Locked Inside
Janelle Monáe Lyrics

I'm locked inside...
The singer feels trapped in a place called foolish pride.

A land called foolish pride...
The singer is stuck in a place where the man is always right and loves to fight.

Where the man is always right...
In this place, the man believes he is always correct.

He hates to talk but loves to fight...
This man is not interested in peaceful communication and instead prefers conflict.

Is that all right?
The artist questions the acceptability of this behavior.

On real cold days...
In difficult times, this man fills us with hate.

He loans us lots of hate...
The man provides hatred to those around him.

But he says that we must pay...
The man expects payment in return for this hatred.

To take it all away...
He claims that his hateful demeanor helps others by taking away their problems.

Is that ok?
The artist again calls into question the acceptability of this behavior.

But I'm asking you, will you stay with me,
The singer asks for support from another person.

In this land where we are free? (Don't you know I know...)
The artist acknowledges the irony of this supposed 'land of the free.'

And I know it's rough, and you've had enough,
The singer acknowledges the difficulties of living in this place.

But one day we'll be happy...
The singer holds onto hope that things will someday improve.

And when I look into the future I see danger in it's eyes...
The singer is fearful of what the future holds.

Hearts of hatred rule the land while love is left aside...
Hatred and violence are prevalent in this society while genuine love and kindness is lacking.

Killing plagues a citizen while music slowly dies...
The violence in this place is so rampant that it is all that remains, and artistic expression is being suppressed.

I get frightened I, see I get frightened I...
The singer reiterates their fear of what the future holds.

Oh how, oh how I need you baby
The singer emphasizes their need for emotional support from another person.

To keep me from going crazy
The artist is struggling to remain mentally stable.

I really need you baby, need you to stay
The artist asks for consistent support from their loved one.

These people are so crazy
The artist points out the insanity of the society in which they live.

She's there to fight) For her man, but not her rights...
The singer observes that some women prioritize fighting for their romantic partner over fighting for their own rights and independence.

Even though it's 3005...
Despite being in the distant future, this place still struggles with fundamental issues.

When will we end this genocide?
The singer questions when the mass killing in their society will come to an end.

And that's not right...
The singer points out the wrongness of this genocide.

Her children cry...
Children in this society are suffering.

No food to eat and afraid as flies...
Basic necessities are not being provided, causing extreme fear and suffering.

The color black means it's time to die...
The way individuals look is used as an excuse to justify their death.

And nobody questions why...
People in this society do not question the justification for violence and death.

Cause they're too scared to stop them now...
Fear is preventing people from taking action against the violence happening around them.

Cause they're too scared to stop them now...
Fear is preventing people from taking action against the violence happening around them.

Cause they're too scared to stop them now...
Fear is preventing people from taking action against the violence happening around them.

Cause they're too scared to stop them now...
Fear is preventing people from taking action against the violence happening around them.

And when I look into the future I see danger in it's eyes...
The singer is still filled with fear and uncertainty about what's to come.

Babies die before they're born and no one ever smiles...
Death and sadness are the prevalent experiences in this society.

The writers and the artists all are paid to tell us lies...
Those in power use media to manipulate and deceive the public.

They keep us locked inside, they keep us locked inside!
Those in power continue to keep society trapped in a cycle of fear and violence.

I can make a change!
The singer believes in their ability to create positive change.

I can start a fire!
The artist has the passion and drive to initiate change.

Lord, make me love again!
The artist longs for an environment in which love can flourish.

Fill me with desire
The singer wants to feel an intense passion for making a difference.

And when I look into your pretty eyes, I almost want to cry...
The singer feels overwhelmed with emotion when looking at their loved one.

I think about my life, and I don't want to live a lie...
The artist is reevaluating their priorities and what they want out of life.

How I need you baby, I need you right by my side...
The artist acknowledges their need for consistent emotional support from their loved one.

I need you tonight! I need you tonight!
The artist is feeling particularly vulnerable and is asking for reassurance from their loved one.

Yeah! How I need you baby...
The singer emphasizes just how much they need their loved one.

See I can't let you go, I need you...
The artist is feeling insecure and clingy, not wanting their loved one to leave them.

On the other side, on the other side...
The singer longs for an escape to a different place and time where things are better.

I love you so, and I'll never let you go!
The singer reassures their loved one of their commitment to the relationship.

On the other side!
The singer is still hoping for an escape from the current state of society.