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 It was nominated for the Mercury Prize, but the nomination was withdrawn at the band's request.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.
Clint Eastwood (Ed case_sw
Gorillaz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh...
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
It's coming on (Poof)
It's coming on
It's coming on...
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien
Yeah... Ha Ha!
Finally someone let me out of my cage
Now, time for me is nothing 'cause I'm countin' no age
Now I couldn't be there
Now you shouldn't be scared
I'm good at repairs
And I'm under each snare
Intangible
Bet you didn't think so, I command you to
Panoramic view
Look, I'll make it all manageable
Pick and choose
Sit and lose
All you different crews
Chicks and dudes
Who you think is really kickin' tunes?
Picture you gettin' down in a picture tube
Like you lit the fuse
You think it's fictional
Mystical? Maybe
Spiritual
Hero who appears in you to clear your view when you're too crazy
Lifeless
To know the definition for what life is
Priceless
For you because I put you on the hype shit
You like it?
Gunsmokin' righteous with one token
Psychic among those
Possess you with one go
2D/Gorillaz
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien
The essence, the basics
Without it you make it
Allow me to make this
Childlike in nature
Rhythm
You have it or you don't, that's a fallacy
I'm in them
Every sprouting tree
Every child of peace
Every cloud at sea
You see with your eyes
I see destruction and demise
Corruption in disguise
From this fuckin' enterprise
Now I'm sucked into your lies
Through Russell, not his muscles, but percussion he provides
With me as a guide
Y'all can see me now 'cause you don't see with your eye
You perceive with your mind
That's the in (motherfucker)
So I'm gonna stick around with Russ and be a mentor
Bust a few rhymes so motherfuckers
Remember where the thought is
I brought all this
So you can survive when law is lawless
Feelings, sensations that you thought were dead
No squealing, remember
That it's all in your head!
2D/Gorillaz
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
My future is coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
My future is coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
My future is coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
My future is coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
My future is coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
My future is coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
My future
The lyrics of Gorillaz's song Clint Eastwood (Ed case_sw in) are a mix of melancholy and optimism. The verses sung by 2D express a sense of discontent and sadness, with him admitting that he is not happy and only feeling glad because of the "sunshine in a bag." This could be interpreted as a metaphor for him finding temporary happiness in something that can be easily carried around and is not permanent. However, he also acknowledges that he is "useless, but not for long," hinting at a desire to change and improve his situation.
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien's verses contrast with 2D's, as he exudes confidence and a sense of being in control. He boasts about his ability to fix things and overcome obstacles, likening himself to a hero who can help others clear their view when they are feeling lost or overwhelmed. He also touches on the power of perception, reminding listeners that what they see is not always what is really there.
Overall, the song seems to be about the ups and downs of life, with the lyrics painting a picture of a world full of both beauty and struggle. The chorus repeats throughout the song, emphasizing the idea that the future is always coming, whether one is ready for it or not.
Line by Line Meaning
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I am not content, but I am optimistic and joyful
I got sunshine in a bag
I hold on to positive energy and hope for the future
I'm useless, but not for long
I may feel inadequate now, but believe that I will soon find purpose
The future is coming on
There is a bright future ahead of me
It's coming on (Poof)
The future is approaching quickly and unexpectedly
Yeah... Ha Ha!
Introduction of a new speaker - Del Tha Funkee Homosapien
Finally someone let me out of my cage
I am free from a restrictive environment and ready to make moves anew
Now, time for me is nothing 'cause I'm countin' no age
I feel ageless and invigorated with a newfound sense of freedom
Now I couldn't be there
Although I wasn't present in the past, I am here now
Now you shouldn't be scared
Don't be afraid of the unknown that lies ahead
I'm good at repairs
I have the ability to fix and improve upon things
And I'm under each snare
I am always in control and prepared for any situation
Intangible
I am elusive and difficult to define
Bet you didn't think so, I command you to
I challenge you to reevaluate your previous assumptions about me
Panoramic view
I have a wide perspective and vision for the future
Look, I'll make it all manageable
I have the ability to make any situation work in my favor
Pick and choose
I have the power to select and decide my path
Sit and lose
Others may choose to stagnate, but I refuse to do so
All you different crews
Addressing the various groups of people listening to the song
Chicks and dudes
Referring to the diverse range of genders and personalities in the audience
Who you think is really kickin' tunes?
