Make The Bus
Janelle Monįe Lyrics

Janelle Monáe’s Make The Bus features a dreamy instrumental that is complemented by her smooth voice. However, the lyrics of the song tell an interesting story. The opening lines of the song set a self-defeating tone, whereby Monáe speaks directly to someone she believes cannot succeed. She points out that “the way you are now, you’re never gonna make the bus.” This suggests she is addressing someone who is not adequately equipped to succeed or seize an opportunity. Despite this critique, everyone seems to be impressed with this person, which creates an interesting dynamic.

Furthermore, Monáe delves deeper into the motives of the person she is addressing, reading into their desire to impress others. She suggests that this person reads “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” merely to pad their resume or impress others, which, in her view, makes their interests or passions disingenuous. However, Monáe also acknowledges that her preconceived notions and fixation on the failings of the person she is speaking to are not helpful. She states, “I’ve got a terrible fixation, can’t get it off my mind,” indicating that she cannot stop thinking or obsessing about their inadequacies, even though she consciously knows that is not healthy.

The chorus of the song reinforces the idea of being fixated and wanting to keep things in the realm of fantasy. It is possible that this person represents something in Monáe’s life that she cannot have or has lost. As the song progresses, it becomes apparent that Monáe is dealing with confused feelings that prevent her from acting on her impulses.