Band member Murdoc Niccals stated the following about "On Melancholy Hill" in an interview: "The Melancholy Hill - it's that feeling, that place, that you get in your soul sometimes, like someone's let your tyres down. It's nice to break up the album with something a little lighter. It's good to have something that's a genuine pop moment on every album. And this is one of those."
"On Melancholy Hill"
Gorillaz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a plastic tree
Are you here with me
Just looking out on the day
Of another dream
Well you can't get what you want
But you can get me So let's set out to sea
'Cause you are my medicine
When you're close to me
When you're close to me
So call in the submarines
'Round the world will go
Does anybody know her
If we're looking out on the day
Of another dream
If you can't get what you want
Then you come with me
Up on melancholy hill
Sits a manatee
Just looking out for the day
When you're close to me
When you're close to me
When you're close to me
The song "On Melancholy Hill" by Gorillaz is a beautiful and introspective track that speaks about the interconnectedness of human beings and the need to have someone by your side always. The song opens by saying "Up on melancholy hill, there's a plastic tree, are you here with me?" The imagery created here is that of a dreamy and surreal landscape where everything is artificial, even the tree. The tree could represent a symbol of resilience as it is made of plastic, unable to die or rot. It could also represent the frivolous things in life that we hold onto when things get tough.
The verse then goes on to say, "Just looking out on the day of another dream." Here, the singer is brooding over the monotony of life and how every day seems to merge into another, without anything really changing. The repetition of the phrase "another dream" highlights how dreams can become mundane when they are not realized, ultimately leading to a sense of sadness and disillusionment.
The chorus of the song is about finding solace in another person when everything else falls apart. "Well, you can't get what you want, but you can get me, so let's set out to sea, 'cause you are my medicine when you're close to me." The singer is affirming that material possessions can only give you momentary happiness, but finding someone who is always there for you is the ultimate panacea. The line "let's set out to sea" could mean embarking on a journey with the other person as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles in life together. The chorus reflects the theme of loneliness and the need for companionship, which is a constant in the human experience.
Overall, "On Melancholy Hill" is an incredibly emotional song that speaks about human relationships and how they can help us navigate the ebbs and flows of life. The song is a beautiful metaphorical representation of the complex emotions that people go through when they are alone and the ways in which they seek comfort and companionship.
Line by Line Meaning
Up on melancholy hill
On this hill, which evokes feelings of sadness or gloominess
There's a plastic tree
There is an artificial tree that symbolizes the lack of real, authentic feelings
Are you here with me
Are you present here, in this moment, with me?
Just looking out on the day
We are simply observing the passing time
Of another dream
One of the many dreams we have, possibly unattainable or unrealized
Well you can't get what you want
Often times we do not get everything we desire or long for
But you can get me
However, you can find connection and companionship with me
So let's set out to sea
Let's embark on a journey, perhaps to escape or find adventure
'Cause you are my medicine
You bring relief, comfort, and healing to me when I am in need
When you're close to me
When we are physically or emotionally close, we have a bond and understanding
So call in the submarines
Let's bring in our secret weapons, hidden strengths, or unconventional methods to help us reach our goals
'Round the world will go
We will travel all over the world and experience new things
Does anybody know her
Does anyone truly know us, including our deepest thoughts and desires?
If we're looking out on the day
If we are contemplating the world and our place in it
Of another dream
One of the many dreams that we have, perhaps unaware of what is truly important
If you can't get what you want
If you can't find fulfillment or satisfaction in your desires
Then you come with me
Then come along with me and we will face these challenges together
Up on melancholy hill
Once again, referencing the sadness and forlorn feelings associated with this hill
Sits a manatee
A manatee symbolizes tranquility and calmness, waiting patiently for something to happen
Just looking out for the day
Simply keeping watch and waiting for something to happen or change
When you're close to me
Once again emphasizing the importance of closeness and understanding in any relationship
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAMON ALBARN, JAMIE HEWLETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
GGG slat
on Feel Good Inc.
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, feel good
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good
(Change) sha, sha (change) ba-da (change), sha-ba-da-ca, (change) feel good ty
(Change) sha, sha (change) ba-da (change), sha-ba-da-ca, (change) feel good
City's breaking down on a camel's back
They just have to go 'cause they don't know whack
So while you fill the streets, it's appealing to see
You won't get undercounted 'cause you're damned and free
You got a new horizon, it's ephemeral style
A melancholy town where we never smile
And all I wanna hear is the message beep
My dreams, they got her kissing, 'cause I don't get sleep, no
Windmill, windmill for the land
Turn forever hand in hand
Take it all in on your stride
It is ticking, falling down
Love forever, love is free
Let's turn forever you and me
Windmill, windmill for the land
Is everybody in?
Laughin' gas these hazmats, fast cats
Linin' 'em up like ass cracks
Play these ponies at the track
It's my chocolate attack
Shit, I'm steppin' in the heart of this here (yeah)
Care Bear rappin' in harder this year (yeah)
Watch me as I gravitate, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Yo, we gon' ghost town this Motown
With yo' sound, you in the blink
Gon' bite the dust, can't fight with us
With yo' sound, you kill the Inc.
So don't stop, get it, get it (get it)
Until you're cheddar headed
And watch the way I navigate, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha (ha, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good
Windmill, windmill for the land
Turn forever hand in hand
Take it all in on your stride
It is ticking, falling down
Love forever, love is free
Let's turn forever you and me
Windmill, windmill for the land
Is everybody in?
Don't stop, get it, get it
Peep how your captain's in it (feel good)
Steady, watch me navigate, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! (Feel good)
Don't stop, get it, get it
Peep how your captain's in it (feel good)
Steady, watch me navigate, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! (Feel good)
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good
Sha, sha-ba-da, sha-ba-da-ca, feel good