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.
Violet Stars Happy Hunting
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a cyber-girl without a face a heart or a mind
(A product of the man, I'm a product of the man)
Ci ci ci
I'm a savior without a race (without a face)
On the run cause they? hit our ways and chase my kind
They've come to destroy me
(Impossible, it's impossible for me)
Wait, it's impossible
Now they're getting at me (and the police are after you)
They're even after you
For loving too
And all the sirens go
The sirens go
Oh baby uh you know the rules
I love you and I won't take no?
They say that Violet Stars was such a freak (such a freak)
When you're all in lost in love
Following them dark? of Neon Valley streets (of Neon Valley streets)
A pretty day makes a pretty picture
But fall in love and they're coming to get ya
Who knew 10 men with guns were at the door
They trick and treat?
Wait, it's impossible that they're coming for me (the police are after you)
And now they're after you (for loving too)
Baby, I hear the sirens go
Sirens go
Come on Baby, cause here they're coming now (You know the rules)
It's impossible that they're coming for me (the police are after you) (he loves me too)
And now they're after you (for loving too) (he loves me too)
Baby, I hear the sirens go
Sirens go
(I said uh baby)
You know the rules
The lyrics to Janelle Monáe's "Violet Stars Happy Hunting!!!" touch on themes of alienation, oppression, and love. Monáe takes on the persona of an alienated "cyber-girl" who is on the run from those who seek to destroy her. She references being a product of "the man," suggesting that she is the result of societal norms and expectations. Despite her lack of individuality, she positions herself as a savior without a race, suggesting that she holds within her the power to transcend societal limitations.
Throughout the song, Monáe uses the imagery of sirens and police chasing her to convey a sense of imminent danger. She also references a group called Violet Stars, who are seen as outsiders and "freaks." Despite these challenges, the song ends on an optimistic note, with Monáe declaring, "I love you and I won't take no." This could suggest that love is a means of resistance against the forces that seek to oppress her and others like her.
Overall, "Violet Stars Happy Hunting!!!" is a powerful commentary on the struggles faced by those who are marginalized or oppressed by society. It encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and fight against those who seek to destroy them.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm an alien from outer space (outer space)
I feel like I do not belong in this world, like I am not from here.
I'm a cyber-girl without a face a heart or a mind
I feel like a machine, like I have no emotions or thoughts of my own.
(A product of the man, I'm a product of the man)
I am the result of societal norms and expectations that have shaped my identity.
I'm a savior without a race (without a face)
I want to help others and make a positive impact, regardless of my appearance or background.
On the run cause they? hit our ways and chase my kind
I feel like I am constantly being pursued and judged based on characteristics that are beyond my control.
They've come to destroy me
I feel like there are forces trying to tear me down and prevent me from fulfilling my potential.
And all the sirens go
The blaring of the sirens represent the chaos and danger that surrounds me.
Oh baby uh you know the rules
In spite of the danger, my love for someone else remains strong and steadfast. We live by our own set of rules and refuse to give up on each other.
They say that Violet Stars was such a freak (such a freak)
Society labels those who are different as strange or deviant, further perpetuating the cycle of discrimination and hate.
When you're all in lost in love
Love can be all-consuming and blinding, causing us to lose sight of our surroundings and the potential risks.
Following them dark? of Neon Valley streets (of Neon Valley streets)
The darkness of the streets could represent the dangers of the world, and the neon could represent a false sense of hope or artificial beauty that distracts from the harsh reality.
A pretty day makes a pretty picture
Beauty and happiness can be fleeting and superficial, and do not necessarily reflect the true nature of the world or our experiences.
But fall in love and they're coming to get ya
Love can be seen as a threat to those who want to maintain control and power, and they will try to break us apart at any cost.
Who knew 10 men with guns were at the door
The sudden appearance of danger can come as a shock and leave us feeling vulnerable and helpless.
They trick and treat?
The danger that we face can sometimes come in unexpected and disarming ways, making it even harder to stay alert and prepared.
Baby, I hear the sirens go
The danger continues to approach, and the sirens serve as a constant reminder of the impending threat.
Come on Baby, cause here they're coming now (You know the rules)
Despite the danger, we stand together and refuse to back down from the love that we share.
(he loves me too)
The love that we share is mutual and equal, further emphasizing our commitment and strength in the face of adversity.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CHARLES L JOSEPH, JANELLE MONAE ROBINSON, NATHANIEL IRVIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind