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.
Peachtree Blues
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not a star in the sky.
Lost without my baby
And I just don't know why.
A lonely night on Peachtree
Clubs are closed (It's only three)
Dreary weather on my mind
Visions of you in havana
'round my head like dragonfly.
[sigh] It makes my heart sigh.
Since my baby left me
All I can do is cry.
Lonely night on Peachtree.
Clubs are closed; it's only three.
Dreary weather on my mind
I think it's raining all the time.
Looking for a love in a weary rain
My heart's broken
And-I-can't-stand'
Can't stand loving you
Lonely night on Peachtree.
Clubs are closed; it's only three.
Feels like I'm paying love dues.
I've got the Peachtree blues.
I've got the Peachtree blues.
In Janelle Monáe's song Peachtree Blues, the lyrics convey the feelings of heartbreak and loneliness. The singer in the song is lost without their lover and is struggling to make sense of their absence. The opening lines of "Good morning twilight. Not a star in the sky" set the mood of the song as desolate and hopeless. The singer is yearning for their lover and is "Looking for a love in a weary rain", but their heart is broken, and they can't stand the pain of loving someone who has left them.
The song is set in Peachtree, a district in Atlanta, Georgia. Peachtree Street is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, and its club scene is legendary. However, instead of the fun and excitement that is usually associated with Peachtree, the song portrays a very different image. The clubs are closed, and the weather is dreary, which emphasizes the gloom and despair that the singer is feeling. The line "Feels like I'm paying love dues" suggests that the singer is struggling with the aftermath of a failed relationship and feels like they are being punished for loving someone.
Overall, the lyrics of Peachtree Blues are a poignant portrayal of heartbreak, lost love, and disorientation. The use of Peachtree, which conjures up images of joy and celebration, subverts expectations by presenting the area as a place of sorrow and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
Good morning twilight.
Beginning another day without my lover.
Not a star in the sky.
Feeling lost and without guidance.
Lost without my baby
Missing my partner and feeling aimless.
And I just don't know why.
Unable to understand why my lover has left me.
A lonely night on Peachtree
Feeling isolated and alone on Peachtree street.
Clubs are closed (It's only three)
Feeling frustrated that there's nothing to do.
Dreary weather on my mind
Feeling down, and the weather reflects my mood.
I think it's raining all the time.
Feeling like it's always raining, both outside and inside.
Visions of you in Havana
Thinking of my partner often, even to the point of imagining them in another place.
'Round my head like dragonfly.
The thoughts of my lover fly around my head and can't be caught.
[sigh] It makes my heart sigh.
Feeling a sense of longing and sadness deep within my heart.
Since my baby left me
My lover has left me, creating a deep sense of loss.
All I can do is cry.
Grief and sadness is overwhelming and tears are inevitable.
Looking for a love in a weary rain
Seeking a new relationship even though my heart is still in pain over the loss of my lover.
My heart's broken
I am deeply hurt because of the separation from my lover.
And-I-can't-stand'
I am finding it unbearable to cope with the pain.
Can't stand loving you
Despite my pain, my heart is still holding onto the love for my lost partner.
Feels like I'm paying love dues.
The cost of loving and losing somebody has brought a heavy burden on me.
I've got the Peachtree blues.
Feeling down and depressed while being on Peachtree street.
I've got the Peachtree blues.
Continuing to struggle and feeling melancholy.
Contributed by Caroline O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.