"GOODIE MOb", as it's written on their album covers, means the "GOOD DIE Mostly Over bullshit". Cee-Lo notes in a song off the Soul Food album that, "[If] you take out one 'O' it stands for 'GOD Is Every Man Of blackness.' "
Its members were all born in Atlanta, and the group is based there with the rest of the Dungeon Family, a collective which includes OutKast, Witch Doctor and P.A. (Parental Advisory). Goodie was first heard reciting haunting politically charged poetry on several songs from OutKast's first album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. His reputation as a poet, thinker and social commentator is legendary in the southern hip-hop community.
Cee-Lo was the most visible member of the group prior to his departure in 2000 due in part to his distinct voice, while Big Gipp has made several rounds on other Dungeon Family members' albums, and T-Mo and Khujo form a duo within the group called The Lumberjacks.
Discography
Soul Food (1995)
Goodie Mob's debut was the Gold-certified album Soul Food in (1995). Produced by Organized Noize and critically acclaimed, the album went gold. It was on this album that the phrase Dirty South was actually coined, with a song of that same title. This album touched on many social and political issues such as racism, discrimination, geo-politics, and gentrification. Although the album dealt with such heavy issues, some songs still carried a lighter tone, such as "Soul Food," in which the crew expressed their love for home cooked meals. Along with Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, this album put Atlanta's rap scene on the map.
Still Standing (1998)
The Mob's sophomore release was Still Standing in 1998, on which they continued their tendency towards social commentary, and Cee-Lo's penchant for singing began to show through more. The album was also produced by Organize Noize, except for contributions by DJ Muggs (which would lead to Goodie Mob's contribution on Soul Assassins I) and Mr. DJ. During this period the group made a cameo appearance in the film Mystery Men, with Cee-Lo crediting himself by his birth name, Thomas Callaway (though he refers to himself as "Carlito Green" in the liner notes). Still Standing was the group's second gold-selling effort. On the front and back covers, the letter "O" in "Mob" contained a chilling silhouette of a hanged man in the center.
World Party (1999)
Feeling pressure from the increasing popularity and sales of their fellow Dungeon Family group OutKast, Goodie Mob decided to sign with Arista Records for their third album. The record veered away from their gritty style that permeated their successful previous releases, instead incorporating lighter beats and party related subject matter, which many fans perceived as selling out in an attempt for mainstream popularity. The social tone which had pervaded their earlier releases was absent; one track on the album, "All A's," was criticized for reportedly containing homophobic lyrics. During production, unhappy with the project's direction, Cee-Lo abruptly left to pursue a solo career. Arista dropped the group following poor sales of the album.
One Monkey Don't Stop No Show (2004)
The fourth album from Goodie, not featuring Cee-Lo, was something of a return to their earlier style, though fans were unhappy with the lack of Cee-Lo's presence. Many thought the "monkey" referenced in the title and shown on the cover was a reference to their prodigal groupmate, though the group claims it actually represents the music industry. Released the following year, Cee-Lo's second solo album Cee-Lo Green... is the Soul Machine featured a song called "When We Were Friends," which many also took for a diss to his former group.
Livin' Life As Lumberjacks (2005)
One Monkey's poor reception led Big Gipp to briefly leave the group as well, and T-Mo and Khujo released an album under the name The Lumberjacks called Livin' Life As Lumberjacks. The album continued the trend of somewhat lessened social commentary, getting into the crunk style that by then had pervaded Atlanta's music scene. Though Cee-Lo was still absent, Big Gipp appeared twice on the album to form the trio once again on the tracks Superfriends and 24/7/365.
Possible Reunion
It has been reported that all four Goodie Mob members are back on good terms and have reentered the studio to release a brand new album. Cee-Lo and Big Gipp have both referenced this in multiple interviews. No release date has been set, nor any details concerning the possible album released.
The four members recently appeared on stage together on October 1, 2006 following a Gnarls Barkley show, stating that they were back together or at least on good terms. No details were given concerning a possible reunion album at the time.
Fly Away
Goodie Mob Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Slices of toasted bread on the nap-kin
Straight up nuts with this country drawl
It ain't no reason lookin for it ain't no fuckin flaw
I didn't go to bed without my lucky bear claw
See, I'm a rare stud lookin to bloom like a mushroom
In the jug, under hot lights, crystalize so nice
When I think twice, I love long summer nights
From small towns to the big city night lights
If you don't like what I say, fly away, fly away
If you don't like where I stay, fly away, ah
There's a ghetto in every city (know dat)
Politicians slangin slurs, high from the natural herb
Ain't no runnin from niggas
Everywhere you go, drankin alcohol
Ready to call Earl, it's your world, black man
Them devils can't stand how we makin moves, smooth
Avoidin legal hassles goin unseen
Like the hand that took
Then documented it in his book
How these niggas shook the world with the hook
Now they back like Jack in that red Cadillac
Now GIT, don't let the doorknob hit ya
Where the good Lord split ya
I'm hearin rumors too
That you so gone off that D and PCP, that thoughts
Of lettin another man sample your wine haunts your mind
Look like the color pink
Rubbin elbows with the wrong folks
Makin kin breach they skin
Secretaries terminated after seein the boss pack fudge
Dirty men need to do more than bathe, huh
How's about burned at the stake
Like the rest of those Sodomites
Even though you had beautiful kids and a wife
He still bent both ways, ain't no due process
For boys that become guls or verse vica
Field niggas control this
Pin the hollow point tip
On this gay rights activists
A ghetto game we all familiar wit
Now how many licks, did it take, to get you wet
You ends today, fly away (fly, fly away)
(Fly away, now)
If you don't like what I say, fly away, fly away
If you don't like where I stay, fly away, ah
Yeah
Well, I'm from the dirty, filthy nasty dirty south
Some of you niggas still think we soft (know they do)
And I swore, I wouldn't never write no rhyme like this
But now you're startin to piss me off, ha ha ha
Oh yesh y'all, Sugah he got that silky Southern drawl
Every tooth in my mouth, got gold on em' all
I'm 'eal strong, and we don't want no bad blood
But it is some, it is some
Nigga think he gotta, better mind frame then me
Nigga really think he got mo' game then me?
Gon' make me sick, they gon think you slick
But fuck around and make me click like a magic trick, ha ha ha
Cause I'll prove your ass wrong bout me
We so deep and quick to stomp a nigga to sleep
And, uh, we dont' like to kill, but we will
Oh Lord this south is sho' nuff trill, now shit
When we on your side of town, we don't ask why
We abide by the rules that y'all live by
And see, you're welcome to come, you're welcome to stay
But any disrespect, we will make yo' ass fly away
If you don't like what I say, fly away, fly away
If you don't like where I stay, fly away, ah
If you don't like what I say, fly away, fly away
If you don't like where I stay, fly away, ah
The lyrics to Goodie Mob's song "Fly Away" address several themes, ranging from personal identity to societal issues. The opening lines introduce a seemingly absurd food combination, bananas and mayonnaise, which perhaps represents the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make us unique. The singer wears a lucky bear claw and speaks with a country drawl, suggesting his Southern roots and a sense of individuality that he cherishes. He has developed a thick skin to deal with negativity and knows that people will always have reasons to criticize and judge, even if there is no inherent flaw or wrongdoing. The singer also refers to his stage fright despite having years of experience performing, which emphasizes his vulnerability and fear of judgment.
Later in the song, the lyrics shift to more universal themes, such as the challenges of being a black man in America. The singer acknowledges that there is a ghetto in every city, and that politicians often use slurs and refuse to recognize the value and contributions of people of color. The sense of oppression and marginalization is palpable, as the singer notes that they can't run from danger or mistreatment, which is all around them. He also alludes to the criminal justice system and its shortcomings, where boys who become "guls" are not given due process and are at the mercy of field niggas who control the system. The song's chorus repeats the phrase "fly away," which may signify the desire to escape one's troubles or seek a better life elsewhere. However, it can also be interpreted as a call to action, to rise above the hatred and violence that plague society and create a better future for oneself and others.
Line by Line Meaning
Now what they know about the banana and mayonnaise (mayonnaise)
The singer questions whether others know about his unusual food combination of bananas and mayonnaise on toast.
Slices of toasted bread on the nap-kin
The singer describes the presentation of his banana and mayonnaise snack, with the bread toasted and served on a napkin.
Straight up nuts with this country drawl
The singer is proud of his southern drawl and acknowledges that some people might think he's crazy for it.
