Cold War
Janelle Monáe Lyrics
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But being alone's the only way to be
When you step outside
You spend life fighting for your sanity
This is a cold war
You better know what you're fighting for
This is a cold war
If you wanna be free?
Below the ground's the only place to be
Cause in this life
You spend time running from depravity
This is a cold war
Do you know what you're fighting for?
This is a cold war
You better know what you're fighting for
This is a cold war
You better know what you're fighting for
This is a cold war
Do you know what you're fighting for?
Bring wings to the weak and bring grace to the strong
May all evil stumble as it flies in the world
All the tribes comes and the mighty will crumble
We must brave this night and have faith in love
I'm trying to find my peace
I was made to believe there's something wrong with me
And it hurts my heart
Lord have mercy, ain't it plain to see?
This is a cold war
You better know what you're fighting for
This is a cold war
Do you know what you're fighting for?
Kellindoooooooooooo!
Do you know it's a cold, cold war?
Do you, do you do you?
Bye, bye, bye, bye
Don't you cry when I say goodbye
The lyrics of Janelle Monáe's Cold War seem to be about the internal struggles of an individual in a world that is constantly pressuring them to conform. The lyrics "so you think I'm alone? but being alone's the only way to be" suggest that the person is struggling with being accepted by society and may feel the need to be alone to protect their individuality. The line "when you step outside, you spend life fighting for your sanity" could refer to the overwhelming pressure to be like everyone else that is felt when someone leaves their safe space of being alone.
The chorus "this is a cold war, do you know what you're fighting for?" seems to be a challenge to the listener to confront their own battles in life and to know what they are fighting for. The lyrics "if you wanna be free? below the ground's the only place to be" could mean that the person feels that they can only truly be themselves away from the societal pressures above ground.
The lyrics "bring wings to the weak and bring grace to the strong, may all evil stumble as it flies in the world, all the tribes come and the mighty will crumble, we must brave this night and have faith in love" seem to suggest that even in the midst of these battles, it is important to have compassion for others and to have faith in love to overcome the darkness.
Overall, Cold War seems to be a message of encouragement to stay true to oneself and to fight for individuality in a world that wants everyone to be the same.
Line by Line Meaning
So you think I'm alone?
Are you under the impression that I am lonely?
But being alone's the only way to be
However, solitude is the only option available to me.
When you step outside
Whenever you leave the shelter of your isolation,
You spend life fighting for your sanity
you must struggle to protect your mental stability.
This is a cold war
This is a conflict without warmth, kindness or compassion.
You better know what you're fighting for
You must be clear about your goals and motivation.
Do you know what you're fighting for?
Are you completely aware of your purpose and intention?
If you wanna be free?
If you desire emancipation,
Below the ground's the only place to be
you should retreat underground to evade hostility and oppression.
Cause in this life
Because during this existence,
You spend time running from depravity
you must expend energy avoiding evil and immorality.
Bring wings to the weak and bring grace to the strong
Provide the powerless with strength and the powerful with humility.
May all evil stumble as it flies in the world
May all malevolence falter as it departs throughout the globe.
All the tribes comes and the mighty will crumble
All people will unite and the dominant will be dismantled.
We must brave this night and have faith in love
We must remain courageous in this dark time and maintain belief in love.
I'm trying to find my peace
I am endeavouring to locate tranquillity.
I was made to believe there's something wrong with me
I was convinced I was defective.
And it hurts my heart
And it causes me vehement emotional anguish.
Lord have mercy, ain't it plain to see?
Dear God, is it not blatantly obvious?
Kellindoooooooooooo!
A shouted name or surname.
Do you know it's a cold, cold war?
Are you aware of the frigid, ruthless adversity we face?
Do you, do you do you?
Is it true, are you sure?
Bye, bye, bye, bye
Farewell, goodbye, adieu.
Don't you cry when I say goodbye
Don't weep when I say my farewells.
Contributed by Muhammad F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@exclusivawiliclecia4100
So you think that I'm alone?
But being alone's the only way to be
When you step outside
You spend life fighting for your sanity
This is a cold war
You better know what you're fighting for
This is a cold war
Do you know what you're fighting for?
If you want to be free
Below the ground's the only place to be
'Cause in this life
You spend time running from depravity
This is a cold war
Do you know what you're fighting for?
This is a cold war
You better know what you're fighting for
This is a cold war
You better know what you're fighting for
This is a cold war
Do you know what you're fighting for?
Bring wings to the weak
And bring grace to the strong
Make all evil stumbles as it flies in the world
All the tribes come and the mighty will crumble
We must brave this night
And have faith in love.
I'm trying to find my peace
I was made to believe there's something wrong with me!
And it hurts my heart
Lord have mercy, ain't it plain to see?
This is a cold war
Do you know what you're fighting for?
This is a cold war
You better know what you're fighting for
This is a cold...
This is a cold war
You better know what you're fighting for
Do you know it's a cold, cold war?
Do you? Do you? Do you?
It's a cold, cold war
You better know what you're fighting for
Bye, bye, bye, bye
Don't you cry, when I say goodbye?
@jakiee
"I remember crying during ‘Cold War’ [on the] first take,” she said. “I didn’t know how that happened but it just did. I was very moved by that. It was really a special moment; then everybody else started to cry.”. She further elaborated, "[The video] deals with a psychosis—you’re in my mind and you get a chance to understand Metropolis, where it all stemmed [from] and my thoughts. It’s very psychedelic and trippy."
— Janelle Monáe on the concept of the video.
@2020raindrops
well said ;)
@marioluna697
Porm movies
@Nick-pb7pz
Boy shut yo sensitive ass up
@Nick-pb7pz
Nevermind I just cried
@TigerPrawn_
Black skin white mask
@sSOLOo
im holding back tears................. this video
is so powerful
@MuddyVision_
boy shut yo sensitive ass up
@MuddyVision_
nevermind i just cried
@TheAeroBarKid
Lmao