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 It was nominated for the Mercury Prize, but the nomination was withdrawn at the band's request.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.
Momentary Bliss
Gorillaz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Momentary bliss
We could do so much better than this
Mausoleum faces and momentary bliss
We could do so much better than this
Oh, Rita, oh, Rita
Lovely Rita, meter maid
Your potential, you lack credentials
And you are special, so fucking special (Rita)
Oh, how you need it, oh how you're needed
And you keep squeezing the tube from the middle (ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy)
You part the seas, but your arches, they ain't golden (ah)
And you was gagging for some gags and now you're rolling (woo)
Best you shut your trap and keep it hush (hush)
On another note, compliments make me blush
There's a hole in your pocket, so you cannot find the change
Cavern of your mind, you say you're patterned
You pull your strings and you jump, hold your mouth and you say (ah, ah, ah)
"What was scripted, the day before it happened?"
We all give applause when people open doors
But on the way out it did your back in
See, everything in life ain't silver and gold
But mining for metal gave you platinum
It makes me sick to think you ain't happy in your skin
It's wearing thin to think light bulb don't blink
Just flickers, so dim, then it pops and withers
You're a Turkey Twizzler, you deserve school dinners
Makes me sick
Poster boy (ayy)
Poster girl (Rita)
Truth, the bills (the bills)
Must be paid (yeah, yeah, alright)
Poster boy (yeah, alright)
Poster girl (ah, that's time)
In truth, the bills, they must be paid (uh-huh)
And what is left is sodden cake, typical
All you need to change your face
You're getting sold, you're such a waste
You know, we could do so much better than this
Swimming in pools of momentary bliss
Where you gotta bite the bounty 'cause everybody taking it
Meanwhile you keep on adding
How big you gonna grow?
It makes me sick to think you ain't happy in your skin
It's wearing thin to think light bulb don't blink
Just flickers, so dim, then it pops and withers
You're a Turkey Twizzler, you deserve school dinners
It makes me sick to think you ain't happy in your skin
It's wearing thin to think light bulb don't blink
Just flickers, so dim, then it pops and withers
You're a Turkey Twizzler, you deserve school dinners
Makes me sick
We could do so much better than this
Mausoleum faces and momentary bliss
We could do so much better than this
Oh, Rita, oh, Rita
We could do so much better than this
Perfect little pictures of moments that we missed
We could do so much better than this
Oh, Rita, oh, Rita
The lyrics of "Momentary Bliss" by Gorillaz, Slowthai, and Slaves are an amalgamation of social commentary about the world, inner turmoil and the desire to break free from the unfulfilling, fleeting moments of joy. The song begins with the phrase "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah momentary bliss", which sets the tone of the song. The first two lines of the song talk about how much better we could do than the current reality of our lives. The use of the word "mausoleum faces" means how lifeless people have become, and the only respite they get is through temporary pleasures.
The chorus, "Oh, Rita, oh, Rita, Lovely Rita, meter maid" alludes to the character in the Beatle's song "Lovely Rita," which finds herself confined to her job and everyday duties. The song then talks about how the person mentioned in the song lacks credentials but has potential. The lines "You keep squeezing the tube from the middle" indicate how individuals waste something rather than using it to its full potential. The next few lines of the song send the message that fame and popularity only provide temporary happiness and satisfaction.
The song is a critical commentary on society's ills and, at the same time, an ode to the individual's struggle to come to terms with their life. It talks about how people, despite being capable of so much, are restricted by societal standards, their own limiting beliefs, and a lack of substantial purpose. The song's message is impactful and resonates with its listeners in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally charged.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Starting off the song with an enthusiastic, repetitive exclamation to set the tone and grab the listener's attention.
Momentary bliss
The fleeting feeling of happiness or contentment that people often mistake as true happiness in their lives.
We could do so much better than this
The acknowledgement that life could be better than it currently is, and that there are steps to take towards improving it.
Mausoleum faces and momentary bliss
A commentary on the superficial nature of society and how people often prioritize temporary satisfaction over true fulfillment and happiness.
Oh, Rita, oh, Rita
A repeated call to a character named Rita, who represents an individual who needs to break free from societal expectations and live a more authentic life.
Lovely Rita, meter maid
A reference to the song 'Lovely Rita' by The Beatles, where the character Rita represents a mundane job that people feel trapped in, and how it limits their potential.
Your potential, you lack credentials
An observation that an individual may have the potential to achieve great things, but are limited by societal credentials and qualifications that don't necessarily prove their worth or ability.
And you are special, so fucking special (Rita)
An acknowledgement that the individual named Rita is unique and special in their own way, and should embrace their individuality rather than conform to societal norms.
Oh, how you need it, oh how you're needed
A recognition that everyone needs to feel wanted and appreciated, and that society should encourage and celebrate individuals for their uniqueness rather than pressure them to conform.
And you keep squeezing the tube from the middle
A metaphor for an individual who is not doing things the 'right' way, but is still able to achieve success and happiness by going against the norm.
You part the seas, but your arches, they ain't golden (ah)
An acknowledgement that while an individual may have some special abilities, they aren't perfect and may have flaws or shortcomings that they need to accept.
And you was gagging for some gags and now you're rolling (woo)
A recognition that sometimes people will do things that aren't true to themselves in order to fit in, but that ultimately being authentic will lead to greater happiness and success.
Best you shut your trap and keep it hush (hush)
A warning to be careful about what you say and who you trust in a society that often punishes those who don't conform or challenge the status quo.
On another note, compliments make me blush
A playful interjection that doesn't necessarily relate to the previous lines, but serves to keep the song upbeat and engaging for the listener.
There's a hole in your pocket, so you cannot find the change
Another metaphor for feeling lost or unfulfilled in life, where someone may have potential or skills but are unable to fully realize them due to personal obstacles or societal limitations.
Cavern of your mind, you say you're patterned
A reference to the idea that people often fall into certain patterns or ways of thinking that limit their potential and prevent them from reaching their goals.
You pull your strings and you jump, hold your mouth and you say (ah, ah, ah)
An imagery of how people often feel like they are being controlled or manipulated by outside forces, and don't feel like they have the power to change their situation or speak up for themselves.
"What was scripted, the day before it happened?"
A rhetorical question that highlights how society often follows a predetermined script or narrative, and people aren't encouraged to think for themselves or question the status quo.
We all give applause when people open doors
A commentary on how people often laud or praise those who follow societal norms or achieve success within conformist institutions or systems.
But on the way out it did your back in
A recognition that success or achievement within these systems may come at a cost to one's personal fulfillment or happiness, and that people may pay a steep price for conforming to societal expectations.
See, everything in life ain't silver and gold
A reminder that success or happiness in life doesn't always equate to wealth or material possessions, and that true fulfillment may come from other sources like relationships, purpose, or passion.
But mining for metal gave you platinum
An acknowledgement that while there may be risks or difficulties in pursuing non-conformist paths, there may be greater rewards or achievements that come from blazing your own trail.
Poster boy (ayy)
A reference to societal expectations of men to fit a certain image or mold, and how these expectations can be limiting and restrictive for individuals.
Poster girl (Rita)
A reference to societal expectations of women to fit a certain image or mold, and how these expectations can be limiting and restrictive for individuals.
Truth, the bills (the bills)
A reminder that living in a capitalistic society means that people often have to compromise their values or dreams in order to make a living and pay for basic necessities like bills.
Must be paid (yeah, yeah, alright)
An acknowledgement that even if people may not like certain aspects of their lives, they still have to keep going and find a way to make ends meet.
All you need to change your face
A criticism of plastic surgery and other procedures that aim to change one's physical appearance rather than addressing underlying issues or problems in one's life.
You're getting sold, you're such a waste
A recognition that there are societal pressures to consume or buy things in order to fit in or feel validated, but that these actions may not actually lead to true happiness or fulfillment.
Swimming in pools of momentary bliss
A metaphor for how some people may constantly seek temporary happiness or pleasure in order to escape from the challenges or difficulties of their lives.
Where you gotta bite the bounty 'cause everybody taking it
An acknowledgement that success or happiness in life may be scarce or difficult to come by, and that people may feel like they have to compete or fight for their share of it.
Meanwhile you keep on adding
A criticism of societal norms that prioritize constant growth or improvement, rather than contentment or being satisfied with what one already has.
How big you gonna grow?
A rhetorical question that challenges the idea that more is always better, and that people should consider what they truly value and want in life rather than chasing endless growth or achievement.
Perfect little pictures of moments that we missed
A critique of how society often presents a skewed or distorted image of success or happiness, and that people may miss out on meaningful experiences or emotions while chasing these idealized images.
Oh, Rita, oh, Rita
A repeated call to action for individuals like Rita to break free from societal expectations and conventional paths, and live more authentic and fulfilling lives.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Sentric Music, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Damon Albarn, Isaac Holman, Laurie Vincent, Mike Dean, Remi Kabaka, Tyron Frampton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@corzacorpse
1 year ago, I learnt many things
1. Poison isn’t an alcoholic beverage
2. I’m fucking special
3. Satsuma’s are really cool animals
4. Russel wears suspenders like a god
Amd most importantly
Don’t be greedy.
@SuperTrollNightmare
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Momentary bliss
We could do so much better than this
Mausoleum faces and momentary bliss
We could do so much better than this
Oh, Rita, oh, Rita
Lovely Rita, meter maid
Your potential, you lack credentials
And you are special, so fucking special (Rita)
Oh, how you need it, oh how you're needed
And you keep squeezing the tube from the middle (ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy)
You part the seas, but your arches, they ain't golden (ah)
And you was gagging for some gags and now you're rolling (woo)
Best you shut your trap and keep it hush (hush)
On another note, compliments make me blush
There's a hole in your pocket, so you cannot find the change
Cavern of your mind, you say you're patterned
You pull your strings and you jump, hold your mouth and you say (ah, ah, ah)
"What was scripted, the day before it happened?"
