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.
Thoughts
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
The way I play with the bands
You would've thought that I worked at the venue
The way that I pack out the stands
You would've thought that I worked at the mall
The way that my closet expands
You would've thought me and you was involved
The way that you holdin' my hand
They probably think that I live in a cave, the way that we stay out the way
You probably think that I live in a safe, the way I make you feel safe
You probably think that my Wi-Fi not paid, the way that I do not play
You would've thought I was Nicolas Cage, the way that I do not play
You would've thought that I hated the stage, the way that I do not play
You would've thought that the coach hatin' me, the way that I do not play
You would've thought that she hated the place
How fast she's walkin' away ('way)
You would've thought she was a racer the way she speedin'
You would've thought that I was far away the way she keeps reachin'
You would've thought that I was far away the way she keeps screamin'
You would've thought she caught me cheating how fast she's leavin'
You would've thought that we was movin' how fast she's packin'
You would've thought someone yelled "Action" with how you're actin'
You would've thought we were in Aspen how cold your ass been
I would've thought that we could talk about whatever happened
I thought that we
I thought we were better than that
I thought we were better
I thought we were better than that
Baby, I thought that we
I thought we were better than that
I thought we were better than that
You would think I'd learn the lesson that she keeps teachin'
You would think we was on the same page, but I wasn't readin'
You would think she had a choir the way she's preachin'
Church say "Amen"
You would think she'd show me mercy the way I'm beggin'
Baby, I'll get down on both knees (Beggin')
You would think that she would turn around just for a second
I think I really hurt her this time, I think I'm gon' regret it
I thought that we
I thought we were better than that
I thought we were better
I thought we were better than that
Baby, I thought that we
I thought we were better than that
I thought we were better than that
I thought that we
I thought we were better than that
I thought we were better
I thought we were better than that
Baby, I thought that we
I thought we were better than that
I thought we were better than that
In Janelle Monáe's song "Thoughts," the lyrics depict a relationship that has taken a complicated turn. The first verse suggests that the singer's actions and behavior have been misconstrued by others. They mention playing with bands, packing out stands, and expanding their closet as if these accomplishments should have indicated a higher status or a more committed relationship. The singer also highlights the assumption that they and their partner are deeply involved due to physical affection. However, despite these assumptions, the singer recognizes the growing distance and the potential misunderstandings between them.
The second verse continues the narrative from the perspective of the partner. The partner, feeling hurt and betrayed, portrays a sense of urgency in their actions and behavior. They speed away, pack quickly, and scream as if they caught the singer cheating. There is a sense of longing and disappointment in the partner's actions and the way they are represented in the lyrics.
The chorus expresses the singer's thoughts and realization that they had higher expectations for the relationship. They believed they were better than the current situation's struggles and difficulties. The repetition of this sentiment indicates a disappointment and a longing for something more.
Overall, "Thoughts" explores the theme of misunderstanding and miscommunication within a relationship. It highlights the frustrations and disappointments that can arise when both parties have different interpretations and expectations. The lyrics capture the complexities of relationships and how they can differ from what one anticipates.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Aaron Thomas, Tyler Cole, Sarah Aarons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bboy jovi
First the shout out, then the viral vids, then opening shows, and now big artist feats. AND HE STILL STAYED HIMSELF 💥
Jess W.
He is a real one that’s why 🖤
Bboy jovi
@Jess W. exactly 🔥
Daymien Fitzpatrick
for now. let's come back to eachother in a couple years
Style Icon JP Michaels
With both Klezmer-like tonalities and smooth-as-butter Jazz vocal runs, Teezo delivers a story of disappoinments and the vocals to keep us listening to find out if things end happily ever after. 🔥YESSSS 🖤
Fabian Sierra
Teezo is honestly a breath of fresh air. You can’t pin him in any genre of music. Anything he’s released is great.
Hueco Mundo
I was thinking he doesn’t have any misses. Been a fan since I heard Be Careful
mel
also consistently carries every song he features on
humphreyzer
@Hueco Mundoidk rock paper strippers ain’t that great 🤷♂️
blaghgames
@humphreyzerit’s hilarious tho