Challenging the audience to identify the true creators of great music
Picture you gettin' down in a picture tube
Imagining the audience fully engrossed and enjoying the music
Like you lit the fuse
As if the music is setting off a chain reaction of positive energy and excitement
You think it's fictional
Some may believe that music and art are mere fantasies, but I believe in their power
Mystical? Maybe
The magic of music is somewhat otherworldly and hard to explain
Spiritual
There is a spiritual component to music that transcends the physical
Hero who appears in you to clear your view when you're too crazy
Music can serve as a guiding force and source of clarity during times of madness and confusion
Lifeless
Living without music and art is dull and meaningless
To know the definition for what life is
Music is an essential component of life, without it we cannot truly understand its meaning
Priceless
The value of music is immeasurable and cannot be commoditized
For you because I put you on the hype shit
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien is providing his fans with cutting-edge music to get excited about
You like it?
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien is checking if his fans are enjoying the music he provides
Gunsmokin' righteous with one token
He is a powerful force both on and off stage
Psychic among those
He has an innate ability to connect with and influence the people around him
Possess you with one go
He has the power to captivate and enthrall his audience
The essence, the basics
These are the foundational components of something great
Without it you make it
Without these basics, greatness cannot be achieved
Allow me to make this
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien is about to explain the essence and basics of music and life
Childlike in nature
These basics are simple and pure, like the innocence of youth
Rhythm
Rhythm is essential to music and life
You have it or you don't, that's a fallacy
Rhythm is not something you are born with or without, it can be learned
I'm in them
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien is fully immersed in the rhythms and essence of music and life
Every sprouting tree
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien sees the beauty of music and growth in all aspects of life
Every child of peace
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien appreciates the importance of love and harmony in society
Every cloud at sea
Even amidst turmoil and chaos, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien sees beauty and possibility
You see with your eyes
You perceive the physical world with your eyes
I see destruction and demise
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien sees the negative aspects of the world, but recognizes the potential for growth and change
Corruption in disguise
Many negative aspects of society are disguised as positive or harmless
From this fuckin' enterprise
These negative aspects are often perpetuated by powerful institutions and systems
Now I'm sucked into your lies
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien is aware of the deception and manipulation in the world, but feels impelled to speak out against it
Through Russell, not his muscles, but percussion he provides
Collaborating with his friend and bandmate Russell, who contributes through his musical talent rather than physical strength
With me as a guide
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien is leading the way through his music and message
Y'all can see me now 'cause you don't see with your eye
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien's message and influence is spiritual and unseen
You perceive with your mind
Perception and understanding come from a deeper level of thought and consciousness
That's the in (motherfucker)
This deeper level of thought and understanding is the true essence of life
So I'm gonna stick around with Russ and be a mentor
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien will continue to work with his friend and collaborator Russell to spread their message and music to new listeners
Bust a few rhymes so motherfuckers
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien will continue to write and perform his music, despite any obstacles or challenges he may face
Remember where the thought is
Remember the importance of the message and the essence of life
I brought all this
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien is responsible for his own path and success
So you can survive when law is lawless
The message and power of music can help listeners navigate a chaotic world and find stability amidst instability
Feelings, sensations that you thought were dead
Music has the ability to revive emotions and sensations that may have been dulled or forgotten
No squealing, remember
This journey and message will likely be difficult, but it's essential to stay strong and keep moving forward
That it's all in your head!
Ultimately, the power of perception and understanding begins with the mind
Contributed by Violet S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nonamonica6382
lyric:
[Intro: Sweetie Irie]
Wh-whoa
Dis the one you call Sweetie Irie
Alongside a man called Ed Case
With the Gorillaz
The refix in the seat
Na na na all right
Na na na oh
It's a bigger road ting
Cha
[Chorus: 2D]
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine, in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine, in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
[Verse 1: Sweetie Irie]
Ah ah ah ah, give 'em something, ah ah
Ah ah ah ah, bend around, ah ah
Oh, true, man ah live like star
Oh, have pretty clothes fi di car
Oh, boy dem see mi new Rolex
Time to get the sergeant vexed
So me go seh oh, babylon ah carry [?]
Oh, them all ah watch ingredients
Oh, jewellery see diamonds and pearl
Oh, the baller brought you red rose, girl
Oh, come on, we're makin' money
Oh, babylon ah chat to me funny
Oh, true, they say the leng sells cheap
That'll get the Sergeant weak
So me go seh
[Bridge: Sweetie Irie]
Feed my 'motion
Feel my 'motion
Music is from the street
Designed to make you move your feet, mmm
Feed my 'motion
Feel my 'motion
Na na na
Na na na, oh
[Chorus: 2D]
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine, in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine, in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
[Verse 2: Sweetie Irie]
Oh, true, man ah make 'nuff dough
Oh, babylon deh everywhere me go
Oh, true, man ah live like star
Have pretty clothes fi di car, so me go seh
Oh, true, man ah make 'nuff dough
Oh, babylon deh everywhere me go
Oh, true, man ah live like star
Have pretty clothes fi di car
[Chorus: 2D]
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine, in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine, in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
[Break: Sweetie Irie]
It's a bigger road ting, cha
[Bridge: Sweetie Irie]
Feed my 'motion
Feel my 'motion
Music is from the street
Designed to make you move your feet, mmm
Feed my 'motion
Feel my 'motion
Na na na
Na na na, oh
[Verse 3: Sweetie Irie]
Oh, true, man ah make 'nuff dough
Oh, babylon deh everywhere me go
Oh, true, man ah live like star
Have pretty clothes fi di car, so me go seh
Oh, true, man ah make 'nuff dough
Oh, babylon deh everywhere me go
Oh, true, man ah live like star
Have pretty clothes fi di car
[Chorus: 2D]
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine, in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine, in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
It's coming on, it's coming on
@TheRayadicto01
I remember listening to my CD when I was little. The last song was about to end so went to the bathroom. I went back to my room 5 minutes later and this song started playing. I was so confused and scared because I never knew this song was on my CD. Usually the previous song would end and then just silence. That's when I realized this song would play minutes later after the last song. Just imagine being like 6/7 years and discovering this, I felt like I had super powers or something LMAO.
@filipeflower
Looks like I'm not the only one who has that version.
@Nortic111
Ah, the days of hidden CD tracks! Doesn't really work with digital, sadly.
@nialllappin4159
Used to hate when burning cds.one massive tune with 10minutes of silence sometimes. Nirvana Limp Bizkit are two remember mostly
@mauriciomarcelopuenterodri55
Jajajajajaja just the same!!!!
@ytmisi2144
@Mauricio Marcelo Puente Rodríguez tú hablas español!!!! I catched youuuuu!!!!!! Lol
@skakee10
love clint eastwood but never knew about this remix. then i went to a gorillaz concert and this was the very last song they played before wrapping up. hell of an experience to have your first listen be a live performance, im sort of suprised how chill this is given how hype it was during the show
@abe7885
Yo same
@royliber3824
I actually heard this remix few years back but I was super surprised and thrilled to hear it live! I'm so diggin' the fact Damon digs up "old and forgotten" Gorillaz songs to perform live. Its nice to see they move on with new bangers but also endorse their old classics.
@peepeepoopoo88
Montreal or Toronto?