It ain't no reason lookin for it ain't no fuckin flaw
The artist asserts that he doesn't need to justify his quirks, as there's nothing inherently wrong with being different.
I didn't go to bed without my lucky bear claw
The artist has a superstitious belief in the power of his lucky bear claw, which he always keeps with him even when he goes to sleep.
See, I'm a rare stud lookin to bloom like a mushroom
The singer compares himself to a unique stud who is destined to reach his full potential, like a mushroom that blooms under the right conditions.
In the jug, under hot lights, crystalize so nice
The singer reflects on the process of being in jail or performing on stage under bright lights, where his true colors are revealed and his talent shines like crystal.
When I think twice, I love long summer nights
The artist enjoys the peacefulness and beauty of long summer nights and takes time to appreciate them.
Four records deep, and I still get stage fright
Despite having released four albums, the artist is still nervous before performing on stage.
From small towns to the big city night lights
The artist reflects on his journey from a small town to being exposed to the bright lights of the big city.
If you don't like what I say, fly away, fly away
The singer warns those who don't like him or his message to leave.
If you don't like where I stay, fly away, ah
The artist warns those who don't like his home or his lifestyle to leave.
There's a ghetto in every city (know dat)
The singer acknowledges that poverty and poor living conditions exist in every city.
Politicians slangin slurs, high from the natural herb
The singer critiques politicians who use derogatory language and smoke marijuana.
Ain't no runnin from niggas
The singer suggests that black people are everywhere and cannot be avoided.
Everywhere you go, drankin alcohol
The artist observes that people everywhere are drinking alcohol.
Ready to call Earl, it's your world, black man
The artist encourages black people to take ownership of their lives and not be afraid to ask for help from others in their community.
Them devils can't stand how we makin moves, smooth
The singer suggests that some people are uncomfortable with the success that black people achieve through hard work and perseverance.
Avoidin legal hassles goin unseen
The singer acknowledges that some people are able to avoid legal problems, either through good luck or privilege.
Like the hand that took
The artist uses a simile to describe how easily some people can get away with illegal or unethical behavior.
Then documented it in his book
The artist suggests that some people are not only able to avoid getting caught but are also able to write books about their experiences.
How these niggas shook the world with the hook
The artist refers to how black musicians have had a huge impact on popular culture through their music.
Now they back like Jack in that red Cadillac
The singer alludes to the idea of coming back in style or with a vengeance, like the character Jack in a red Cadillac.
Now GIT, don't let the doorknob hit ya
The artist sarcastically tells someone to leave and not let the door hit them on the way out.
Where the good Lord split ya
The singer uses a humorous Southern saying to imply that the person should leave quickly and without incident.
I'm hearin rumors too
The singer acknowledges that he has heard rumors about the person he is addressing.
That you so gone off that D and PCP, that thoughts
The singer claims that the person he is addressing is under the influence of drugs and having disturbing thoughts.
Of lettin another man sample your wine haunts your mind
The artist suggests that the person he is addressing is struggling with homosexual desires or fantasies.
Look like the color pink
The artist uses a simile to describe how the person he is addressing looks effeminate or vulnerable.
Rubbin elbows with the wrong folks
The singer criticizes the person he is addressing for hanging out with unsavory people.
Makin kin breach they skin
The singer suggests that the person he is addressing is causing his own family members to turn against him.
Secretaries terminated after seein the boss pack fudge
The artist jokes about a boss firing secretaries who see him engaging in homosexual behavior.
Dirty men need to do more than bathe, huh
The artist suggests that people who engage in sexual deviancy need more than just a shower to cleanse themselves.
How's about burned at the stake
The artist suggests that some people who engage in taboo behavior deserve a harsher punishment, like being burned at the stake.
Like the rest of those Sodomites
The singer refers to the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah, where God destroyed the cities due to their inhabitants' immoral behavior.
Even though you had beautiful kids and a wife
The artist acknowledges that the person he is addressing has a family and relationships outside of his deviant behavior.
He still bent both ways, ain't no due process
The singer criticizes the person he is addressing for being bisexual and suggests that he doesn't deserve the right of due process.
For boys that become guls or verse vica
The singer refers to bisexual men as 'guls' or 'verse vica,' which are slang terms for being versatile in sexual positions.
