The roots of Gorillaz can be traced back to 1990, when guitarist Graham Coxon asked cartoonist Jamie Hewlett to interview his newly formed band, Blur. Coxon knew of Hewlett's work drawing the Tank Girl comic strip in Deadline magazine. When Jamie first met the band's lead singer Damon Albarn, the two did not hit it off well. Hewlett initially thought Albarn was "arsey" and "a wanker," but the two remained acquainted and would eventually become roommates in 1997, living in London.
Both Jamie and Damon tell the story of Gorillaz came to be about the same way. They were in their flat watching TV, specifically MTV, and came up with the idea of a "virtual band" as commentary on the vapidity of popular music at the turn of the millennium. Previously the best-known '"cartoon bands" were animated versions of The Monkees and The Beatles that kids could watch on Saturday mornings. But Gorillaz (initially called just "Gorilla") was to be an ambitious musical project with eclectic, genre-bending tunes, unique visuals, and a detailed backstory for how the virtual band came to be.
With Gorillaz, Albarn departed from the distinct Britpop of Blur and explored influences including hip hop, electronic music, and world music through an "eccentrically postmodern" approach. The band's 2001 debut album Gorillaz sold over seven million copies worldwide. It was nominated for the Mercury Prize, but the nomination was withdrawn at the band's request. Their second studio album, Demon Days (2005), went six times platinum in the UK and double platinum in the US, and has sold over eight million copies worldwide. The band has won other awards, including one Grammy Award, two MTV Video Music Awards, an NME Award and three MTV Europe Music Awards.
The third Gorillaz studio album, Plastic Beach, was released in March 2010. The fourth, The Fall, was released in December 2010 as a free download for fan club members, then in April 2011 as a physical release. In 2017, after a five-year hiatus, Gorillaz announced their fifth studio album Humanz. Their sixth studio album, The Now Now, was released on 29 June 2018. Their seventh album, Song Machine, Season 1: Strange Timez, was released in 2020 through a series of episodical music videos. Cracker Island, the band's eighth album, was released on February 24, 2023. Gorillaz have been nominated for ten Brit Awards and won Best British Group at the 2018 Brit Awards.
The Gorillaz characters only appear in animated form and are not alter-egos of real people, as is often mistakenly assumed. There is an extensive fictional back-story behind these band members, written by Albarn and Hewlett. Their albums, several of their music videos, and their autobiographical book Rise Of The Ogre all tell the saga. Damon Albarn is the only permanent musical contributor to the band, which is also a collaboration between various musicians. Their style is broad with a large number of alternative influences including rock, hip-hop, and electronica.
They have released eight studio albums: Gorillaz (2001), Demon Days (2005), Plastic Beach (2010), The Fall (Also in 2010), Humanz (2017), The Now Now (2018), Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez (2020), and Cracker Island (2023). Additionally, they have put out two B-side collections, G-Sides (2001) and D-Sides (2007), and a reggae remix of the Gorillaz album entitled Laika Come Home (2002). The band has also released three DVDs: Phase One: Celebrity Takedown, Demon Days: Live at Manchester Opera House, and Phase Two: Slow Boat To Hades. At the end of 2010, Gorillaz released their next album, The Fall, which was recorded during their US 'Escape to Plastic Beach' tour. It is promoted as being the first album made entirely on iPad. The album is streamed on the Gorillaz website.
The band's first single, Clint Eastwood, was released on 5 March 2001. This single was the first of four from Gorillaz, which was released on 26 March 2001. The other three singles were released over the next year. These were: 19-2000, Rock the House, and Tomorrow Comes Today. The album sold over 7 million copies worldwide and has gone platinum twice in the United Kingdom earning them an entry in the Guinness Book of Records as the Most Successful Virtual Band. It was nominated for the Mercury Prize, but the nomination was later withdrawn at the band's request. Collaborators on the first album included Del tha Funkee Homosapien (often mistaken for a full-time band member), Miho Hatori (formerly of Cibo Matto), Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads.and Ibrahim Ferrer. The album was produced by Dan the Automator of Deltron 3030.
At the end of 2001 the band released another single, 911, which was a collaboration between Gorillaz and rap artists D12, Eminem and Terry Hall. The single would find its way onto the soundtrack to the 2002 action comedy Bad Company.
Their second studio album, Demon Days, was released on 11 May 2005 and included the hit singles Feel Good Inc., DARE, Dirty Harry and Kids With Guns / El Mañana. Demon Days went five times platinum in the UK, double platinum in the United States, and earned five Grammy award nominations for 2006 and won one of them (Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals). Collaborators on this album – produced by Dj Danger Mouse – include De La Soul, Bootie Brown of The Pharcyde, Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays, Neneh Cherry, Ike Turner, MF Doom, Roots Manuva, and Martina Topley-Bird, among others. DARE – the first Gorillaz track featuring lead vocals by Noodle – reached #1 in the UK charts.
