Come Alive
Janelle Monae Lyrics
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Tommy says the children are clouding my head
When everything is wrong I dance inside my mind
That's when I come alive like a schizo running wild
That's when I come alive now let's go wild
We're kicking at your window and keeping you up
We're dancing in the dungeon every Monday night
That's when we come alive like a schizo running wild
That's when I come alive now let's go wild
You want to see me crazy taking my meds
And wipe away the noises you think I'm a mess
Take me six feet under, but while your roses died, I came alive
You better leave the town I'm coming for you
Call the Tommy up and tell him come help you out
I'm getting wild on you you better go and call the law
When Tommy thinks the crazies are back your mind
When Tommy says the children are clouding your head
When everything is wrong, just dance inside your mind
And you'll come alive
In "Come Alive," Janelle Monáe addresses how society views people with mental illness. Tommy, presumably a doctor or therapist, tells her that she is "crazy" and "clouded" by her thoughts. However, Monáe chooses to embrace her inner "schizo" and dance within her own mind. She sees her mental state as an opportunity to break free from societal standards and encourages the listener to do the same.
The lyrics highlight society's tendency to stigmatize and marginalize individuals with mental illness. By using language like "crazies" and "mess," Monáe acknowledges the harmful stereotypes and labels associated with mental illness. However, she also challenges these labels and encourages individuals to embrace their unique qualities, no matter how society perceives them.
The chorus, "that's when I come alive like a schizo running wild," emphasizes the freedom and empowerment that can come from breaking away from societal norms. Throughout the song, Monáe encourages the listener to find their own inner "schizo" and embrace their true selves.
Line by Line Meaning
Tommy thinks the crazies are back in my mind
Tommy believes I am losing my sanity
Tommy says the children are clouding my head
Tommy believes that my childhood memories are affecting my present actions
When everything is wrong I dance inside my mind
Dancing is my way of coping when things go out of control
That's when I come alive like a schizo running wild
Dancing makes me feel alive and free
That's when I come alive now let's go wild
I want to embrace my craziness and be wild
We're kicking at your window and keeping you up
We're making noise and disrupting your peace
And if you come to find me I'll color you red
I'll make you see the intensity of my passion
We're dancing in the dungeon every Monday night
We're ignoring social norms and enjoying our life
You want to see me crazy taking my meds
You think I am crazy and need medication to control my behavior
And wipe away the noises you think I'm a mess
You want me to fit into your mold of 'normalcy'
Take me six feet under, but while your roses died, I came alive
Even in difficult times, I am resilient and keep going
You better leave the town I'm coming for you
I won't back down from a challenge
Call the Tommy up and tell him come help you out
Call for backup, you will need it
I'm getting wild on you you better go and call the law
I am unpredictable, so be careful
When Tommy thinks the crazies are back your mind
When someone doubts your mental stability
When Tommy says the children are clouding your head
When someone thinks your childhood is affecting your behavior
When everything is wrong, just dance inside your mind
You can find peace and happiness within yourself
And you'll come alive
You too can find your own way of feeling alive
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Charles Joseph, Janelle Monae, Kellis Earl Parker Jr., Nathaniel Irvin III
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@laurenfolkner8330
It's gotta be exhausting performing for a room that low on energy-- her commitment and execution are insanely awesome.
@dzpatnmiami
I don’t think it was a coincidence that she chose to sing “Come Alive”. She knew the room she was walking into!
@haute03
@D W LOL right?! Like "y'all are whack - goodnight."
@berrystraw2667
D W 😆😂🤣agreed
@strongforu
#OscarsSoWhite , what else can you expect?
@berrystraw2667
D W 😆😆😆
@GetGlamFam
I swear Janelle is so underrated! I love her! Also, props to EVERY dancer at that performance, they killed it!
@theohudson8543
Saaaame, she killed that. I stan the right queen 👑
@puppchenschnuppchen4984
Girl she performed at the oscars, she's nowhere near underrated lmaoo
@irawashington902
No Name needed trust me, she’s extremely underrated