He is the frontman of the immensely popular soca band Xtatik, and is noted for his high energy, fast-paced, and often unpredictable on-stage performances. During his career, which spans over 25 years, he has recorded several songs alongside many of Caribbean music's most popular acts, such as Alison Hinds, Beenie Man, Calypso Rose, Burning Flames, Drupatee, Red Rat, Shaggy, Sparrow, Denise Belfon, Destra, Wyclef Jean, Vybz Kartel, G-Unit, Black Stalin, Mr. Vegas, Doug E Fresh and many others. He now stands as the most sought after soca act in the World.
Born in South Trinidad, Machel attended Presentation College a prestigious secondary school in Trinidad where he was in the choir. Machel first shot to fame as a young boy with the song "Too Young To Soca". In 1984 along with brothers and neighbours the group Parnasonic Express was started and in 1989, the band became Xtatik. The band developed and was re-invented by leader Machel several times as Xtatik 5.0, The Xtatik Circus, Xtatik The Road Marching Band, The Band of the Year and many others. Every year Machel has a new concert to keep his band and his performances fresh.
This year, 2007 they are known as Machel Montano HD (High Definition) and he promotes the concept by saying that he is the first human being to go HD. He is part of the huge campaign in Trinidad and Tobago promoting safe driving - Arrive Alive. Part of the hype surrounding the ever-evolving Machel this year is his HD tour bus. A 20 year old bus from the Public Transport Service Corporation was re-done and includes a bedroom, bathroom facilities, flat screen TVs, inernet access and expansive audio systems. The HD concept seems fitting as the band Xtatik has in the last few years the band has risen to a new level of musicality as each performance is very tight musically and has foreign influences such as Ernesto Luis Gutirrez, its Venezualan percussionist. Kernal Roberts, the son of the late, great Lord Kitchener, internationally famous calypsonian has picked up the role as Xtatik's drummer and musical director and has brought new life to the band.
Montano was also instrumental in the promotion of soca music during the BBC's radio show called 1Xtra. He has released many successful singles, with and without Xtatik, during his career, such as "Big Truck" (Xtatik's most successful single, which won the Road March title in 1997), "Outa Space" (with Beenie Man), "Music Farm" (Xtatik), "It's Carnival" (with Destra), "Band Of The Year" (with Patrice Roberts)(Road March Song for 2006), and "Jumbie" (Road March Song for 2007). Most recently, Montano has taken on a new stage title, refering to himself and his band as "Machel Montano HD" (High Definition), which he claims is a representation of the the evolution of his music over the last 25 years and highly improved style in which his music shall be presented to his fans over radio formats, television, and during live performances.
float
Machel Montano Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We got them off ground
We're not staying down!
We got them off ground
We're not staying down!
We got them off ground
Get off the ground,
Get ready to
It's got me flying
Get off the ground
Start jumping
I tell you!
We're not staying down
We gotta rock the ground!
We're not staying down
We gotta rock the ground!
Everybody make your rhythm...
Spend your. other
Everybody stand up
Get off the ground, get off the ground, hey
Get off the ground, get off the ground,
Float like Superman!
Get off the ground, get off the ground, hey
Get off the ground, get off the ground,
Floating all around
Utopian, utopian, utopian
Float in the van
Utopian, utopian, utopian...
Float, float
Later that I say I will
Keep jumping off!
Float! Get ready to levitate!
Keep jumping off
Float, float!
We come on to celebrate!
Float, float
It's carnival, we can wait!
I said we're floating on the big steps,
High above the lands!
We don't have no time for them,
Is hard to be best friends
... spin your...
Get off the ground, get off the ground, hey
Get off the ground, get off the ground,
Float like Superman!
Get off the ground, get off the ground, hey
Get off the ground, get off the ground,
Float in all around...
Utopian, utopian, utopian
Float in the van
Utopian, utopian, utopian...
We're jumping, floating
We're waving, floating
We're jumping, floating
We're waving, floating
This carnival had me floating
Buckle up, we're floating!
Floating over them is... to be best friends
We got to knock the ground
We're not staying down!
We got to knock the ground
We're not staying down!
We got to knock the ground
We're not staying down!
We got to knock the ground, go!
Floating over them
Is hard to be best friends, though
Truth is that we...
Keep jumping on!
This... is gravitate
Keep jumping on
Keep jumping on
Fun until we...
I said we're floating in the big stairs
High above the... lands
We ain't got no time for them
It's... to be best friends though
.I make it more fun, yeah
Make it...
Now everybody start to...
Get off the ground, get off the ground, hey
Get off the ground, get off the ground,
Float like Superman!
Get off the ground, get off the ground, hey
Get off the ground, get off the ground,
Float in all around...
Utopian, utopian, utopian
Float in the van
Utopian, utopian, utopian...
We're jumping, floating .
We're waving, floating
We're jumping, floating
We're waving, floating
This carnival had me floating
Buckle up, we're floating!
Floating over them is... to be best friends
We're not staying down!
We got them off ground
We're not staying down!
We got them off ground
We're not staying down!
We got them off ground
Floating over them is... to be best friends
Get off the ground, float off the ground
Get off the ground, float off the ground
Get off the ground, float off the ground
Get off the ground, float off the ground
Get off the ground, float off the ground
Get off the ground, float off the ground
We're not staying down!
We got them off ground
We're not staying down!
We got them off ground
We're not staying down!
We got them off ground
Floating over them is... to be best friends
Get off the ground, get off the ground, hey
Get off the ground, get off the ground,
Float like Superman!
Get off the ground, get off the ground, hey
Get off the ground, get off the ground,
Float in all around...
Utopian, utopian, utopian
Float in the van
Utopian, utopian, utopian.
Float, float, float, float over
Float, float, float, float over
Float, float, float, float over
Floating over there is...
We're not staying down!
We got them off ground
We're not staying down!
We got them off ground
We're not staying down!
We got them off ground
Floating over them is... to be best friends
The lyrics to Machel Montano's song "Float" are an energetic call to action, urging listeners to rise above their problems and celebrate the joyful spirit of Carnival. The repetition of the phrase "We're not staying down! We got them off ground" reinforces this message of resilience and triumph over adversity. The song's title refers to the feeling of weightlessness and freedom that comes with dancing and celebrating, as if one is floating in the air like Superman.
The lyrics also touch on themes of friendship and community, with the lines "It's hard to be best friends, though / Truth is that we..." suggesting that even close relationships can face challenges and disagreements, but ultimately the sense of unity and joy that comes from celebrating together is worth it. The use of the word "utopian" further reinforces the idea of an idealized community or world that can be achieved through shared experiences of joy and creativity.
Overall, the lyrics of "Float" celebrate the power of music, dance, and community to uplift and transform individuals and society as a whole. The song's upbeat tempo and energetic rhythms encourage listeners to join in the celebration and experience the feeling of weightlessness and freedom that comes with letting go and surrendering to the music.
Line by Line Meaning
We're not staying down!
We refuse to give up or be defeated.
We got them off ground
We have successfully lifted ourselves and others up from a low point.
Get off the ground,
Stop being stuck in a low place and start taking action.
Get ready to
Prepare yourself for taking the necessary steps to lift yourself up.
It's got me flying
The excitement and inspiration has given me a feeling of weightlessness and freedom.
Start jumping
Begin taking action and making progress towards higher goals.
We gotta rock the ground!
We need to make a big impact and shake up the status quo.
Everybody make your rhythm...
Everyone needs to find their own pace and contribute to the collective effort.
Spend your. other
Put aside any distractions or competing interests, and focus on this goal.
Float like Superman!
Move forward with confidence and courage, as if you have superpowers.
Floating all around
Experiencing a feeling of freedom and lightness in all aspects of life.
Utopian, utopian, utopian
Aspiring towards an ideal, idyllic state of being.
We come on to celebrate!
We are here to embrace the joy and excitement of the moment and let it carry us forward.
This carnival had me floating
The festive, celebratory atmosphere has lifted my spirits and given me a feeling of levity.
Buckle up, we're floating!
Get ready for an exciting ride and hold on tight, because we're going places.
Floating over them is... to be best friends
Rising above negativity and conflict is the key to developing strong, supportive relationships.
Writer(s): Machel Montano, Garrette Greenidge, Kernal Roberts
Contributed by Ian Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
nugirl 123
2021 I am still here. Best years in Soca. This music kept me going at a point where my joy was lost in the big city..king of soca for life.
Alejandra De la cruz Hernández
Amo esta canción por qué la bailes para show en mis 15 y fue genial🥰
somniumisdreaming
My classes love this song, it lifts them out the afternoon/Monday morning slump and just gets everyone energized and smiling.
Shaun Samaroo
young ma
Denise Shephard
This is such a masterpiece where children and adults can be combined as one and their spirit is united in joyful song
Tamaya benny
This reminds me of "They say ah too young to soca! Such innocence and pure enjoyment! Children of all races participating in the culmination of our cultural and artistic talents. They are the future of our country and culture; the future soca stars, dancers, artists, teachers and leaders! Thank you, Machel! You continue to be a cultural ambassador and pioneer!
Edgar Peters
i am an antiguan and i have always been a fan of trini artists and their musical creativity (and as always) proffessionaly done: great job marchel as always. i played this song on pan and it was crazyyyyyyyy. much love from antigua.
gurlsobex
I love this video it's so positive with all the kids!!! Makes me love the song even more!
triniflyboy
This is definitely one my best videos by MM ever! Well done! All the best, its not about competition its about inspiring others and I'm sure those kids are inspired!
Tiffany Beharry
If u are a Trini u got goosebumps looking at this video.