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.
I Won't Let Go
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No time to spare
To live forever young
Oh how we dared
For having something so rare, so rare
But we cant stay hidden, no, no
It's so unfair
Come away with me
cnd we'll live together happily
Come away with me
cnd we'll be forever free
cnd I won't let
I won't let
I won't let go
I won't let
I won't let
Said I won't let go
No I won't let go
Of the memories
We made in this land
Maybe we can find refuge amongst the stars
Somewhere they'll understand
Come away with me
cnd we'll live together happily and
Come away with me
cnd we'll be forever free and...
Oh the many moons have passed
Fearful nights they won't last
Follow me into the unknown
cnd all these restraints we'll outgrow
So
Come away with me
cnd we'll live together happily
Yes we will
Come away with me
cnd we'll be forever free
So come away with me and
I won't let
Said I won't let go
No I won't let
Said I won't let go
So come away with me and
The lyrics to Janelle Monáe's song "I Won't Let Go" convey a story of forbidden love and the unwavering determination to hold onto it. The opening lines, "Stolen moments, No time to spare" imply that the lovers are under pressure and constraints, giving them limited opportunities to be together. Yet they are determined to enjoy an eternal youthfulness and take risks despite the disapproval they face.
The phrase "And how they forbid us, For having something so rare, so rare" suggests that society or external forces disapprove of their relationship due to its uniqueness or rarity. However, the couple cannot continue to hide their love, feeling that it is unjust to do so.
In the chorus, the lyrics express the singer's refusal to let go of their memories and the love shared. It's a declaration of commitment and a promise not to give up on their connection, despite any challenges they may face. The desire to escape and find refuge among the stars reflects a longing for a place where they will be understood and accepted.
The song's bridge emphasizes the passage of time and the hope that their fears and restrictions will eventually fade away. The final plea to "come away" with the singer further illustrates their longing for a life together and a quest for freedom.
Overall, "I Won't Let Go" tells the story of a love that defies societal norms and expectations, and the determination of the singers to hold onto that love no matter what. It explores themes of forbidden love, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
Stolen moments
Short, fleeting instances of time
No time to spare
No extra time available
To live forever young
To maintain a youthful spirit forever
Oh how we dared
Expressing the audacity of their actions
And how they forbid us
Others preventing them from pursuing their desires
For having something so rare, so rare
Being criticized for possessing something uncommon or extraordinary
But we can't stay hidden, no, no
They cannot remain concealed or unnoticed
It's so unfair
Expressing the injustice of the situation
Come away with me
Escape with me to a different place or situation
And we'll live together happily
A promise of a joyous life together
And we'll be forever free
A commitment to eternal freedom
And I won't let
I will not allow
Said I won't let
Repeated affirmation of not allowing
I won't let go
Refusing to release or abandon something
Of the memories
Recollections of past experiences
We made in this land
The memories created in this particular place
Maybe we can find refuge amongst the stars
Perhaps they can discover solace or protection in the celestial realm
Somewhere they'll understand
A place where others will comprehend and accept them
Oh the many moons have passed
A significant amount of time has gone by
Fearful nights they won't last
An assurance that anxious nights will eventually come to an end
Follow me into the unknown
Join me on a journey into uncharted territory
And all these restraints we'll outgrow
They will overcome and surpass the limitations placed upon them
So come away with me
An invitation to escape together
And I won't let
I will not allow
Said I won't let go
Reiterated determination to not release or abandon something
No I won't let
Affirming refusal to let go
Said I won't let go
Repeated confirmation of not letting go
So come away with me and
Join me in this escape
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nyah7
Still love this song, heard years ago!! Thank for posting it!!
TM Thoms
This song doesn't need lyrics to bring emotion out of me.
Kory Pernell
still listening in 2022. this piece is timeless.
Ken Cosey
As close to perfect as music can get.
Shawn Richards
So powerful, even without having said a word!
#Music
George Aiken
Shawn Richards Nothing Else Matters Israel Houghton
Michael Peterson
This is what falling in love sounds like
méguy firoly
C'est apaisant cette musique 🎶 🎵🎤👏👍😲😱
yzma
such a beautiful song
Alpha Sweetheart
I remember writing to this . I also remember being in love loosing a love and gaining life .