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.
Tightrope ft. B.O.B.
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whoaaa!
Another day (adabadee, nigga)
I take your pain away
Some people talk about ya like they know all about ya
When you get down they doubt ya
And when you tip it on the scene, yeah they talkin' bout it
They just talk about it, t-t-t-talk bout it
When you get elevated
They love it or they hate it
You dance up on them haters
Keep getting funky on the scene
While they jumpin' round ya
They trying to take all of your dreams
But you can't allow it
Cause baby whether you're high or low
Whether you're high or low
You gotta tip on the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
T-t-t-tip on the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
Baby, baby, baby, whether you're high or low (high or low)
Baby whether you're high or low (high or low)
You got to tip on the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
Now let me see you do the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
And I'm still tippin' on it
See I'm not walkin' on it
Or tryin to run around it
This ain't no acrobatics
You either follow or you lead, yeah
I'm talkin' bout ya
Keep on blaming the machine, yeah
I'm talkin' bout it
T-t-t-talkin' bout it
I can't complain about it
I gotta keep my balance
And just keep dancin on it
We gettin funky on the scene
Yeah you know about it
Like a star on the screen
Watch me tip all on it
Then baby whether I'm high or low (high or low)
Baby whether you're high or low (high or low)
You gotta tip on the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
Yeah, tip on the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
Baby, baby, baby
Whether you're high or low (high or low)
Baby whether you're high or low (high or low)
Tip on the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
Baby let me see you tight rope (tip, tip on it)
And I'm still tippin' on it
You gotta keep your balance
Or you fall into the gap
It's a challenge but I manage
Cause I'm cautious with the strap
Do damage to your cabbage that
A doctor cannot patch
Why you don't want no friction
Like the back of a matchbook
Daddy Fat Sax will fold you
And your MacBook
Close shows, shut you down
Before we go-go backwards
Act up, and whether we high or low
We gonna get back-up
Like the Dow Jones and NASDAQ
Sorta like a thong in an ass crack
Come on
I tip on alligators and little rattlesnakers
But I'm another flavor
Something like a terminator
Ain't no equivocating
I fight for what I believe
Why you talkin' 'bout it
J-j-just talkin' 'bout it
Some callin' me a sinner
Some callin' me a winner
I'm callin' you to dinner
And you know exactly what I mean
Yeah I'm talkin bout you
You can rock or you can leave
Watch me tip without you
N-n-now whether I'm high or low
(High or low)
Whether I'm high or low
(High or low)
I'm gonna tip on the tightrope
(Tip, tip on it)
Mmm
(Tip, tip on it)
Baby, baby, baby
Whether I'm high or low
(High or low)
High or low
(High or low)
I got to tip on the tightrope
(Tip, tip on it)
Now baby tip on the tightrope
You can't get too high
(You can't get too high)
I said you can't get too low
(We can't get too low)
Cause you get too high
(You can't get too high)
No, you'll surely be low
(No, you'll surely be low)
1, 2, 3, ho!
Yeah, yeah
Now shut up, yeah
Yeah, now put some voodoo on it
Ladies and gentlemen, the funkiest horn section in Metropolis
Yeah, oh
We call that classy brass
Ohh ohh
Oh!
Do you mind?
If I play the ukulele
Just like a little lady
Do you mind?
If I play the ukulele
Just like a little lady
The song "Tightrope" by Janelle Monáe feat. Big Boi is all about staying balanced and keeping your composure even when you are on the edge. The song opens with Monáe singing that she will take your pain away, possibly referring to her ability to provide comfort and entertainment through her music. The chorus encourages listeners to keep going and not let negativity from others bring them down. Monáe sings that whether you are high or low, you have to keep the balance and keep dancing on the tightrope of life.
The second verse, delivered by Big Boi, emphasizes the importance of being careful and avoiding conflict. He mentions his willingness to fight for what he believes in, but also recognizes the necessity of avoiding unnecessary friction. The bridge repeats the message that you can't get too high or too low, or you'll fall off the tightrope.
Overall, "Tightrope" is an upbeat and inspiring song that encourages listeners to stay strong and keep pushing through even in difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
Another day (adabadee, nigga)
Just another day, living my life
I take your pain away
I am here to help alleviate any struggles or hardships you may be experiencing
Some people talk about ya like they know all about ya
People like to gossip and spread rumors about others
When you get down they doubt ya
When you are at your lowest, people may lose faith in you
And when you tip it on the scene, yeah they talkin' bout it
When you make a splashy entrance, people take notice and start talking
Cause they can't tip on the scene
Others are envious because they are not the center of attention
They just talk about it, t-t-t-talk bout it
They only talk about things but don't take actions to achieve their goals
When you get elevated
When you achieve new heights in life
They love it or they hate it
People can react positively or negatively to your success
You dance up on them haters
You triumph over your critics
Keep getting funky on the scene
Continue to be bold and original
While they jumpin' round ya
While they try to copy you
They trying to take all of your dreams
They want to steal your success and joy
But you can't allow it
But you should never let them bring you down or take away your dreams
Cause baby whether you're high or low
Whether you are at the peak or at the bottom
You gotta tip on the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
You must keep moving forward, no matter the challenges
See I'm not walkin' on it
I am not just walking, I am dancing and having fun
Or tryin to run around it
I am not taking any shortcuts
This ain't no acrobatics
This is not a difficult feat, it's just a matter of balancing
You either follow or you lead, yeah
You can either follow others or take the lead
Keep on blaming the machine, yeah
Some people blame technology or other external factors for their failures
I can't complain about it
I can't make excuses for my own struggles
I gotta keep my balance
I have to remain focused and steady
And just keep dancin on it
And keep moving forward with joy and confidence
Yeah you know about it
You are familiar with this feeling and experience
Like a star on the screen
Like a celebrity or a movie star
Then baby whether I'm high or low
No matter what my state of mind or success
You gotta tip on the tightrope (tip, tip on it)
I must keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles
You gotta keep your balance
I must stay focused and not let myself fall
Or you fall into the gap
If I lose my balance or focus, I will fail and fall
Cause I'm cautious with the strap
I am careful and vigilant when wielding my power
Do damage to your cabbage that
I can cause harm to your head or your interests
A doctor cannot patch
Your wounds or injuries are beyond repair
Why you don't want no friction
You don't want to create any conflicts or tension
Come on
Let's go
I tip on alligators and little rattlesnakers
I am fearless and can handle anything that comes my way
But I'm another flavor
I am unique and original
Something like a terminator
I am unstoppable and relentless
Ain't no equivocating
I don't hesitate or doubt myself
I fight for what I believe
I stand up for my convictions and values
Some callin' me a sinner
Some people criticize me for my beliefs and actions
Some callin' me a winner
Others praise me for my success and achievements
I'm callin' you to dinner
I am inviting you to join me and share my success
And you know exactly what I mean
You understand my message and my goals
You can rock or you can leave
You can either support me or walk away
N-n-now whether I'm high or low
No matter what my state of mind or success
I'm gonna tip on the tightrope
I will keep moving forward and striving for success
You can't get too high
You should not become overly confident or arrogant
I said you can't get too low
You should not become too discouraged or depressed
Cause you get too high
Because if you do become too confident or arrogant
No, you'll surely be low
You will eventually fall and fail
Now shut up, yeah
Stop talking and start acting
Yeah, now put some voodoo on it
Add some magic and power to your actions
Ladies and gentlemen, the funkiest horn section in Metropolis
Introducing the most incredible brass performers in the city
Do you mind?
Is it okay with you?
If I play the ukulele
If I play this small guitar-like instrument
Just like a little lady
In a delicate and charming manner
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NICHOLAS PETRICCA, KEVIN RAY, SEAN WAUGAMAN, ELI MAIMAN, CHRIS ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ChrisKooltv
Still a banger till this day
@chondele
Seven years later, this is STILL damned amazing.
@reaganibeh9443
YES!!!!!!!
@Jenayelle
The girl is so underrated...
@thewooflingdiva
Seriously! She is one sexy talented beast! Undoubtedly one of the most talented artists out there right now.
@AlexGargilisChannel
She is really one of the very greatest- its kind of hard to fully wrap your mind around it.
@HPSFRoadrunner
After delving deeper into her music tonight, I am convinced, without a doubt that she is the single most talented individual out there right now. She's the complete package.
@stephentaylor4296
Jenayelle Bad to the Bone!!!! And find
@chadhaas6183
For sure
@aflomoviefilm
this remix is criminally under rated (only a bit over 1 million views?!), excellent verses from B.o.B., Lupe Fiasco and Janelle Monae.