They moved to New York to study theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Their original plan was to pursue a career on Broadway, but they soon changed their mind and returned to music. After moving to Atlanta, Georgia in 2003, Monáe founded the Wondaland Arts Society with like-minded young artists, and made a couple of appearances on OutKast's 2006 album Idlewild, where they are featured on the songs "Call the Law" and "In Your Dreams".
By 2007, Monáe was ready to release her first solo work, titled Metropolis. It was originally conceived as a concept album in four parts, or suites, which were to be released through her website and mp3 download sites. After the release of the first part of the series, Metropolis Suite I of IV: The Chase in mid-2007, these plans were altered following them signing with Sean "Diddy" Combs' label, Bad Boy Records, later in the year. The label gave an official and physical release to the first suite in August 2008, which was retitled Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition) and included two new tracks. The EP was generally well-received by critics, gaining Monáe a 2009 Grammy nomination in the Best Urban/Alternative Performance for their single "Many Moons", festival appearances, and opening slots for the indie pop band Of Montreal. Monáe also toured as the opening act for band No Doubt on their summer 2009 tour.
In a November 2009 interview, Monáe revealed the title and concept behind her album The ArchAndroid. The second and third suites of Metropolis are combined into this full-length release, in which Monáe's alter-ego, Cindi Mayweather - also the protagonist of Metropolis: The Chase Suite - becomes a messiah-like figure to the android community of Metropolis.
Dirty Computer
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you look closer you'll recognize
I'm not that special
I'm broke inside
Crashing slowly, the bugs are in me
Dirty computer, breaking down
Picking my face up off the ground
'Cause baby all I'll ever be
Is your dirty computer
Dirty computer
Searching for someone to fix my drive
Text message, God up in the sky
Oh, if you love me, won't you please reply?
Oh, can't you see that it's only me, your dirty computer?
Dirty computer
Your dirty computer
Dirty computer
I'll love you in this space and time
I'll love you in this space and time
Janelle Monáe's "Dirty Computer" portrays the struggles of a person who feels like a machine or a dirty computer. The lyrics express a constant battle within oneself due to the society's expectations and the desire to find someone who understands their situation. The first verse speaks of the singer's awareness of their ordinariness while acknowledging their inner dysfunctions. The bugs referenced in the lyrics are symptomatic of the singer's brokenness, unable to complete tasks and struggling to maintain their functions. The second verse talks of how the character's failures have left them shattered and disintegrating, as they pick themselves up, forlorn and alone.
The chorus talks about the singer's search for someone to repair them, whether it is a mechanic, a higher power, or a loved one. They hope for divine intervention and recognition that they are the only ones who understand their struggles. The singer identifies themselves with a dirty computer and encourages the listener to see them as they are, nothing special but flawed like everyone else. Overall, the song is an appeal to recognize that despite being dirty computers, they still deserve love and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Dirty computer, walk in line
Janelle Monáe is referring to herself and other people who are treated like computers; they have to follow strict rules and processes.
If you look closer you'll recognize
Janelle Monáe is saying that if people take a closer look at her, they'll realize she's different from others and has her own emotions, thoughts, and struggles.
I'm not that special
Janelle Monáe doubts her uniqueness and worth, considering how others treat her like a machine or a number.
I'm broke inside
Janelle Monáe is emotionally damaged, drained, and hurt due to the dehumanizing and oppressive nature of society and technology.
Crashing slowly, the bugs are in me
Janelle Monáe is experiencing emotional and psychological issues, possibly related to depression, anxiety, or trauma, that make her feel like a malfunctioning computer, with errors and glitches that require fixing.
Dirty computer, breaking down
Janelle Monáe is reaching her breaking point, with her inner pain and struggles becoming too much to handle without help or support.
Picking my face up off the ground
Janelle Monáe is trying to recover and keep going despite being knocked down by the oppressive forces and struggles she faces daily.
I'll love you in this space in time
Janelle Monáe wants to find love and connection with someone who understands and accepts her for who she is, right here and now.
'Cause baby all I'll ever be
Janelle Monáe is admitting that she's just a human being, with flaws and imperfections, and is not a machine or a product that can be easily fixed or replaced.
Is your dirty computer
Janelle Monáe is embracing her identity and reclaiming the term 'dirty' as a badge of honor, signifying her humanity and individuality, despite society's attempts to dehumanize her.
Searching for someone to fix my drive
Janelle Monáe is seeking someone who can help her heal her emotional and psychological wounds and regain her sense of purpose and direction.
Text message, God up in the sky
Janelle Monáe is reaching out to someone or something that she hopes can offer her guidance, wisdom, or solace in her time of need.
Oh, if you love me, won't you please reply?
Janelle Monáe is expressing her vulnerability and longing for connection, asking for someone to show her love and support when she needs it the most.
Oh, can't you see that it's only me, your dirty computer?
Janelle Monáe is reminding people that she's not a machine or a program but a human being, with feelings, desires, and struggles that make her just as valuable and deserving as anyone else.
I'll love you in this space and time
Janelle Monáe is repeating the chorus to emphasize how much she wants and needs love and connection, regardless of who she is or what she's been through.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Janelle Monae
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mama Diddle
Since I went to the effort of figuring out each memory # and scene start time for an essay, here they are:
Intro 0:00
Nevermind (#1) 1:05
Memory 203206 (Crazy Classic Life) 4:08
Maintenance Prelude 10:29
Interlude (Take a Byte) 12:20
Nevermind (#2) 13:55
Memory 509268 (Screwed) 14:52
Nevermind (#3) 18:35
Memory 070270 (Django Jane) 18:39
Narration and Nevermind (#4) 21:49
Memory 08201990 (Pynk) 23:29
Nevermind (#5) 28:54
Memory 7779311 (Make Me Feel) 28:57
Nevermind (#6) 32:40
Memory 12011945 (I Like That) 34:10
Nevermind (#7) 37:43
'Beach Stuff' Memory (Don't Judge Me: Instrumental) 39:11
Final Nevermind (#8) 40:25
Jane the Torch 42:41
Credits 43:39
Post-Credits Scene (Americans) 44:22
Full Credits 46:01
Some of the numbers were hard to make out, but I tried my best. This is a work of art, love it dearly.
Wesley Francescon
If you're in a hurry:
4:13 I Got The Juice
5:04 Crazy, Classic, Life
12:20 Take A Byte
15:24 Screwed
18:38 Django Jane
23:50 Pynk
29:13 Make Me Feel
34:09 I Like That
39:10 Don't Judge Me (instrumental)
44:31 Americans
Curlywhirl
I can't believe this is free on YouTube, she really is blessing us
Isaiah
Armymy RIGHT
Merdenoms
IKR. I caught it last night on BETHR.
Theo Weekes
Spoke to my soul 🖤
Mouha Mehawel
Amanda Lozano
I already watched it online on a streaming site but I just found out it was here on youtube for everybody to enjoy ! Damn that's a good move from Janelle and her team !
Now let's share it and flood the internet with this gem !
Ms. Sade
Exactly. I love all of the scifi short stories she blends into an entire story. She is amazing!
madi blossom
the symbolism in PYNK is so GOOD, i can never get over how beautiful it is. and the imagery represents ALL women, not just cis women 💘and ugh her monologue at 27:13 hits me right in my wlw heart and breaks it all to pieces i love it 🥺
hedzi
we were assigned to watch this for class and wow. i'm amazed by the videography, editing, and creativity that went into this. so amazing.
dghterjudy
Wow that's awesome what class was it?
NOT ANOTHER TALKING STAGE
Dope professor