"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.
Run
Gnarls Barkley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the needle hits the vein, ain't nothin' like the real thing
I've seen it once before and oh it's something else, good god
Cool breeze come on in, sunshine come on down
These are the teardrops of a clown, the circus coming to town
All I'm saying is sometimes I'm more scared of myself
I said move!
Run away! Run away!
Run children! Run for your life!
Run away! Run away!
Run children! Oh!
Here it comes, said run! Alright
Yeah, I'm on the run, see where I'm coming from
When you see me come and run
Before you see what I'm running from
No time for question asking, time is passing by
Alright!
You can't win child, we've all tried too
You've been lied too, it's already inside you
Either run right now or you best get ready to die
You better move!
I said move!
Run away! Run away!
Run children! Run for your life!
Run away! Run away!
Run children! Oh!
Here it comes, said run!
Hurry little children, run this way
I have got a beast at bay!
Promise me when the chance comes
You'll run as fast as you can
Don't you dare look backwards
Run as fast as you can
Run away! Run away!
Run children! Run for your life!
Run away! Run away!
Run children! Oh!
Here it comes, said run!
The lyrics of Gnarls Barkley's song "Run" convey a sense of urgency and danger. The opening verse portrays addiction and the uncontrollable urge to seek relief from pain at all costs, even if it means using drugs. The singer warns of the potential harms that can come along with it. The second verse depicts a feeling of being haunted by oneself and the need to escape. The chorus urges the listener, especially children, to run away from danger or imminent threat.
The lines: "I've seen it once before and oh it's something else, good god" could mean the singer has witnessed someone else's addiction and the effects it had on that person, which is why the singer is warning others. Alternatively, it could mean that the singer has been through addiction personally and knows the dangers, leading to a feeling of helplessness and dread.
The reference to "teardrops of a clown" means hiding or trying to disguise one's true emotions behind a facade. The line "Either run right now or you best get ready to die" is a stark warning about the consequences of not heeding the call to escape.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, it's still the same, can't you feel the pain?
Life is a never-ending cycle of pain and suffering, and it seems like it's never going to change.
When the needle hits the vein, ain't nothin' like the real thing
The feeling of addiction is incomparable to anything else, and it's hard to break free from it.
I've seen it once before and oh it's something else, good god
I've witnessed the effects of addiction before, and it's a terrifying sight.
Cool breeze come on in, sunshine come on down
I'm yearning for a change in my life, something new, refreshing, and positive.
These are the teardrops of a clown, the circus coming to town
Behind the facade of happiness and laughter, there's often someone who's hurting, and life can often feel like a circus.
All I'm saying is sometimes I'm more scared of myself
There are times when I don't trust myself and my actions, and I'm afraid of where they might lead me.
You better move!
You need to take action and make a change before it's too late.
I said move!
I'm urging you to take action, don't hesitate or waste any more time.
Run away! Run away!
Escape the situation, run for your life, and don't look back.
Run children! Run for your life!
I'm advising you to run, especially if you're young, innocent, and vulnerable.
Here it comes, said run! Alright
Danger is imminent, and I'm telling you to run, no questions asked.
Yeah, I'm on the run, see where I'm coming from
I'm currently on the run, and I don't want you to end up in the same situation as me.
When you see me come and run
If you see me running, it's a sign that you should follow my lead and also run.
Before you see what I'm running from
Don't wait to find out what I'm running from, assume that it's something dangerous or deadly.
No time for question asking, time is passing by
Don't waste time debating, analyzing, or doubting, because every second counts.
You can't win child, we've all tried too
The odds are against you, and many others have faced similar battles and lost.
You've been lied too, it's already inside you
You've been deceived and manipulated, and the vice you're trying to escape from is already consuming you from within.
Either run right now or you best get ready to die
You have two options: escape now or prepare to face the dire consequences of your actions.
Hurry little children, run this way
I'm trying to protect and guide you, and I know the safest path to take.
I have got a beast at bay!
I'm trying to restrain something dangerous or monstrous, and I need your help to avoid being overpowered by it.
Promise me when the chance comes
Swear to me that you'll take action when the opportunity arises.
You'll run as fast as you can
You'll use all your strength and energy to escape to safety as quickly as possible.
Don't you dare look backwards
Don't get distracted, curious, or sentimental, stay focused on running away and saving your own life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN JOSEPH(DANGERMOUSE) BURTON, THOMAS CALLAWAY, KEITH MANSFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Yvan Obam
Cee Lo’s such a bad ass, what a voice man 🤩👏🏾
RoZ DarmandraiL
I love this band so much. The lyrics are so relatable and beautifully put into words, CeeLo's voice and endless talent are just impeccable. Also.. they literally saved my soul. I love them eternally. I can't even imagine how exhausting it must be to sing like this while also pouring your feelings so hard into it. He is a master on conveying a message from the soul.
Stoonybridge
My god, what a voice.
Ferry Vermeeren
Actually it is god
Ferry Vermeeren
I could listen to this all day
I Am Eye
You can say that again.
Samyoel
My favourite
Leonardo Lovato
This guy always performed high level... Amazing! So smooth
Sambro
I <3 Cee Lo & Danger Mouse as solo artists but they are a stellar duo as well!... Danger Mouse looks like a mad scientist!
Sharon K Andrews
I 😍😍Love His Voice Style Energy!! This Band is Amazing!😍