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 of Janelle Monáe's "Violet Stars Happy Hunting" are a commentary on the societal norms that label and discriminate against minorities, specifically black people. The song's lyrics begin with the declaration "I'm an alien from outer space" and "I'm a cyber-girl without a face, a heart or a mind," which can be interpreted as a metaphor for society's struggle to accept those who are different from the norm.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of race and discrimination, with Monáe singing "I'm a savior without a race/ On the run 'cause they hate our ways and chase my kind." This line highlights the systemic racism that black people continue to face, with law enforcement agencies often targeting and harassing them simply because of the color of their skin.
Furthermore, the lyrics touch on the theme of love, with Monáe singing "For loving too" multiple times throughout the song. This can be interpreted as a criticism of the societal norms that discourage interracial or non-heteronormative relationships.
Overall, the song's lyrics explore themes of otherness, discrimination, and societal norms that perpetuate hate and intolerance towards marginalized communities.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm an alien from outer space (outer space)
I feel like an outsider looking in.
I'm a cyber-girl without a face a heart or a mind
I feel like a product of society, with no individual identity.
(A product of the man, I'm a product of the man)
I'm a result of a system that values conformity and uniformity.
Ci ci ci
I'm nervous and on edge.
I'm a savior without a race (without a face)
I feel like I can help others, regardless of their identity.
On the run cause they? hit our ways and chase my kind
I feel like I have to run and hide from those who are different.
They've come to destroy me
I feel like there are people who want to harm me and others like me.
And I think to myself
I take a moment to reflect on my situation and emotions.
(Impossible, it's impossible for me)
I feel like the challenges I face are insurmountable.
Wait, it's impossible
I'm acknowledging that my situation is extremely difficult.
Now they're getting at me (and the police are after you)
I feel like there are people who are after me and want to harm me.
They're even after you
I know that people are also after those close to me.
For loving too
I recognize that the reasons they're after us are because of who we love or care about.
And all the sirens go
I'm hearing the sound of the police approaching.
The sirens go
I hear the sirens getting closer.
Oh baby uh you know the rules
I'm telling someone close to me that they need to follow our plan.
I love you and I won't take no?
I'm expressing my love to someone close to me and stating that I won't back down.
They say that Violet Stars was such a freak (such a freak)
I'm hearing rumors and gossip about someone like me.
When you're all in lost in love
I feel like love can make you lose yourself, but it's worth it.
Following them dark? of Neon Valley streets (of Neon Valley streets)
I'm referencing a location where people like me are often seen as outsiders.
A pretty day makes a pretty picture
I recognize that outward appearances can be misleading.
But fall in love and they're coming to get ya
I know that society doesn't always accept love between certain people.
Who knew 10 men with guns were at the door
I'm shocked and surprised by the sudden and extreme violence towards me.
They trick and treat?
I'm questioning the motives of those who seek to harm us.
Come on Baby, cause here they're coming now (You know the rules)
I'm urging someone close to me to act quickly and follow our plan.
And now they're after you (for loving too) (he loves me too)
I recognize that someone close to me is in danger because of their love for me.
Sirens go
I hear the police getting closer.
(I said uh baby)
I'm expressing my love and concern for someone close to me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES L JOSEPH, JANELLE MONAE ROBINSON, NATHANIEL IRVIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind