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.
Dorothy Dandridge Eyes
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As she sits alone and drinks her wine
Every man just wants to pass her by
And hopes that he can catch her eye
That glow, it's in her eye
Give you visions in your mind
She's from another space and time
And her intoxicating will not be denied
Oh, and when you touch her glow
She then becomes your drug
You fell so deep in love with that girl
It's too late, you're hypnotized
She's got Dorothy Dandridge Eyes
And you love her, you love her, you love her, you love that girl
It's too late, you're hypnotized
She's got Dorothy Dandridge Eyes
And you love her, you love that girl
Like a rare Picasso or Monet
That kind of view you studied everything
Every woman wants her grace and style
But no one who can replicate her smile
That glow, it's in her eye
Give you visions in your mind
Just from another space and time
That's when you know you're hypnotized
And her intoxicating will not be denied
Oh, and when you touch her glow
She then becomes your drug
You fell so deep in love with that girl
It's too late, you're hypnotized
She's got Dorothy Dandridge Eyes
And you love her, you love her, you love her, you love that girl
It's too late, you're hypnotized
She's got Dorothy Dandridge Eyes
And you love her, you love that girl
All eyes on you
In your bed, in your
All the men you love in the world
All I know that the
It's too late, you're hypnotized
She's got Dorothy Dandridge Eyes
And you love her, you love that girl
In your eyes, we see the tiny white snowcaps of mountains
The purple glow of distant stars, the blue shine of black marrow
Red rose petals falling slowly in the sunny air
Orange clouds, pink moons, and the tongue of the sun
Who knew heaven could keep us just like this
In "Dorothy Dandridge Eyes," Monáe and Spalding combine their powers to pay homage to Dorothy Dandridge, the first African-American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for best actress. In the song, they describe a woman who has an undeniable beauty and presence, capturing the attention of everyone who sees her. The woman is not just beautiful on the surface but has a certain glow - a radiance that comes from within, making her more captivating. Although many are drawn to her, she seems to keep a distance from others, and anyone who tries to get close to her becomes hypnotized by her. When someone finally does get close enough to touch her, they become addicted to her.
The lyrics show how the woman's beauty is timeless and unique, not something that can be replicated by others. The song likens her to rare works of art like those of Picasso and Monet, and it's almost as if the woman is a work of art in herself. Not only is she stunning, but it also seems that she's from another place and time, making her even more intriguing.
The last verse is more poetic and describes the beauty of the world as seen through the woman's eyes. It depicts the colors and shapes of nature, creating a beautiful image of the world.
Overall, "Dorothy Dandridge Eyes" is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman, and it's an excellent example of Monáe and Spalding's musical prowess.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking out the corner of her eye
Observing her surroundings with awareness
As she sits alone and drinks her wine
Enjoying her solitude and savoring her drink
Every man just wants to pass her by
Many men notice her but don't engage her
And hopes that he can catch her eye
Men secretly desire her attention
That glow, it's in her eye
There is a dazzling light in her eyes
Give you visions in your mind
Her gaze inspires vivid imagination
She's from another space and time
She is otherworldly and timeless
That's when you know you're hypnotized
Feeling mesmerized by her presence
And her intoxicating will not be denied
Her allure is irresistible
Oh, and when you touch her glow
Her light is palpable when you touch her
She then becomes your drug
Being with her is addictive
You fell so deep in love with that girl
You are in love with her, completely consumed
Like a rare Picasso or Monet
She is a one-of-a-kind, masterful work of art
That kind of view you studied everything
You can't help but study every aspect of her
Every woman wants her grace and style
Other women aspire to her elegance and flair
But no one who can replicate her smile
No one else can capture the beauty of her smile
All eyes on you
Everyone's focus is on you
In your bed, in your
While you're in bed
All the men you love in the world
All the men you care deeply for
All I know that the
All I know is that
In your eyes, we see the tiny white snowcaps of mountains
The beauty in your eyes reminds us of nature's wonders
The purple glow of distant stars, the blue shine of black marrow
Your gaze symbolizes the vastness of the universe and the depth of emotions
Red rose petals falling slowly in the sunny air
Your eyes convey the romantic imagery of falling rose petals
Orange clouds, pink moons, and the tongue of the sun
Your eyes are a poetic fusion of natural elements
Who knew heaven could keep us just like this
Enjoying this moment with you is like being in heaven
It's too late, you're hypnotized
You are spellbound, unable to resist her
She's got Dorothy Dandridge Eyes
Her eyes possess the same striking allure as the legendary actress
And you love her, you love her, you love her, you love that girl
You are deeply in love with her
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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