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.
Phenomenal
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And we're all fine as fuck
Say it to my face
Bitch, say it to my face
Say it
Caught up in your trance, they get so nervous
They just wanna taste what ya' servin'
What ya' servin', now what you servin', sexy girl?
She so rare, so rare, they wanna meet her
Soft and cunt, so cunt, they wanna be her
Take me in then, baby, take me deeper
Take me deeper, take me deeper
She's a mystic, sexy creature
Ooh, she goals, she goals and I'ma keep her
She's a God and I'm her believer
I believe her, I believe her, I believe her
She dance so impressive (so phenomenal)
She and all her best friends (so phenomenal)
Hips like that, a blessin' (so phenomenal)
I just had to check in (uh, so phenomenal)
(Dancin' in the dark) how you feel? Phenomenal
(A true work of art) she's ready, phenomenal
(And they all bow to you) how you feel? Phenomenal
(Ready for round two?) Bitch, I feel so phenomenal
Say it to my face, how you feel? Phenomenal
Say it to my face, how you feel?
Give me face if you wanna
Give me head if you wanna
Light smoke, marijuana
You could vogue down, poke it out if you wanna
Let it spill, let it all out (ta-ta)
You can feel what you wanna (ta-ta)
Let it build, let it warm up
You could vogue it out, poke it out if you wanna
Phenomenal puss, phenomenal kush (so phenomenal)
Beautiful gowns, phenomenal puss (so phenomenal)
Phenomenal face, phenomenal waist (okay)
Beautiful girls, phenomenal taste (okay)
(Dancin' in the dark) how you feel? Phenomenal
(A true work of art) she's ready, phenomenal
(And they all bow to you) how you feel? Phenomenal
(Ready for round two?) Bitch, I feel so phenomenal
Dance 'cause there ain't nobody else in this bitch like you
Dance 'cause there ain't nobody else in this bitch like you
Dance 'cause there ain't no-, dance 'cause there ain't no-
Dance 'cause there ain't nobody else in this bitch like you
(How you feelin', how you feel? Phenomenal, uh)
(Phenomenal)
(Can I get that and watch and watch and watch?)
Say it to my face
(How you feelin', how you feel? Phenomenal, uh)
(Phenomenal)
(Can I get that and watch and watch and watch?)
(Oh, phenomenal)
I'm lookin' at a thousand versions of myself
And we're all fine as fuck
Say it to my face
Bitch, say it to my face
Say it
In these lyrics to Janelle Monáe's song "Phenomenal," there is an empowering and confident tone throughout as she celebrates individuality, sensuality, and self-assurance. The singer expresses a sense of self-love and self-empowerment right from the beginning by stating "I'm lookin' at a thousand versions of myself, and we're all fine as fuck." This line conveys a strong message of self-acceptance and self-confidence, indicating that the singer sees beauty and strength in all aspects of herself.
As the lyrics progress, Janelle Monáe challenges anyone who may doubt her or try to bring her down by repeatedly saying "Say it to my face." This assertive declaration speaks to her readiness to confront any negativity or criticism directly, showing her resilience and belief in herself. The repeated use of the phrase adds a bold and confident edge to the song, reinforcing the message of self-assurance and standing up for oneself.
The lyrics also touch on themes of sexuality and desire, with references to sensuality and attraction. Janelle Monáe portrays herself as a magnetic and alluring figure, with lines like "Won't you taste what ya servin'" and "Take me in then, baby, take me deeper." These lyrics suggest a seductive and confident persona, embracing her sexuality and owning her desires without apology.
Additionally, the chorus of the song emphasizes the singer's confidence and self-assuredness, as she describes herself and her friends as "so phenomenal." The repeated use of this word highlights a sense of pride and self-celebration, with Janelle Monáe encouraging others to recognize and appreciate their own greatness. Overall, "Phenomenal" is a song that exudes empowerment, self-love, and unapologetic confidence, with Janelle Monáe asserting her worth and celebrating her individuality in a bold and unapologetic manner.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm lookin' at a thousand versions of myself
Reflecting on different aspects of my identity
And we're all fine as fuck
Confident in the diverse expressions of myself
Caught up in your trance, they get so nervous
Others captivated by my presence, feeling intimidated
They just wanna taste what ya' servin'
Curious about experiencing your essence
Can I get a taste? Pussy purrin'
Desiring a sensual connection, feeling excited
She's a mystic, sexy creature
A mysterious and captivating woman
She and all her best friends (so phenomenal)
Celebrating the beauty and power of female friendship
Hips like that, a blessin' (so phenomenal)
Appreciating the unique physical attributes of a woman
Can I get that and watch and watch and watch?
Yearning for attention and admiration
Dance 'cause there ain't nobody else in this bitch like you
Embrace your individuality and shine bright
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Janelle Monae, Jarrett Goodly, Jaylah Ji'miya Hickmon, Nana Kwabena Tuffuor, Nathaniel Irvin II, Roman GianArthur
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@janellemonae
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@brijeter9534
I’m so ready for the show in Atlanta! 🥰😘
@austingibbs8509
The transition between Black Sugar Beach and this song…WOW
@lumajon
just amazing! and she keeps that same harmony throughout the next songs! i love her 😭😭😭
@waterdog737
Phenomenal Album, One of Janelle's best albums so far
@TheArtsyArchetype
These two together 🥹❤️ a dream
@DADDYCHAD875
Her artistry is on another level. THE most supreme being in the music industry that we're blessed to have today! Not many people have the talent or the creativity to be this artistic!!!
@Ani55674
Best song on the album! The beat is so artistic and complex I love it !
@waterdog737
This compliment Doechii's persuasive so well
@h3lloh3llo
I'm looking at a thousand versions of myself and we're all fine as f*ck... b*tch say it to my face." whew AFFIRMATION.