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.
Oooh La La
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Viens avec moi, tous les deux
C'est ton ami?
C'est ton ami?
Vous êtes tous les deux trop beaux, trop beaux, trop beaux
Vous avez un visage comme une femme, que, zut alors, oui
In the lyrics of "Oooh La La" by Janelle Monáe, the singer initially questions the actions of two individuals, asking "Ah oui, qu'est-ce que tu fais, tous les deux, là?" which translates to "Oh yes, what are you doing, both of you, there?" This suggests a sense of curiosity and intrigue towards the intimacy or connection between the two individuals being observed. The singer then invites them to join her, saying "Viens avec moi, tous les deux," meaning "Come with me, both of you," indicating a desire for shared experiences or exploration.
The lyrics continue with questioning the nature of the relationship between the two individuals, asking "C'est ton ami?" meaning "Is this your friend?" This inquiry into their friendship dynamic may hint at the complexities of human relationships, hinting at the possibility of something more than just friendship between them. The repetition of the question "C'est ton ami?" adds emphasis and curiosity to the singer's observation of the pair, highlighting their intrigue and interest in their connection.
The singer then acknowledges the physical beauty of the two individuals, proclaiming "Vous êtes tous les deux trop beaux, trop beaux, trop beaux," which translates to "You are both too beautiful, too beautiful, too beautiful." This admiration of their beauty reflects a sense of appreciation and aesthetic pleasure in their appearance, possibly suggesting a deeper attraction or fascination beyond just their external features. The repetition of "trop beaux" further emphasizes the singer's admiration for the physical attractiveness of the individuals being observed.
Finally, the singer remarks on their facial features, comparing them to that of a woman, as she exclaims "Vous avez un visage comme une femme, que, zut alors, oui," meaning "You have a face like a woman, damn it, yes." This comparison may suggest fluidity in gender expression or challenge traditional notions of beauty and gender roles. The use of the colloquial expression "zut alors" adds a playful and expressive tone to the observation, showcasing the singer's appreciation for uniqueness and individuality in the individuals' appearances. Overall, these lyrics in "Oooh La La" convey themes of curiosity, attraction, and appreciation for beauty and individuality in human connections.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah oui, qu'est-ce que tu fais, tous les deux, là?
Well, what are you two doing there?
Viens avec moi, tous les deux
Come with me, both of you
C'est ton ami?
Is this your friend?
C'est ton ami?
Is this your friend?
Vous êtes tous les deux trop beaux, trop beaux, trop beaux
You both are too beautiful, too beautiful, too beautiful
Vous avez un visage comme une femme, que, zut alors, oui
You have a face like a woman, oh my goodness, yes
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Grace Jones, Janelle Monae, Jarrett Goodly, Nana Kwabena Tuffuor, Nathaniel Irvin II
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@janellemonae
'The Age of Pleasure' Tour Tickets NOW ON SALE! ❤🔥
BUY HERE: https://JanelleMonae.lnk.to/TAOPTourID
@erin6735
You and Grace Jones are both strikingly beautiful strong women! Blessings to you on your new album. See ya in Toronto.
@rubypanterra.
🇨🇦
@cecilliachi
This whole album is dripping affirmations and adoration of self. Ugh I could cry of joy. I am feeling myself!! This and The Renaissance album are gassing me UUUP!! 🔥🔥
@AndrewMcColl
Didn't spot the 'feat. Grace Jones' till I'd clicked on the video. Hot damn, what a collab. Two fantastic artists being fantastic together. Would be great to see you appear in something on screen together, as well. I know there's a strike on, but c'mon Hollywood.
@ritatatam3068
Oh hell I’m so fan of Grace Jones (we just adore her in France) so with Janelle it’s just instantly eargasmic 🤩😍🥳
@chiaradamore-klaiman8692
Just when I thought this album couldn't get any better, you go on and drop a Grace Jones vocal!!! Gah!
@ArnonClark
Thank you both for this. It’s such a rich piece. I remember the first time I heard the fabulous Grace Jones singing Le Vie en Rose, and when I first started going out to the clubs. So many memories in so little time.
@al1040
Janelle, you are a brilliant artist who has striking humility paying homage to Grace Jones. Just when I thought you could not be anymore of a gracious person, you include the legends who helped pave the way. I wish I could see you in Philadelphia, but I had to leave the City. With you in spirit. Keep floating! -Al
@queenv4340
I wish this could be longer, i love it