, Heather Morris, Jayma Mays, Jane Lynch, Chord Overstreet, Darren Criss, Harry Shum, Jr., Damian McGinty, Vanessa Lengies, Samuel Larsen, Blake Jenner, Alex Newell, Melissa Benoist, Jacob Artist, and Dean Geyer. Numerous special guests have also featured on tracks, including Jonathan Groff, Kristin Chenoweth, Grant Gustin, Olivia Newton-John, John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, Idina Menzel, Charice, Gwyneth Paltrow, k.d. lang, Ricky Martin, Matt Bomer, Kate Hudson, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
The pilot episode of the show was broadcast on May 19, 2009 and the first season began airing on September 9, 2009. The show was created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. Murphy selects all music featured within the series himself, with the intent of maintaining a balance between show tunes and chart hits. Songs featured on the show are available for digital download through iTunes up to two weeks before new episodes air, and through other digital outlets and mobile carriers a week later.
Their debut single, "Don't Stop Believin'", a cover of the 1981 Journey song, was a top ten hit, and was certified platinum in Australia and gold in the US. The group's cover of The All-American Rejects' "Gives You Hell" reached number one in Ireland, giving them their first number one single.
There has been Nineteen soundtracks released through Columbia Records: Glee: The Music, Volume 1, Glee: The Music, Volume 2, Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers, Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album, Glee: The Music, Volume 4, Glee: The Music, Volume 5, Glee: The Music, Volume 6, Glee: The Music, Volume 7 and Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2,Glee: The Music, Volume 7,Glee: The Music, The Graduation Album,Glee: The Music, Season 4, Volume 1,Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 3,Glee Sings the Beatles and Glee: The Music - Celebrating 100 Episodes.
Nineteen EPs have also been released: Glee: The Music, The Power of Madonna, Glee: The Music, Journey to Regionals,Glee: The Music, The Rocky Horror Glee Show.Glee: The Music, The Rocky Horror Glee Show,Glee: The Music, Love Songs,Glee: The Music, The Rocky Horror Glee Show,Glee: The Music, Love Songs,Glee: The Music, Dance Party,Britney 2.0,Glee: The Music Presents Glease,The Quarterback (Music from the TV Series),A Katy or a Gaga (Music from the Episode),Movin' Out,Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 4,City of Angels,New New York,Glee: The Music, Bash,Glee: The Music, Tested,Glee: The Music, Opening Night,Glee: The Music, the Back Up Plan,Glee: The Music, Old Dog, New Tricks,Glee: The Music – The Untitled Rachel Berry Project,Glee: The Music – Loser Like Me and Glee: The Music – Homecoming.
The cast is second behind The Beatles for most chart appearances by a group act in the Billboard Hot 100's history, and holds the record of sixth overall among all artists, with sixty-nine appearances. The cast has sold over thirty six million and over eleven million albums worldwide. The series' cover versions have also had a positive effect on the original recording artists, with sales of Rihanna's "Take a Bow" increasing by 189 percent after the song was covered in the Glee episode "Showmance".
The series features covers of numerous songs sung on-screen by the characters. Musical segments typically take the form of performances, as opposed to the characters singing spontaneously, as the intention is for the series to remain reality-based. Murphy is responsible for selecting all of the songs used, and strives to maintain a balance between show tunes and chart hits, as: "I want there to be something for everybody in every episode. That's a tricky mix, but that's very important — the balancing of that." Song choices are integral to script development, with Murphy explaining: "Each episode has a theme at its core. After I write the script, I will choose songs that help to move the story along."
Glee is choreographed by Zach Woodlee, and features five to eight production numbers per episode. Once music rights are cleared, songs are arranged and pre-recorded by the cast. Woodlee constructs the accompanying dance moves, which are then taught to the cast and filmed. Numbers can take several weeks to prepare, depending on complexity. Each episode costs at least $3 million to produce, and can take up to 10 days to film as a result of the elaborate choreography.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
Glee Cast Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
Too high to get over (Yeah, yeah)
You're too low to get under (Yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (Yeah, yeah)
Too high to get over (Yeah, yeah)
You're too low to get under (Yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (Yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (Yeah, yeah)
I took my baby to the doctor
With a fever but nothing he found
By the time this hit the street
They said she had a breakdown!
(Aaah) Someone's always trying to start my baby crying
(Aaah) Talkin', squealin', lyin'
Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
Too high to get over (Yeah, yeah)
You're too low to get under (Yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (Yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (Yeah, yeah)
Too high to get over (Yeah, yeah)
You're too low to get under (Yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (Yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (Yeah, yeah)
You're a vegetable (You're a vegetable)
You're a vegetable (You're a vegetable)
Still they hate you (Still they hate you)
You're a vegetable (You're a vegetable)
You're just a buffet (You're just a buffet)
You're a vegetable (You're a vegetable)
They eat off of you (They eat off of you)
You're a vegetable (You're a vegetable)
Ow!
Lift your head up high and scream out to the world
I know I am someone and let the truth unfold
No one can hurt you now because you know it's true
Yes, I believe in me
So you believe in you!
Help me sing it
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Help me sing it, baby!
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Yeah, sing it to the world
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Sing it out loud
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Help me sing it!
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Woohoo, hee hee hee
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Help me sing it
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Sing it to the world!
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...)
The Glee Cast's rendition of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" is a powerful and energetic performance that encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and persevere despite adversity. The lyrics suggest that when faced with challenges, it's important to rise above them and stay true to yourself. The repeated refrain of "you wanna be startin' somethin'" is a call to action, urging listeners to take charge of their lives and start making positive changes.
The song's verses tell a story of someone struggling with illness, gossip, and negativity from others. The lines "Too high to get over, you're too low to get under, you're stuck in the middle, and the pain is thunder" paint a vivid picture of the individual's feeling of being trapped and overwhelmed. However, the chorus gives hope and motivation to push through these hardships.
The song's iconic chorus is a catchy and repetitive refrain that creates an energetic and empowering atmosphere. The addition of Michael Jackson's signature "mama-se, mama-sa, mama-ku-sa" chant adds to the song's unique and infectious energy.
Overall, "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to embrace their unique talents and personalities and face adversity head-on with a positive attitude and unwavering determination.
Line by Line Meaning
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You're trying to cause trouble.
You got to be startin' somethin'
You need to take action to make things happen.
Too high to get over (Yeah, yeah)
The obstacles you face are too great to overcome.
You're too low to get under (Yeah, yeah)
You're not skilled enough to find a way around the obstacles in your path.
You're stuck in the middle (Yeah, yeah)
You're in a difficult and uncomfortable situation.
And the pain is thunder (Yeah, yeah)
The pain you're feeling is intense and overwhelming.
I took my baby to the doctor
I brought my loved one to get help.
With a fever but nothing he found
The doctor couldn't find anything medically wrong.
By the time this hit the street
By the time this news spread to others.
They said she had a breakdown!
They claimed my loved one had a mental breakdown.
(Aaah) Someone's always trying to start my baby crying
Someone is always trying to upset my loved one.
(Aaah) Talkin', squealin', lyin'
They're speaking falsely and causing problems.
Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin'
They're saying that you're intentionally causing trouble.
You're a vegetable (You're a vegetable)
You're not fully alive or active.
Still they hate you (Still they hate you)
Even though you're not fully active, people still dislike you.
You're just a buffet (You're just a buffet)
People take advantage of you and use you for their own benefit.
They eat off of you (They eat off of you)
They consume your resources and energy.
Ow!
Expressing pain.
Lift your head up high and scream out to the world
Be confident and proud, and show the world who you are.
I know I am someone and let the truth unfold
I have confidence in myself and believe in being truthful.
No one can hurt you now because you know it's true
I can't be hurt because I know what's right and true.
Yes, I believe in me
I have confidence in myself and my abilities.
So you believe in you!
You should believe in yourself too!
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Help me sing it, baby!
Let's sing together, baby!
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Yeah, sing it to the world
Sing it out loud and let the world hear!
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Sing it out loud
Don't be afraid, sing it with passion!
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Help me sing it!
Let's sing together and make great music!
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Woohoo, hee hee hee
Expressing joy and excitement.
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Help me sing it
Join me in singing this song!
(Mama-say mama-sah ma-ma-coo-sah...) Sing it to the world!
Let everyone hear this amazing song!
Contributed by Mila C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.