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.
Givin Em What They Love
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Eyes made of lasers
Bolder than the truth
They want me locked up in the system
'Cuz I'm on a mission
Blame it on my youth
Too long I've been out here on my own
Now I'm bout to bring it home
I ain't never been afraid to die
Look a man in the eye
I come to give you what you love
It's time to give you what you love
I'mma give you what you love
Givin' you what you love
I am sharper than a switchblade
First and last of what God made and that's the truth
But man, keep on tryna' hold me back
While another chicken head come home to roost
Too strong, tryna do me wrong
And the last one standing will order to my dance
Ohhodance!
Run tell your preacher and your teacher
I come to give you what you love
It's time to give you what you love
I'mma give you what you love
Givin' you what you love
I say to take your time!
Take what you love
Baby, just enough
But never too much
I say to take your time!
Take what you love
Baby, just enough
But never too much
Take your time!
Would you give me what you love!
Two dimes walked up in the building
Tall and concealing, wearing fancy things
Chopped up with a knife, hammered like a screw
When they walked in the room we didn't know what to do
One looked at me and I looked back
She said, "Can you tell me where the party's at?"
She followed me back to the lobby
Yeah, she was looking at me for some undercover love
The song "Givin Em What They Love" by Janelle Monáe featuring Prince is a powerful declaration of confidence and liberation. The opening lines, "I am sharper than a razor, eyes made of lasers, bolder than the truth," immediately set the tone for the rest of the song, as Monáe asserts her strength and fearlessness in the face of society's attempts to hold her back. She expresses disdain for systems of oppression ("They want me locked up in the system") and the judgment of those who don't understand her mission ("Blame it on my youth"). But she refuses to be defeated, declaring that she's finally "bout to bring it home" and "give you what you love."
Throughout the song, Monáe uses various metaphors to assert her power and strength. She compares herself to a rolling stone and a switchblade, both objects that are sharp and unstoppable. She encourages listeners to embrace what they love, but to also be mindful not to indulge in excess ("Take what you love, baby, just enough, but never too much"). The song ends with a playful reference to a flirtation with another woman, reinforcing Monáe's confidence in her sexuality and her willingness to be open and adventurous.
Overall, "Givin Em What They Love" is a bold and unapologetic anthem of self-love and empowerment. It's a call to others to embrace their own strength and to stand up against oppression and injustice.
Line by Line Meaning
I am sharper than a razor
I am extremely quick-witted and intelligent
Eyes made of lasers
My gaze is intense and focused, like a laser beam
Bolder than the truth
I am not afraid to speak the truth, even if it may be controversial or unpopular
They want me locked up in the system
The establishment is threatened by my message and wants to silence me
'Cuz I'm on a mission
I have a specific purpose and goal I am working towards
Blame it on my youth
My passion and rebellious spirit comes from my youth and life experiences
Too long I've been out here on my own
I have been fighting this battle alone for too long
Now I'm bout to bring it home
I am coming close to achieving my goal
Like a rolling stone
I am constantly moving forward and making progress
I ain't never been afraid to die
I am willing to risk everything for my cause
Look a man in the eye
I am not afraid to confront anyone or anything that stands in my way
I come to give you what you love
I am here to give you what you truly desire and need
It's time to give you what you love
It is long overdue to give you what you deserve
I'mma give you what you love
I am going to deliver what you need
Givin' you what you love
I am giving you everything you have been longing for
I say to take your time!
I advise you to slow down and enjoy the moment
Take what you love
Take what truly matters to you
Baby, just enough
Take what is essential and not excessive
But never too much
Avoid taking more than what is necessary or could harm you
Would you give me what you love!
Will you reciprocate my love and support?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Janelle Monae Robinson, Nathaniel Irvin III, Terrence Brown, Charles Joseph
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind