"Crazy" - which was their first single - debuted at #1 on the British pop charts on April 2, 2006. It was the first #1 UK single to be obtained solely through Internet downloads. The success of the single in the UK was due largely to its use in a promotional trailer for Radio 1 across all of the BBC TV channels prior to the single's release. 'Crazy' stayed at #1 for almost 9 weeks.
The buzz for "Crazy" helped generate a lot of press coverage of their debut album, St. Elsewhere, which was released on May 9, 2006.
The album is seen as a cross-over between hip-hop, rock and soul. Both artists have previously been known to have a quirky experimental side, moving between different genres of music.
Producer DJ Danger Mouse began his career doing remixes of indie rock artists like Neutral Milk Hotel and downbeat instrumental music under the 'Pelican City' alias. He later went on to emphasize more hip-hop production: most notably his The Grey Album, a remix of Black Album, with samples exclusively from The White Album; 2005's Dangerdoom collaboration with MF Doom; and, most recently, the double platinum Demon Days.
Gnarls Barkley singer Cee Lo Green started out in the classic Southern rap group Goodie Mob, but later developed a unique funk-inspired soulful style of singing which developed on his solo albums.
Their new album The Odd Couple was released March 18, 2008.
Neighbors
Gnarls Barkley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But doesn't, know, the price that I pay
My neighbor! My neighbor! My neighbor!
Wants what he sees
My neighbor! My neighbor! My neighbor!
Thinks he wants to be me
But he'll never be
But in his mind, again his world is far from kind
So I invited him over, could this make a new friend
But once I got to know ya, wish I never let you in
Now my neighbor likes my clothes
But hadn't seen me with my scars exposed
My neighbor! My neighbor! My neighbor!
Oh dissatisfied
My neighbor! My neighbor's, behavior
Is unjustified
I'm sick and tired
I don't know, if he lives all alone
But if you're scared of the darkness best leave the lights on
I had a talk with my neighbor
Say it simple and plain
I guess, he understood me
He never came back again
Now my neighbor, likes my car
But no matter where you go, there you are
In "Neighbors," Gnarls Barkley describes his experiences with a nosy neighbor who is fixated on his material possessions. The singer notices that his neighbor admires his physical surroundings, but is unaware of the struggle and pain that he has endured in order to acquire them. The chorus of "My neighbor! My neighbor! My neighbor! Wants what he sees" highlights the common human flaw of coveting their neighbor's possessions. The singer eventually invites the neighbor into his home, hoping to form a friendship. However, he soon realizes that his neighbor's behavior and attitude towards him is unjustified and he regrets letting him in. The second verse brings attention to the singer's scars, which are acknowledged for the first time in the song. This illustrates a deeper meaning of the song, which is that one's true worth and value lies in their character, not their possessions or physical appearance. Ultimately, the singer has a talk with his neighbor and the neighbor never returns, suggesting that the relationship between the two has ended.
Line by Line Meaning
Now my neighbor likes where I stay
My neighbor admires my home location
But doesn't, know, the price that I pay
My neighbor is unaware of the difficulties and costs I face to maintain my lifestyle
My neighbor! My neighbor! My neighbor!
Repetitive emphasis on how the neighbor is constantly around
Wants what he sees
Neighbor desires the things I possess
Thinks he wants to be me
Neighbor wishes to lead my lifestyle
But he'll never be
Neighbor cannot replicate my life completely
From out my window, seems just fine
My life appears satisfying from a distance
But in his mind, again his world is far from kind
Neighbor's problems are not visible from afar
So I invited him over, could this make a new friend
I welcomed my neighbor to bond over drinks
But once I got to know ya, wish I never let you in
I regret letting my neighbor come into my personal life
Now my neighbor likes my clothes
Neighbor is fond of my attire
But hadn't seen me with my scars exposed
Neighbor is ignorant of my personal struggles
My neighbor! My neighbor! My neighbor!
Repetitive emphasis on how the neighbor is constantly around
Oh dissatisfied
Neighbor's desire for my possessions has left them restless
My neighbor! My neighbor's, behavior
Neighbor's conduct has been unfair and bothersome
Is unjustified
Neighbor's actions are uncalled for
I'm sick and tired
I have grown weary of dealing with my neighbor's requests and expectations
I don't know, if he lives all alone
I am unsure if my neighbor has companionship
But if you're scared of the darkness best leave the lights on
Stay cautious, for things may not be as they seem
I had a talk with my neighbor
I had to confront my neighbor about their behavior
Say it simple and plain
I addressed the situation in a frank and honest manner
I guess, he understood me
My neighbor comprehended my message
He never came back again
My neighbor ceased to bother me anymore
Now my neighbor, likes my car
Neighbor covets my automobile
But no matter where you go, there you are
Material possessions do not define one's character and being
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN JOSEPH BURTON, NICO FIDENCO, THOMAS CALLAWAY, THOMAS DECARLO CALLAWAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind