Many Moons
Janelle Monáe Lyrics

We're dancing free but we're stuck here underground
Despite expressing our freedom through dance, we are still trapped and confined to this underground space.

And everybody trying to figure they way out
Everyone is searching for a way to escape this enclosed space.

Hey hey hey, all we ever wanted to say
We have a message to share with the world.

Was chased, erased and then thrown away
Our message was suppressed and dismissed.

And day to day we live in a daze
We are stuck in a monotonous routine, feeling disconnected from reality.

We march all around til' the sun goes down night children
We keep moving and fighting even when it gets dark and difficult, like children trying to stay up late.

Broken dreams, no sunshine, endless crimes, we long for freedom (for freedom)
We have experienced loss, darkness, and injustice, and we desire true freedom above all else.

You're free but in your mind, your freedom's in a bind
Even when we have physical freedom, our thoughts and emotions are still constrained and limited.

Oh make it rain, ain't a thing in the sky to fall
We are calling for a cleanse or a release, but there is nothing to come from the sky.

(The silver bullet's in your hand and the war's heating up)
We have the power to change things, but the conflict and tension are also increasing.

And when the truth goes bang the shouts splatter out
When the truth is revealed, there is a loud and chaotic reaction.

(Revolutionize your lives and find a way out)
We encourage people to shake things up and seek a path to liberation.

And when you're growing down instead of growing up
If you are regressing or losing progress, you need to act and move like a panther to get back on track.

(You gotta ooo ah ah like a panther)
You need to channel your inner strength and agility to overcome obstacles.

Tell me are you bold enough to reach for love?
We question whether people are courageous and determined enough to pursue love and connection amidst adversity.

(Na na na)
This is a repetitive, playful sound meant to lighten the mood or convey a sense of persistence.

He lived in sector ten
This is a reference to a specific character or scenario.

He had a friend named Benjamin
Another character is briefly introduced.

Sail away, sail away Susan
This phrase may be a command or a wish for escape and adventure.

So strong for so long
We have been resilient and determined for a significant period of time.

All I wanna do is sing my simple song
We have a simple but powerful message and we want to share it through music.

Square or round, rich or poor
No matter what shape or status we are given, we all have the same basic desires and needs.

At the end of day and night all we want is more
We are always searching for something more, whether it is tangible resources or abstract concepts like love and freedom.

I keep my feet on solid ground and use my wings when storms come around
We remain grounded and practical in life, but we are also prepared to soar when necessary.

For freedom
This is a reminder that all of our efforts and struggles are ultimately for the sake of liberation and equality.

Civil rights, civil war
This phrase contrasts movements for freedom and justice with times of violent conflict and division.

Hood rat, crack whore
These terms are used to describe marginalized and stigmatized groups.

Carefree, nightclub
This line highlights the contrast between carefree leisure and gritty realities.

Closet drunk, bathtub
This line suggests someone hiding their addiction or pain in private spaces.

Outcast, weirdo
These terms are used to label and ostracize people who don't fit the norm.

Stepchild, freak show
These phrases reinforce the idea of being excluded and treated like an outsider.

Black girl, bad hair
This phrase refers to an experience of being judged and discriminated against for physical traits.

Broad nose, cold stare
This phrase also relates to physical characteristics and harsh judgments or criticisms.

Tap shoes, Broadway
This phrase contrasts an art form associated with black culture with a mainstream, commercial version.

Tuxedo, holiday
This phrase represents a luxurious or celebratory moment, but may also be used ironically.

Creative black, Love song
This phrase celebrates artistic expression and black love.

Stupid words, erased song
This phrase refers to language or art that is dismissed or erased by mainstream culture.

Gun shots, orange house
This phrase suggests violence and danger in a specific setting.

Dead man walking with a dirty mouth
This phrase describes someone who is doomed and unclean, often due to unjust circumstances.

Spoiled milk, stale bread
This phrase symbolizes a sense of disgust and waste in one's surroundings.

Welfare, bubonic plague
These terms connote poverty and illness.

Record deal, light bulb
These phrases represent moments of breakthrough or invention, but may also reflect corrupted systems.

Keep back kid now corporate thug
This phrase suggests a loss of innocence and transformation into a capitalist machine.

Breast cancer, common cold
These phrases represent different levels of illness and severity.

HIV, lost hope
This phrase connects illness with mental or emotional struggle and despair.

Overweight, self esteem
These words relate to body image and confidence.

Misfit, broken dream
These phrases refer to being an outsider or feeling like one's hopes have been shattered.

Fish tank, small bowl
These phrases represent confinement and restriction.

Closed mind, dark hold
These phrases reflect narrow thinking and negative emotions.

Cybergirl, droid control
These terms evoke the idea of futuristic oppression and artificial intelligence.

Get away now they trying to steal your soul
This phrase suggests that oppressive forces will try to strip people of their spirit or identity.

Microphone, one stage
These items represent a platform for artistic expression and speech.

Tomboy, outrage
These words reflect a defiance of traditional gender roles and societal expectations.

Street fight, bloody war
These phrases suggest resistance and aggression against unjust systems.

Instigators, third floor
This phrase paints a picture of someone stirring up trouble and chaos, potentially from a place of power or privilege.

Promiscuous child, broken heart
This phrase describes a young person who is seeking love and connection but is left hurt and disillusioned.

STD, quarantine
This phrase connects physical intimacy with uncomfortable and isolating consequences.

Heroin user, coke head
These phrases describe people who are struggling with addiction and dependency.

Final chapter, death bed
These phrases represent the end of a life and the associated emotions and circumstances.

Plastic sweat, metal skin
This phrase evokes the imagery of a machine or a manufactured product, rather than a human being.

Metallic tears, mannequin
These phrases continue the theme of artificiality and detachment from emotions.

White house, Jim Crow
These phrases represent power and oppression, and the history of racism in the United States.

Dirty lies, my regards
This phrase suggests a disrespectful and dishonest attitude towards others.

When the world just treats you wrong
This phrase acknowledges the difficulties and injustices people face in life.

Just come with me and I'll take you home
We offer a sense of comfort and refuge for those who are suffering.

No need to pack a bag
We offer a sense of ease and simplicity in this journey.

Who put your life in the danger zone?
We question who is responsible for putting someone in a situation of risk.

You running dropping like a rolling stone
This phrase suggests an uncontrolled and desperate attempt to escape danger.

No time to pack a bag
This phrase reinforces the urgency and necessity of leaving quickly and without much preparation.

You just can't stop your hurt from hanging on
This phrase acknowledges the difficulty of letting go of emotional pain and trauma.

The old man dies and then a baby's born
This phrase represents the cycle of life and death, suggesting that new beginnings can emerge from endings.

Chan, chan, chan, change your life
This phrase encourages people to embrace change and transformation.

Shan, shan shan shan-gri la
This phrase may represent an ideal or utopian place, a mystical concept, or simply a nonsense word to end the song.