Labrinth made his debut appearance on the UK Singles Chart in March 2010, when his collaboration with English rapper Tinie Tempah, "Pass Out", reached number one. Since then, songs Labrinth released have entered the chart 18 times as of 2020, as well as 5 times on the Billboard Hot 100.
Labrinth has released two solo albums: Electronic Earth in April 2012, and Imagination & the Misfit Kid in November 2019. In 2018, Labrinth formed the supergroup LSD with Australian singer-songwriter Sia and American DJ and producer Diplo. They released their self-titled debut album the following year. Labrinth has also collaborated with a number of artists as a singer, songwriter, and producer including Beyoncé, Kanye West, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, Ed Sheeran and Noah Cyrus.
He composed the score for HBO drama series Euphoria, for which he was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards, winning one, and The Lion King - Live action's soundtrack, Spirit, with Beyoncé and Ilya Salmanzadeh, achieving nominations at Grammy, Golden Globe, Critics' Choice and winning a NAACP Image Awards.
The Producer
Labrinth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And they all lived happily
And they all lived
And they all grew up
You can find me in the darkness
Layin' tracks just like a railroad
Oswald, Versace, Vivienne, you get the message
Ah mmm
I be workin' on the Sunday
Mama told me that's a God day
I'm just tryna eat, yeah, I'm just tryna get a ticket
God bless the sin, and no rest for the wicked
Ah mmm
Man, they can't tell me nothing (ay ay)
Fuck yeah, I been on my grind
Yeah
One, two (yeah, yeah)
Kanye West, they can't tell me nothing (no, no)
Paid my dues and I did my time
Yes, I did (ay)
Now I
Sold my soul so my mama don't have to cry
Wonderin' when this feather gonna take me right back up to the sky
'Cause it's been too long
Paintin' this picture
Watchin' paint dry
I'm the producer
Watchin' these Spielberg's fly, ah mmm
All these Gosling's (all these Gosling's)
With Hollywood smiles (Holly-wooden smiles)
And I'm just the producer (the producer)
Tryna make a headline, ah mmm
I been livin' with the phantom
He be holdin' me for ransom
Tryna climb the ladder, I'm just hopin' and a-wishin'
Money and the power, they don't come without ambition
Ah mmm
Mother had those baby pictures up
Ah mmm
I was destined for some shit
But now I'm lookin' at the cuckoo clock
I'm countin' all them digits
Made some plans for life but now he's actin' like a bitch
Well I sold my soul so my mama don't have to cry
Wonderin' when the Father up in heaven gonna give me my piece of the pie
'Cause it's been too long
The lyrics to Labrinth's song "The Producer" touch upon themes of success, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams. The opening lines, "And they all lived happily ever after," followed by the repetition of "And they all lived," suggests a sense of contentment and fulfillment. However, the line "And they all grew up" introduces the idea that growing up and facing reality can sometimes challenge that happiness.
Labrinth describes himself as being in the darkness, laying tracks like a railroad, which can be interpreted as him working tirelessly and continuously to achieve his dreams in the music industry. He references influential figures such as Oswald, Versace, and Vivienne, both as a nod to their creative genius and also to draw a parallel between their artistry and his own skills in producing music. Labrinth's commitment to his craft is evident as he compares designing beats to Alexander McQueen threading dresses.
The lyrics also highlight Labrinth's determination and work ethic. He mentions working on Sundays, with his mother reminding him that it's a day of rest, but he is focused on his goals and driven to succeed. He references the idea of "no rest for the wicked," indicating that his pursuit of success may require sacrifices or going against societal expectations.
Labrinth asserts his independence and resilience, stating that nobody can tell him anything because he has been grinding and paying his dues. He acknowledges having sold his soul, metaphorically, to protect his loved ones from sadness and to chase his dreams. The mention of the phantom holding him for ransom suggests that the pursuit of success can sometimes feel like a relentless struggle.
In the chorus, Labrinth expresses the desire to rise back up to the sky and be reunited with the freedom and creativity that comes with success. He sees himself as the producer, observing the flashes of fame in others (like Spielberg) while he works behind the scenes, trying to create a headline of his own.
Overall, "The Producer" explores the drive and sacrifices necessary to pursue artistic dreams, while also acknowledging the challenges and pressures that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
And they all lived happily ever after
And they all lived happily
And they all lived
And they all grew up
You can find me in the darkness
I am working behind the scenes, unnoticed
Layin' tracks just like a railroad
Producing and creating music consistently
Oswald, Versace, Vivienne, you get the message
Referring to influential figures in fashion, I am creating beats just as iconic as their designs
I designed them beats like Alexander threads them dresses
I put as much thought into designing music as Alexander McQueen puts into designing dresses
Ah mmm
(interjection) Expressing thoughts or emotions
I be workin' on the Sunday
I am dedicated to my craft, even on Sundays
Mama told me that's a God day
My mother taught me to honor Sundays as a day of rest and worship
I'm just tryna eat, yeah, I'm just tryna get a ticket
I am simply trying to make a living and achieve success
God bless the sin, and no rest for the wicked
Acknowledging that success often comes with sacrifices and hard work
Man, they can't tell me nothing (ay ay)
I am confident and unaffected by others' opinions
Fuck yeah, I been on my grind
I have been working tirelessly and passionately
One, two (yeah, yeah)
(interjection) Indicating a confident and rhythmic flow
Kanye West, they can't tell me nothing (no, no)
Like Kanye West, I am unbothered by critics or doubters
Paid my dues and I did my time
I have put in the necessary effort and served my time to reach this point
Yes, I did (ay)
(interjection) Expressing satisfaction or confirmation
Sold my soul so my mama don't have to cry
I have made sacrifices to ensure my mother's happiness and well-being
Wonderin' when this feather gonna take me right back up to the sky
I hope that my talent and hard work will lead me to greater success and fulfillment
'Cause it's been too long
I have been patiently waiting for my breakthrough
Paintin' this picture
Creating and shaping my career
Watchin' paint dry
Enduring the slow progression of success
I'm the producer
I am the one behind the scenes, creating and overseeing the production
Watchin' these Spielberg's fly, ah mmm
Observing other successful filmmakers and creators thrive
All these Gosling's (all these Gosling's)
Referring to talented and charismatic individuals in the entertainment industry
With Hollywood smiles (Holly-wooden smiles)
Having charming and polished appearances, like Hollywood celebrities
And I'm just the producer (the producer)
I am content with being the one working behind the scenes, playing my role
Tryna make a headline, ah mmm
Striving to make a notable impact and gain recognition
I been livin' with the phantom
I have been enduring the presence of an elusive and haunting desire for success
He be holdin' me for ransom
It feels like this desire for success has a hold on me and demands sacrifices
Tryna climb the ladder, I'm just hopin' and a-wishin'
I am working hard to progress in my career, filled with hope and aspirations
Money and the power, they don't come without ambition
Recognizing that wealth and influence require determination and drive
Mother had those baby pictures up
My mother proudly displayed my childhood photos
I was destined for some shit
I always had the potential for greatness
But now I'm lookin' at the cuckoo clock
I am realizing that time is passing, and I need to make the most of it
I'm countin' all them digits
I am focused on my financial success and keeping track of my earnings
Made some plans for life but now he's actin' like a bitch
I had envisioned a different path, but now it seems uncertain and challenging
Wonderin' when the Father up in heaven gonna give me my piece of the pie
Hoping for a divine intervention or opportunity to achieve my share of success
'Cause it's been too long
I have been waiting for my breakthrough for an extended period
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Timothy Mckenzie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Manal Sliem
Intro]
And they all lived happily ever after
And they all lived happily
And they all lived
And they all grew up
[Verse 1]
You can find me in the darkness
Layin' tracks just like a railroad
Ozwald, Versace, Vivianne, you get the message
I design them beats like Alexander thread them dresses
Ah-mmm
I be workin' on a Sunday
Mama told me that's a God day
I'm just tryna eat, yeah, I'm just tryna get a ticket
God bless the sin and no rest for the wicked
Ah-mmm
[Pre-Chorus]
Man, they can't tell me nothing (Ayy-ayy)
Fuck yeah, I been on my grind
Yeah
One, two (Yeah-yeah-yeah)
Kanye West, they can't tell me nothing (No-no)
Paid my dues and I did my time
Yes, I did (Ayy)
Now I sold myself so my mama don't have to cry
Wonderin' when is Father gonna take me right back up to the sky
'Cause it's been too long
Paintin' this picture
Watchin' paint dry
I'm the producer
Watchin' these Spielbergs fly, ah-mmm
All these Goslings (All these Goslings)
With Hollywood smiles (Hollywood smiles)
And I'm just the producer (The producer)
Tryna make a headline, ah-mmm
[Verse 2]
I been livin' with the phantom
He be holdin' me for ransom
Tryna climb the ladder, I'm just hopin' and a-wishin'
Money and the power, they don't come without ambition
Ah-mmm
Mother hung them baby pictures up
Ah-mmm
I was destined for some shit
But now I'm lookin' at the cuckoo clock
I'm countin' all them digits
Made some plans for life but now he's actin' like a bitch
[Chorus]
Well, I sold myself so my mama don't have to cry
Wonderin' when the Father up in Heaven gonna give me my piece of the pie
'Cause it's been too long
Samuel Graff
Most underrated artist of all-time, no question.
Cre8ive07
Just discovered him. I'm in awe.
Juliette HAZA
@BTS FOREVER s0
Deja Morgan
What I’m saying
karen Maria
We Know thats enough for now😉😍🤗✌🤞🏿😘😘😘
Latest Sierra Leone Music 🇸🇱
Real tok
Laryssa Marques
the beginning is "all for us" and then BOOM... PLEASE GIVE A GRAMMY TO THIS MAN
Funny
Amen 👌🏻👌🏻
Kelly McKinnon
He's really been putting the work in and it shows... his style is one of a kind
Angela
A style that isnt mainstream typical. He deserves more recognition.