Field niggas control this
The singer suggests that black people who are from rural or agricultural areas are able to exert some control over their communities.
Pin the hollow point tip
The artist uses a violent metaphor to express his anger and frustration.
On this gay rights activists
The artist targets a gay rights activist as the object of his anger.
A ghetto game we all familiar wit
The singer acknowledges that the subject of being angry at gay people is something that many people in his community can relate to.
Now how many licks, did it take, to get you wet
The singer uses a vulgar metaphor to express his sexual prowess and ask how many times it takes to arouse someone sexually.
You ends today, fly away (fly, fly away)
The artist threatens to harm the object of his anger and tells them to leave quickly.
(Fly away, now)
The artist repeats the command for the person to leave immediately.
Well, I'm from the dirty, filthy nasty dirty south
The artist proudly identifies as being from the South and suggests that it has a reputation for being dirty or unclean.
Some of you niggas still think we soft (know they do)
The singer acknowledges that some people underestimate the resilience and strength of people from the South.
And I swore, I wouldn't never write no rhyme like this
The artist explains that he never thought he would write a song that is aggressive and confrontational.
But now you're startin to piss me off, ha ha ha
The singer suggests that the object of his anger has pushed him beyond his limit and he is now angry.
Oh yesh y'all, Sugah he got that silky Southern drawl
The singer emphasizes his signature Southern drawl and takes pride in it.
Every tooth in my mouth, got gold on em' all
The singer boasts about having gold teeth, which is a popular trend in Southern rap culture.
I'm 'eal strong, and we don't want no bad blood
The artist emphasizes that he is strong and capable of defending himself, but he would prefer to avoid any conflict.
But it is some, it is some
The artist acknowledges that there are still people who want to challenge him or cause trouble.
Nigga think he gotta, better mind frame then me
The singer suggests that someone else thinks he has a better mindset or perspective than him.
Nigga really think he got mo' game then me?
The singer challenges someone else's claim that they are more skilled or experienced than him.
Gon' make me sick, they gon think you slick
The artist is disgusted by the other person's attitude and thinks they are trying to be smart or sneaky.
But fuck around and make me click like a magic trick, ha ha ha
The artist suggests that the other person should not underestimate him, as he is capable of surprising them and defeating them.
Cause I'll prove your ass wrong bout me
The artist is confident that he will prove the other person wrong and show them that he is not to be underestimated.
We so deep and quick to stomp a nigga to sleep
The singer suggests that he has a large group of friends or supporters who are willing to help him fight or defend himself.
And, uh, we dont' like to kill, but we will
The artist suggests that he and his friends are willing to use violence if necessary to protect themselves.
Oh Lord this south is sho' nuff trill, now shit
The singer suggests that the South is a place where things can get real and people need to be on their guard.
When we on your side of town, we don't ask why
The singer suggests that he and his friends do not need permission to be in a certain area and will go wherever they please.
We abide by the rules that y'all live by
The singer suggests that even though they might not be from a certain area, they will follow the rules and customs of that area.
And see, you're welcome to come, you're welcome to stay
The artist suggests that people are welcome to visit or live in their area.
But any disrespect, we will make yo' ass fly away
The artist warns that anyone who disrespects them or causes trouble will be physically removed or hurt.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROBERT BARNETT, PATRICK BROWN, THOMAS BURTON, CAMERON F. GIPP, WILLIE EDWARD KNIGHTON, RAYMON MURRAY, RICO WADE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Trill FA
Man Cee-Lo’s verse had no business being as raw as it was! Love this song it’s a classic!
Unapologetically Nikki ♉
PeriodT 🔥
dasean mordgin
Do u think @ceelo let someone suck on his wine in order 2 have longevity in dis industry??
Legz Diamond
His shit was so crazy. It wasn’t a surprise to see him rise like he did. A dude with bars like this can do whatever he wants.
Adrian Hicks
Yigh
binarystar21
One of the most underrated slept on best beats in hop hop history.
H Lee jr
I swear Outkast and Goodie Mob made me so proud to be southern!!!!! was already proud but they added that steroids in my southern pride!!!
Sarah Woodward
Dirty South 💚
Lps angles Lps
Dirty dirty love !!!!
MoetheKid
lucky son of a Gun