"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.
Open Book
Gnarls Barkley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wish I was a better liar
It hurts when it's happening, and so I cried
The winter is even colder
I guess that I could have told ya
That I am safe and warm from the hell inside
Take me!
Come on!
Make me!
I am an open book
The drum beat of my heart is tribal
Oh, the sweet sound of survival
Shall serenade this horse forever more
The sun would have to be frozen
For anything out there opposin'
That should be left in it's own blood on the jungle floor
Come on!
Fight me!
Come on!
Strike me!
I am an open book, an open book
When I sing a song of peace
It soothes a savage beast
Even it understands that I understand, at least
So you mortals must keep this in mind
This is the way I'm designed
And I am no power so I'll only die one time
Come on!
Kill me!
You heard!
Kill me!
I am an open book, an open book
Come on!
Come on!
In Gnarls Barkley's song Open Book, the lyrics revolve around the idea of being vulnerable and transparent, accepting oneself as an open book. The first stanza alludes to the pain of honesty: "Wish I was a better liar, it hurts when it's happening, and so I cried." Here, the singer acknowledges the discomfort that often comes with transparency, expressing regret for not being able to hide their emotions better. The second stanza continues this sentiment, contrasting the external cold of winter with the warmth of their internal emotional state: "I am safe and warm from the hell inside." The singer recognizes that being honest about themselves and their emotions can provide a sense of comfort that external circumstances cannot replicate.
The chorus of the song consists of simple, repeated lines: "Come on! Take me! Come on! Make me! I am an open book." These lines could be interpreted in different ways, but one possible interpretation is that the singer is daring someone to challenge their honesty and vulnerability, suggesting that they have nothing to hide. The third stanza introduces a new image, that of the singer's heart beat: "The drum beat of my heart is tribal, Oh, the sweet sound of survival, Shall serenade this horse forever more." Here, the singer connects their emotional honesty with a primal, almost instinctual sense of survival. The final stanza ends on a note of defiance, with the singer daring someone to try and hurt them: "Kill me! You heard! Kill me! I am an open book."
Overall, Open Book speaks to the importance of being honest with oneself and others, even when it may be uncomfortable or even painful. It suggests that embracing vulnerability can lead to a sense of comfort and to a more authentic connection with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Eyes filled with fire
I am filled with intense emotion and passion.
Wish I was a better liar
I regret not being able to deceive people more effectively, especially in difficult situations.
It hurts when it's happening, and so I cried
Emotional pain is difficult to endure, and sometimes it leads to tears.
The winter is even colder
The current situation is harsher than expected, making it difficult to stay warm and comfortable.
I guess that I could have told ya
In hindsight, I realize I could have prepared better or warned others about what was to come.
That I am safe and warm from the hell inside
Despite external challenges and turmoil, I am at peace and content within myself.
Come on!
Encouraging someone to take an action or challenging them.
Take me!
I am willing and ready to be taken or led in a certain direction.
Make me!
I am ready and willing to be pushed to my limits in order to achieve something greater.
I am an open book
I am transparent and honest, with no secrets or ulterior motives.
The drum beat of my heart is tribal
My heart beats strongly and emphatically, connecting me to a greater sense of community or tradition.
Oh, the sweet sound of survival
The feeling of surviving and overcoming a challenge or obstacle is incredibly satisfying and fulfilling.
Shall serenade this horse forever more
I will always hold on to this feeling of strength and perseverance, as it inspires me in all aspects of my life.
The sun would have to be frozen
It would take an unlikely or impossible occurrence for me to back down or give up.
For anything out there opposin', that should be left in it's own blood on the jungle floor
I will not let any opposition or obstacle stop me, and any enemy will be taken down and defeated in the pursuit of my goals.
Fight me!
I am ready and willing to engage in battle or conflict in order to defend my beliefs or positions.
Strike me!
I won't back down in the face of adversity, even if it means being physically harmed.
An open book, an open book
Reinforcing the idea that I am completely transparent and honest.
When I sing a song of peace
Music has the power to soothe and calm even the most savage emotions and feelings.
It soothes a savage beast
Music has the power to pacify and calm even the most aggressive or violent reactions and behaviors.
Even it understands that I understand, at least
Even the most primal or basic instincts or needs are recognized and understood, helping to create empathy and connection.
So you mortals must keep this in mind
A reminder to everyone that we are all human and subject to the same emotions and challenges.
This is the way I'm designed
I am who I am, and I have been created to act in a certain way, both in terms of strengths and flaws.
And I am no power so I'll only die one time
Despite any perceived or actual power, I am still mortal and will only die once like all other human beings.
Kill me!
Nothing will stop me from pursuing my goals and dreams, even if it puts me in danger or at risk.
You heard!
An emphatic and assertive statement, insisting that the listener take action or acknowledge something important.
I am an open book, an open book
Reinforcing the idea that I am completely transparent and honest, with no hidden agendas or secrets.
Come on!
Encouraging and motivating action or change, insisting that nothing can stand in my way.
Come on!
Continuing to insist on action, unwilling to back down or give up.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN JOSEPH BURTON, THOMAS CALLAWAY, THOMAS DECARLO CALLAWAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind