Their songs have been sampled by many hip-hop acts such as Johnny D, Public Enemy, DJ Shadow, Shawty Lo, Big L, Kanye West, Jin, Eminem, and 9th Wonder. They combined funk with many other styles like Latin, salsa, rock, blues and soul.
Some of their songs have been used in the soundtracks of films: The Greatest (1977) directed by Tom Gries and Monte Hellman; and The Warriors (1979) directed by Walter Hill. The band continues to perform live; their signature song is arguably "Fencewalk."
Composite Truth (1973) was the band's most commercially successful album.
2. Croatian band "ManDrill" started their version of alternative-funk in 1997. In 1998. they won an unsigned band contest "Ri Rock", and started gigging frequently. ManDrill music changed through the years and document of that is debut album "Embryo" (2002).
After a few lineup changes, the band finally released their second album, "P" in 2006, havig a very succesful hit, "Ljubio, valjao". With the popularity came the lawsuit for the name - that's when ManDrill had to change the name to Mandrili. Under that name they released their third and most succesful album (ranked top five Croatian albums for 2008) "Tibet". They're still very active with the following lineup: Kristian Ćoza - Vocals, Tomislav Radinović - Guitars, Robert Jovanović - Bass, Dalibor Peršić - Drums
I Refuse To Smile
Mandrill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
can you explain these tears i try to hide
and the sunny days where folks just pass me by
seems like things just ain't the same scince my baby said goodbye
thats why
the sun is in the sky but i refuse to smile
baby
still darkness lingers in my mind
The opening line of Mandrill's "I Refuse To Smile," "I, the man who never smiles," sets the tone for a song of melancholic disenchantment. The singer, who stubbornly refuses to show any happiness, is attempting to mask the tears he is trying to hide. The song alludes to a lover who has left, causing the singer's perspective to become jaded and disillusioned. The once-bright world now seems dark, and sunny days have lost their luster, as passers-by disregard the singer's pain.
Although the sun is shining in the sky, the singer steadfastly refuses to smile because the darkness left by their missing love blemishes their mind. The lyrics are evocative of the struggles of those who have had a life-altering event that causes them to see the world through a different and, at times, distorted lens. The song captures the emotional intricacies of grief and how it can cause feelings of helplessness, isolation, and resignation.
Line by Line Meaning
I, the man who never smiles
As an individual who typically withholds expressing joy or happiness, I struggle to convey my genuine emotions.
can you explain these tears i try to hide
Do you possess the ability to comprehend the sadness that overwhelms me, causing me to conceal my tears?
and the sunny days where folks just pass me by
Even on beautiful, bright days, people avoid acknowledging me and continue on with their own lives.
seems like things just ain't the same scince my baby said goodbye
Ever since my significant other departed from my life, everything has altered in such a negative manner.
thats why
This, right here, is the reason why my demeanor is so gloomy and unpleasant.
the sun is in the sky but i refuse to smile
Despite the beautiful weather, I simply cannot bring myself to smile and find joy in the day.
baby
An endearing term often used when speaking to a loved one, used to express longing and melancholy in this context.
still darkness lingers in my mind
Even though time has passed, my mind remains clouded and filled with a sense of bleakness.
yes it does, oh yeah sing, it to me
Indeed, the darkness continues to persist and hold a heavy weight on my heart - this statement is emotionally charged and can be interpreted as a plea for comfort and understanding.
Contributed by Ian F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Theresa Choice
One of the best. Never got the credit they deserved. I LOVE them.
Kenneth Williams
You are absolutely correct 👏
Jackie Conde
I love this song! Reminds me of my youth in North Philly! Saw them at the Spectrum with my first boyfriend! Brings back some old memories of growing up in Germantown! I love Mandrill! One of the best groups back then! Very underated!
Phyllis Covington-Kelley
I've say it before and i'll say it again, one of the most underrated bands ever. They were and still are extraordinary.
R. Kevin Wiggins
I totally agree with you. Very underrated. The entire album was good.
Duke Logan
One of the greatest bands ever! Memories of Washington D.C. Franklin Park, Langdon Park, summer time, Rhode Island Ave. South Dakota Ave., North East D.C...Love! Miss those days and the music of Mandrill!!
Wil Haynes
Music that actually speaks to one's very soul. Peace.
Cheryl Tarlton
Such great memories, brings tears to eyes music get deep into ur soul 🌌 timeless
rickydfcc77
So true
Kenneth Williams
Yes you correct!This reminds me of my uncle who loves this song.