In late 2007, Albarn and Hewlett began working on Carousel, a new Gorillaz project which eventually evolved into the band's third studio album, Plastic Beach, which was released 9 March 2010. Albarn said, "I'm making this one the most pop record I've ever made in many ways, but with all my experience to try and at least present something that has got depth.” The album features guest performances by Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, Mos Def, Bobby Womack, Gruff Rhys, Mark E. Smith, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Bashy, Kano, De La Soul, Little Dragon, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, sinfonia ViVA, and The Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental Arabic Music.
A 3D projection of the group was shown at the 2005 MTV Music Awards and the 2006 Grammys. They also performed at the Brits, in a different format, using screens rather than projections. Gorillaz have performed live in other occasions as well: in 2001 & 2002 they did tours where the musicians played behind screens, and in 2005 & 2006, Gorillaz had five nights in Manchester and New York respectively. This time the screens were behind the musicians, who were visible to the audience only as silhouettes (except for the guest-stars).
Since the band began to achieve mainstream success, there have been rumours of them working on a full-length movie. Some of these have been confirmed, but nothing has gotten beyond planning stages, mainly due to conflicts between the band and studios involved. In 2008, Hewlett said "Ultimately we didn't think that feel we're in a position to make the kind of movie we want to make with Gorillaz at the moment. [...] But I'd still like to make a full, lavishly-animated Gorillaz movie someday."
Albarn and Hewlett created a Pop Opera called Monkey: Journey to the West, which premiered in the summer of 2007 at the Manchester International Festival. A soundtrack album was recorded in the summer as well (initially only digitally available though a CD version was released in 2008). The production went on to show at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris in September-October 2007, the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, USA in May 2008, and the Royal Opera House in London in July 2008.
The duo behind the Pop Opera built on ideas from Monkey: Journey to the West to release a short film in the Summer of 2008 which accompanied the United Kingdom's coverage of the BBC Olympic Coverage in Beijing. It featured a basic outline of the main plot elements of the Opera, reworked into a "Journey to the East", with the characters finishing in the Beijing Olympic Stadium.
Gorillaz headlined the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2010, as an immediate replacement for U2, who dropped out of performing at the festival.
At the end of 2010 Gorillaz released their next album The Fall made in the hotel rooms during their US tour. It was, when released, the first album to be recorded entirely on an iPad. The album was made available for free to Gorillaz fan club members for a limited time as a digital download – and hard copies were released to worldwide markets in the following year.
In April 2012, Albarn told The Guardian that he and Hewlett had fallen out and that future Gorillaz projects were "unlikely". However, it was later announced by the duo that they had reconciled their difference – and that Noodle, Russel, Murdoc and 2-D would return with a new album in 2017. Featuring collaborations by artists such as album Grace Jones, Kali Uchis, Popcaan, Vince Staples, Mavis Staples, Peven Everett, Pusha T, Kelela, Jamie Principle, D.R.A.M. and Graham Coxon, Humanz was released to critical acclaim; the album would go on to win Gorillaz the 2018 Brit Award for Best British Group. Gorillaz would also collaborate with Carly Simon, Kilo Kish and Rag'n'Bone Man on the Deluxe edition of Humanz, while Little Simz would feature on the single Garage Palace. Another 2017 release was the single Sleeping Powder – supposedly written and recorded in a day. Meanwhile, a solar energy-themed collaboration with E.ON, released in 2017, would later win Gorillaz a Webby Award.
A new album, The Now Now, would follow in 2018. Written by Albarn whilst touring Humanz – and featuring two collaborations, including the return of Snoop Dogg and Jamie Principle as well as George Benson and Graham Coxon – The Now Now spawned six singles, including Humility, Tranz, and Lake Zürich. Murdoc was unable to enjoy the band's success for the time being as he was undergoing a stint in jail for an undisclosed malefaction; he was replaced on bass for Ace Copular – who most famously played Ace of the Gangreen Gang in the Powerpuff Girls TV series – for the recording of The Now Now; however, Murdoc would later break his way out of prison. Gorillaz saw the year out by securing another Brits nomination for Best British Group as well as winning a second consecutive Webby Award; this time, for the FreeMurdoc chatbot, which provided a way for Gorillaz fans to interact with Murdoc Niccals during his incarceration.
05. All Alone
Gorillaz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
Leviticus, oh
Deuteronomy
Snatch a piece of my wonderin'
Distant-far like yonderin'
Skin of my tooth like
Skin of my boot like
Fly in my soup like
Where's the waitress?
Can't take this, really, can't finish this?
These years and all these creatures
It's my mistake, I'll make it
J-dub to the boom now make it
Bounce-wiggle bounce-wiggle
Shakin' all them bangs out
Chemical cutthroats
Bound to blow the brain out
Cut to the brain
This ain't no game
I'll show no shame
I'll birth this blame
I'm twisted Cain
I'll twist again
I'll push the blade
As plain as day
Known to what these sayers say
Known to what these doers do
It's you and who and you-know-where
We's about to take it there
We's about to make it clear
We happy or we lonesome
The long jump, the beat heart, from start to finish
Ten spoons of spinach
The soul and the spillage
The cup that runneth ovah
We turn up the o-god
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
Close your eyes and see
When there ain't no light
All you'll ever be
Come and save the night
'Cause I don't leave
When the morning comes, it doesn't
Seem to say an awful lot to me
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
All alone, all alone
The lyrics of "All Alone" by Gorillaz present a sense of solitude and self-reflection. The repeating phrase "all alone" expresses the artist's feeling of being isolated and left with one's thoughts. The song seems to be about a person who is questioning their place in the world and their ability to make sense of their life. The first verse highlights a feeling of confusion as the person tries to snatch a piece of something ("Snatch a piece of my wonderin'") and attempts to find direction in their wandering thoughts ("Distant-far like yonderin'").
The second verse delves deeper into the artist's mental state as they ponder the consequences of their actions ("It's my mistake, I'll make it") and accept the pain that comes with it ("I'll birth this blame"). The lyrics take a twist in tone with the introduction of the phrase "Known to what these sayers say," which suggests that the artist is aware of outside critiques of their lifestyle or choices. However, they assert their independence and ability to push forward no matter what ("I'm twisted cain, I'll twist again").
The final verse switches from introspection to a call for action. The lyrics "Close your eyes and see/When there ain't no light/All you'll ever be/Come and save the night" are an invitation to accept oneself and find a way to turn a negative situation into something positive. Overall, "All Alone" is a testament to the struggle of getting through tough times and the importance of maintaining hope throughout.
Line by Line Meaning
All alone, all alone
Repeated to emphasize a sense of loneliness and isolation.
Laviti caso
A nonsensical phrase that serves to represent the chaos and confusion that the singer is feeling.
Due to run a mile
Feeling like they need to retreat or escape from their current situation.
Snatch a piece of my wonderin'
The feeling of being distracted or unable to fully concentrate on anything.
Distant-far like yonderin'
Feeling disconnected from reality and lost in their own thoughts.
Skin of my tooth like
Barely managing to survive or succeed.
Seat of my boot like
Feeling restless and ready to run away or move on.
Fly in my soup like
Feeling like something is wrong or out of place in their life.
Where's the waitress?
A representation of a desire for answers or direction in their life.
Can I take this, really, can I finish this?
Questioning their ability to handle and overcome their struggles.
These years and all these creatures
Reflecting on past experiences and challenges that have shaped their current state of mind.
It's my mistake, I'll make it
Taking responsibility for their actions and mistakes.
J-dub to the boom now make it
A nonsensical phrase that serves to represent the chaos and confusion that the singer is feeling.
Bounce-wiggle bounce-wiggle
A representation of feeling the need to move and dance to combat their negative emotions.
Shakin' all them bangs out
Expressing a desire to shake off negative experiences and emotions.
Chemical cutthroats
A metaphor for the destructive forces or negative influences in their life.
Bound to blow the brain out
Feeling overwhelmed or like they will not be able to handle their struggles.
Cut to the brain
Feeling like their struggles and experiences are affecting them on a deep, mental level.
This ain't no game
Expressing the seriousness and difficulty of their situation.
I'll show no shame
Determined to persevere and overcome their struggles with pride.
I'll birth this blame
Willing to take responsibility for their mistakes and work to improve themselves.
I'm twisted cain
Feeling like they are in a dark, twisted state of mind.
I'll twist again
A desire to break free from negative patterns and behaviors.
I'll push the blade
A metaphor for facing their struggles head-on and actively working to overcome them.
Known to what these sayers say
Acknowledging the opinions and criticism of others.
Known to what these doers do
Aware of the actions and behavior of others, and the potential impact it may have.
It's you and who and you-know-where
Feeling uncertain about the future and the direction of their life.
We's about to take it there
Expressing a determination to overcome their struggles and succeed.
We's about to make it clear
A desire to make their intentions and goals known and visible to others.
We happy or we lonesome
Reflecting on the balance between happiness and loneliness, and the struggle to achieve a sense of contentment.
The long jump, the beat heart, from start to finish
A metaphor for the journey of life, and the need to persevere through challenges from beginning to end.
Ten spoons of spinach
A nonsensical phrase that serves to represent the chaos and confusion that the artist is feeling.
The soul and the spillage
Acknowledging the impact that their experiences and struggles have had on their emotional state.
The cup that runneth ovah
Feeling overwhelmed or like they have more than they can handle.
We turn up the o-god
Expressing a desire to overcome struggles and succeed with the help of a higher power.
Close your eyes and see
Encouraging reflection and introspection.
When there ain't no light
Reflecting on difficult or dark times in their life.
All you'll ever be
Feeling like they are stuck in their current situation or identity.
Come and save the night
A metaphor for finding hope or a solution to their struggles.
'Cause I don't leave
Expressing determination and perseverance in the face of adversity.
When the morning comes, it doesn't
Feeling like they are unable to find peace or happiness, regardless of what happens.
Seem to say an awful lot to me
Feeling like they are unable to find meaning or purpose in their experiences or struggles.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Burton, Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett, Rodney Smith, Simon Tong, BRIAN JOSEPH BURTON, RODNEY HYLTON SMITH
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