We all give applause when people open doors
But on the way out it did your back in
See, everything in life ain't silver and gold
But mining for metal gave you platinum
It makes me sick to think you ain't happy in your skin
It's wearing thin to think light bulb don't blink
Just flickers, so dim, then it pops and withers
You're a Turkey Twizzler, you deserve school dinners
Makes me sick
Poster boy (ayy)
Poster girl (Rita)
Truth, the bills (the bills)
Must be paid (yeah, yeah, alright)
Poster boy (yeah, alright)
Poster girl (ah, that's time)
In truth, the bills, they must be paid (uh-huh)
And what is left is sodden cake, typical
All you need to change your face
You're getting sold, you're such a waste
You know, we could do so much better than this
Swimming in pools of momentary bliss
Where you gotta bite the bounty 'cause everybody taking it
Meanwhile you keep on adding
How big you gonna grow?
It makes me sick to think you ain't happy in your skin
It's wearing thin to think light bulb don't blink
Just flickers, so dim, then it pops and withers
You're a Turkey Twizzler, you deserve school dinners
It makes me sick to think you ain't happy in your skin
It's wearing thin to think light bulb don't blink
Just flickers, so dim, then it pops and withers
You're a Turkey Twizzler, you deserve school dinners
Makes me sick
We could do so much better than this
Mausoleum faces and momentary bliss
We could do so much better than this
Oh, Rita, oh, Rita
We could do so much better than this
Perfect little pictures of moments that we missed
We could do so much better than this
Oh, Rita, oh, Rita
@andresbrownnie5279
Letra/Lyrics
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Momentary bliss
We could do so much better than this
Mausoleum faces and momentary bliss
We could do so much better than this
Oh, Rita, oh, Rita
Lovely Rita, meter maid
Your potential, you lack credentials
And you are special, so fucking special (Rita)
Oh, how you need it, oh how you're needed
And you keep squeezing the tube from the middle (ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy)
You part the seas, but your arches, they ain't golden (ah)
And you was gagging for some gags and now you're rolling (woo)
Best you shut your trap and keep it hush (hush)
On another note, compliments make me blush
There's a hole in your pocket, so you cannot find the change
Cavern of your mind, you say you're patterned
You pull your strings and you jump, hold your mouth and you say (ah, ah, ah)
"What was scripted, the day before it happened?"
We all give applause when people open doors
But on the way out it did your back in
See, everything in life ain't silver and gold
But mining for metal gave you platinum
It makes me sick to think you ain't happy in your skin
It's wearing thin to think light bulb don't blink
Just flickers, so dim, then it pops and withers
You're a Turkey Twizzler, you deserve school dinners
Makes me sick
Poster boy (ayy)
Poster girl (Rita)
Truth, the bills (the bills)
Must be paid (yeah, yeah, alright)
Poster boy (yeah, alright)
Poster girl (ah, that's time)
In truth, the bills, they must be paid (uh-huh)
And what is left is sodden cake, typical
All you need to change your face
You're getting sold, you're such a waste
You know, we could do so much better than this
Swimming in pools of momentary bliss
Where you gotta bite the bounty 'cause everybody taking it
Meanwhile you keep on adding
How big you gonna grow?
It makes me sick to think you ain't happy in your skin
It's wearing thin to think light bulb don't blink
Just flickers, so dim, then it pops and withers
You're a Turkey Twizzler, you deserve school dinners
It makes me sick to think you ain't happy in your skin
It's wearing thin to think light bulb don't blink
Just flickers, so dim, then it pops and withers
You're a Turkey Twizzler, you deserve school dinners
Makes me sick
We could do so much better than this
Mausoleum faces and momentary bliss
We could do so much better than this
Oh, Rita, oh, Rita
We could do so much better than this
Perfect little pictures of moments that we missed
We could do so much better than this
Oh, Rita, oh, Rita
@Sam-bu6mh
There has to be a limit to how green murdoc can get.
@wisccheese9257
Collard greens
@BigRedtheGinger
They'll put a limit to his greenness when they put a limit on how high 2D's pants can get
@sqiudy-catmedland1421
Maybe maybe not
@sqiudy-catmedland1421
@@BigRedtheGinger hmm interesting
@beanceline
now that you say it, he DID get greener...
@ZeroNeedsCoffee
the animation on this is so good wtf
@joaquinkurozaki2624
who r u
@AntiMental.Illness
Especially Noodle’s little dancey dance
@AntiMental.Illness
@@joaquinkurozaki2624Type shit