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.
Suite IV Electric Overture
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Her crown
Has a story
14 soldiers marching round and round her
I don't wanna be slave again!
No I don't wanna be slave!
I'm electric girl
From electric world
The lyrics of Janelle Monáe's song Suite IV Electric Overture seem to describe the arrival of a powerful and regal figure, who is represented by a crown and a retinue of soldiers. However, the singer also asserts her own independence and refusal to be a slave again. The phrase "electric girl from electric world" suggests that she represents a force of energy and innovation, and her intention is to bring light to others.
The lyrics of this song are open to interpretation, but it seems to convey a message of empowerment and resistance against oppression. The mention of soldiers and slavery could be construed as a reference to historical and ongoing struggles for freedom and equality. However, the emphasis on light and electricity also suggests a futuristic and technologically advanced world, where new forms of power and communication can create positive change.
Line by Line Meaning
She has arrived!
The woman being referred to has just arrived.
Her crown
The headpiece that she is wearing.
Has a story
The crown has significance or history behind it.
14 soldiers marching round and round her
There are 14 soldiers walking in circles around the woman with the crown.
I don't wanna be slave again!
The artist is expressing their desire to never be enslaved again.
No I don't wanna be slave!
The singer reiterates their refusal to be enslaved.
I'm electric girl
The singer is claiming to be a girl who possesses electrical powers.
From electric world
The artist comes from a world of electricity or technology.
And I only want to bring you light
The artist's sole intention is to bring enlightenment or positivity to others.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Charles Joseph II, Nathaniel Irvin III, Janelle Monae Robinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind