Raised in Washington, D.C., Meshell Suhaila Bashir Shakur (as she became known) adopted the surname Ndegéocello, which means "free like a bird", while still in her teens. She has been hailed in the music press as a redeemer of soul music. Her music incorporates funk, soul, hip-hop, reggae, rock and jazz. She has been nominated for 9 Grammys. She has frequently toured with Lilith Fair.
Ndegeocello honed her chops on the D.C. Go-go circuit in the late 1980s before venturing out as a solo artist. She emerged as a recording artist in 1993 on Maverick Records/Sire Records with her debut, Plantation Lullabies. This recording presented a distinctly androgynous persona. Her music has been featured in a number of film soundtracks including How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Batman and Robin. She has also appeared on recordings by Basement Jaxx and The Blind Boys of Alabama, among others. Her biggest hit is a duet with John Cougar Mellencamp, a cover version of Van Morrison's Wild Night, which reached #3 on the Billboard charts.
Her singles If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night), Leviticus: Faggot, and her cover of Bill Withers Who Is He and What Is He To You? have all charted in the Billboard top 20. She sang background vocals on the song I'd Rather be Your Lover by Madonna, on her album Bedtime Stories. She also sang with Chaka Khan on the single Never Miss the Water, as well as providing her typical solid bass skills.
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The Sloganeer
Me'Shell Ndegéocello Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Suicide, straight to paradise
If you're the chosen why don't you just
Kill yourself now, kill yourself now?
I hate all you beautiful people
Open up your legs
My dissatisfaction, dissatisfaction
My fearful destructive reaction
To my life, to my life
Lord, they scorn and they mock me
The voices scorn and mock me
This realm is cold and lonely
Soothe my, my dissatisfaction
Get a bang out of life
Suicide, straight to paradise
If you're the chosen why don't you
Kill yourself now?
I hate all you beautiful people
I love beautiful people
To kill yourself now
Kill yourself now
You want me to believe that God
Is a product of my imagination
You prefer I believe in leaders
Democracy and fame
They're just monkey sensation
To know me is to know I love
With my imagination
Can you imagine utter nothingness?
Get a bang out of life
Suicide, straight to paradise
If you're the chosen why don't you just
Kill yourself now, kill yourself now?
'Cause I hate all beautiful people
Kill yourself now
Kill yourself now
Get a bang out of life
Suicide, straight to paradise
Straight to paradise
If you're the chosen why don't you
Kill yourself now?
'Cause I hate all the beautiful people
Give me a sign
Give me a sign
Before I
Give me a sign
A sign, a sign
Give me a sign
A sign, a sign
Soothe my, my dissatisfaction
The lyrics of Me'Shell Ndegeocello's song, "The Sloganeer," are complex and multi-layered, exploring themes of self-hatred and existential despair. The opening lines, "Get a bang out of life / Suicide, straight to paradise / If you're the chosen why don't you just / Kill yourself now, kill yourself now?" set the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer seems to be inviting the listener to embrace the idea of suicide as a way of transcending the emptiness of life.
As the song progresses, the singer expresses a deep sense of dissatisfaction with the world around them, and with themselves. The lines "I hate all you beautiful people / Open up your legs" suggest a bitterness and envy towards those who appear to be better off than the singer, whether in terms of physical attractiveness or social status. Yet at the same time, the singer seems to be longing for connection and validation, as they plead: "Soothe my, my dissatisfaction / Give me a sign."
Overall, "The Sloganeer" is a haunting and powerful exploration of the human psyche, grappling with ideas of despair and hopelessness yet also hinting at the possibility of healing and redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
Get a bang out of life
Enjoy life to the fullest
Suicide, straight to paradise
Death is preferable to this life
If you're the chosen why don't you just
Kill yourself now, kill yourself now?
If you believe you are truly chosen by a higher power, then why not end your life and go to paradise?
I hate all you beautiful people
I have resentment towards people who are conventionally attractive
Open up your legs
Perform sexual acts on me
The waves and swells soothe my
My dissatisfaction, dissatisfaction
My fearful destructive reaction
To my life, to my life
Being near the water calms me down, but I'm still deeply unhappy and have self-destructive tendencies to cope with my life
Lord, they scorn and they mock me
The voices scorn and mock me
This realm is cold and lonely
Soothe my, my dissatisfaction
I feel the world is against me, and even my own inner voices ridicule me. I am searching for comfort through my dissatisfaction
I love beautiful people
to kill yourself now
Kill yourself now
I am attracted to beautiful people but still believe that ending one's life is the better option
You want me to believe that God
Is a product of my imagination
You prefer I believe in leaders
Democracy and fame
You are pushing me to adopt the idea that God only exists in my own mind, and you would rather me place my trust in political leaders and fame
They're just monkey sensation
To know me is to know I love
With my imagination
Can you imagine utter nothingness?
Material things and emotions are fleeting, but what defines me is my ability to love and imagine things. Additionally, the thought of total emptiness is unimaginable
Give me a sign
A sign, a sign
Give me a sign
A sign, a sign
Soothe my, my dissatisfaction
I am begging for some indication or guidance in my life, hoping for anything that will alleviate my dissatisfaction
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DEANTONI PARKS, MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO, MICHAEL SEVERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jae White
Me'Shell Ndegéocello is one of the RARE artist who REFUSES to alter her artistry to keep up with the industry, so she is not played on radio or promoted! "PLEASE SUPPORT NEO-SOUL" "PLEASE SUPPORT NEO-SOUL"
These are the Neo-Soul Artists that are staying true to their craft people like Angela Johnson, Amel Larrieux, Adriana Evans, Alice Smith, Alice Russell, Bilal, Carol Riddick, Chico Debarge, Cilla K., Conya Doss, The Endangered, Eric Roberson, Gaelle, Renee Neufville, Jean Baylor, Shana Tucker,
The Foreign Exchange, Frank McComb, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Incognito,
Janelle Monáe, Jarrard Anthony, Marcell Russell, Gwen Bunn,
Jesse Boykins III, Jose James, Groove Theory, Carlitta Durand,
Karen Bernod, Keite Young, Lady,
Laura Mvula, Little Dragon, Lynne Fiddmont, Marcell & The Truth, Marlon Saunders, Maysa, Me'Shell Ndegéocello, Omar, Quadron, Minnie Riperton, Navasha Daya, Solange, Zo!, Repercussions, Rahsaan Patterson,
Rhonda Thomas, Teri Tobin, Tess Henley, Caron Wheeler,
The Internet, Terri Walker, Thundercat, Rajdulari,
Tracy Cruz, Trizonna McClendon,
Valerie June, Vannessa Simon, Kem,
Vikter Duplaix, W. Ellington Felton,
Yolanda Rabun, Sandra St. Victor, AYA,
India.Arie, Heston, Maxwell, Erykah Badu,
Fertile Ground, Deborah Bond, Darien,
Deborah Jordan, Darien Brockington, Darrius,
Angie Stone, Corinne Bailey Rae, Choklate,
Ola Onabule, Cooly's Hot-Box, Clara Hill,
Big Brooklyn Red, Carmen Rodgers, Carol Riddick, April Hill, Avani, Avery*Sunshine, V,
Abby Dobson, D'Angelo, ,The Brand New Heavies,
Tony! Toni! Toné!, Raphael Saadiq, Andy Allo, Zap Mama,
The Floacist, Cherokee, Bria Valente, Zhané, YahZarah, Chandlar, Blue Six, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Van Hunt, Wayna, Will Downing, Yolanda Johnson, Trina Broussard,
Deirdre Gaddis, Don-E, Donnie, Elisabeth Withers, Emily King, Esperanza Spalding, Swing Out Sister,
Eric Benét, Geno Young, Giovanca, Gordon Chambers, Governor, The Green Tea, Jiva, Gretchen Parlato, Heston, Hiatus Kaiyote,
Hil St. Soul, Jazzyfatnastees, Jesse Johnson, Prince, Julie Dexter, Joss Stone,
Joy Denalane, Kendra Ross, Kindred The Family Soul, Ladybug Mecca, Lalah Hathaway, Laura Izibor, Laurneá, Lauryn Hill,
Leela James, LeNora Jaye, Les Nubians, THEESatisfaction, Tiombe Lockhart, Tawana Lael, Terri Lyne Carrington,
Stacy Epps, Slakah The Beatchild, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Seek, Rotary Connection, Rogiérs, Robert Gee, Rhonda Thomas, Rhonda Smith, Remy Shand, Reggie B, The Rebirth, Raul Midón, Rachelle Ferrell,
PJ Morton, NYR, Noel Gourdin, Nneka, N'dambi, Nikka Costa, Muhsinah, Monica Blaire, Monet, Mint Condition, Maya Azucena,
Mavis "Swan" Poole, Martin Luther, Lynne Fiddmont, Lucy Pearl, Lorenzo Owens, Mamas Gun, Lizz Wright, Liv Warfield, Lizz Fields, Lina, Leon Ware, Dwele, Corneille, Lisa Taylor, Charles Bradley, Bluey, Ayo, DivaGeek, Kendra, Timotha Lanae, Shamika Phoenix, Dionne, Soulpersona, Kaleem Taylor, Bosra Sham, Rachel Walker, N'dea Davenport, D'Influence, Ms. Irene Renee, Melanie Durrant, Jazzhole, John Stoddart, Mo'j, E. Bland, Elaine Stepter, Carmen Lundy, Dionne Farris, Lisa Shaw,
Snarky Puppy, Antoine Dunn, Anthony Hamilton, Anthony David, Amy Winehouse, Chris Rob, Marques Toliver, Sade, Soulstice, Sunshine Anderson, Jaguar Wright, L'Renee, Lianne La Havas, Sy Smith AND A WHOLE LOTS MORE....
"THE DEFINITION OF NEO-SOUL"
Neo-Soul is a timeless musical genre that fuses real instrumental, Jazz, contemporary R&B and 1970s-style soul,funk,and rock with some elements of hip-hop. As it's name (new soul) implies, Neo-Soul music is essentially modern-day soul music, with contemporary attitudes and sensibilities. It differs from contemporary R&B in that it's organic and obviously more soulful,and it also tends to have deeper messages and meanings than R&B.
John Yeh
It's punk rock without the distorted guitar. Dark, heavy, and fast. Punk electronica. Love it. That drummer is sick.
salvadorpali
love this song. so very much 80's sound - the bassline - early cure, joy division... and the etheric vocals of me'shell... <3
Elizabeth Annarino
i cannot even believe my ears this song defies words. groovy beyond belief, killer lyrics, killer drums, fat ass bass. good god, it's sensory overload. this woman is definitely a genius.
Jae White
Me'Shell Ndegéocello is one of the RARE artist who REFUSES to alter her artistry to keep up with the industry, so she is not played on radio or promoted! "PLEASE SUPPORT NEO-SOUL" "PLEASE SUPPORT NEO-SOUL"
These are the Neo-Soul Artists that are staying true to their craft people like Angela Johnson, Amel Larrieux, Adriana Evans, Alice Smith, Alice Russell, Bilal, Carol Riddick, Chico Debarge, Cilla K., Conya Doss, The Endangered, Eric Roberson, Gaelle, Renee Neufville, Jean Baylor, Shana Tucker,
The Foreign Exchange, Frank McComb, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Incognito,
Janelle Monáe, Jarrard Anthony, Marcell Russell, Gwen Bunn,
Jesse Boykins III, Jose James, Groove Theory, Carlitta Durand,
Karen Bernod, Keite Young, Lady,
Laura Mvula, Little Dragon, Lynne Fiddmont, Marcell & The Truth, Marlon Saunders, Maysa, Me'Shell Ndegéocello, Omar, Quadron, Minnie Riperton, Navasha Daya, Solange, Zo!, Repercussions, Rahsaan Patterson,
Rhonda Thomas, Teri Tobin, Tess Henley, Caron Wheeler,
The Internet, Terri Walker, Thundercat, Rajdulari,
Tracy Cruz, Trizonna McClendon,
Valerie June, Vannessa Simon, Kem,
Vikter Duplaix, W. Ellington Felton,
Yolanda Rabun, Sandra St. Victor, AYA,
India.Arie, Heston, Maxwell, Erykah Badu,
Fertile Ground, Deborah Bond, Darien,
Deborah Jordan, Darien Brockington, Darrius,
Angie Stone, Corinne Bailey Rae, Choklate,
Ola Onabule, Cooly's Hot-Box, Clara Hill,
Big Brooklyn Red, Carmen Rodgers, Carol Riddick, April Hill, Avani, Avery*Sunshine, V,
Abby Dobson, D'Angelo, ,The Brand New Heavies,
Tony! Toni! Toné!, Raphael Saadiq, Andy Allo, Zap Mama,
The Floacist, Cherokee, Bria Valente, Zhané, YahZarah, Chandlar, Blue Six, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Van Hunt, Wayna, Will Downing, Yolanda Johnson, Trina Broussard,
Deirdre Gaddis, Don-E, Donnie, Elisabeth Withers, Emily King, Esperanza Spalding, Swing Out Sister,
Eric Benét, Geno Young, Giovanca, Gordon Chambers, Governor, The Green Tea, Jiva, Gretchen Parlato, Heston, Hiatus Kaiyote,
Hil St. Soul, Jazzyfatnastees, Jesse Johnson, Prince, Julie Dexter, Joss Stone,
Joy Denalane, Kendra Ross, Kindred The Family Soul, Ladybug Mecca, Lalah Hathaway, Laura Izibor, Laurneá, Lauryn Hill,
Leela James, LeNora Jaye, Les Nubians, THEESatisfaction, Tiombe Lockhart, Tawana Lael, Terri Lyne Carrington,
Stacy Epps, Slakah The Beatchild, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Seek, Rotary Connection, Rogiérs, Robert Gee, Rhonda Thomas, Rhonda Smith, Remy Shand, Reggie B, The Rebirth, Raul Midón, Rachelle Ferrell,
PJ Morton, NYR, Noel Gourdin, Nneka, N'dambi, Nikka Costa, Muhsinah, Monica Blaire, Monet, Mint Condition, Maya Azucena,
Mavis "Swan" Poole, Martin Luther, Lynne Fiddmont, Lucy Pearl, Lorenzo Owens, Mamas Gun, Lizz Wright, Liv Warfield, Lizz Fields, Lina, Leon Ware, Dwele, Corneille, Lisa Taylor, Charles Bradley, Bluey, Ayo, DivaGeek, Kendra, Timotha Lanae, Shamika Phoenix, Dionne, Soulpersona, Kaleem Taylor, Bosra Sham, Rachel Walker, N'dea Davenport, D'Influence, Ms. Irene Renee, Melanie Durrant, Jazzhole, John Stoddart, Mo'j, E. Bland, Elaine Stepter, Carmen Lundy, Dionne Farris, Lisa Shaw,
Snarky Puppy, Antoine Dunn, Anthony Hamilton, Anthony David, Amy Winehouse, Chris Rob, Marques Toliver, Sade, Soulstice, Sunshine Anderson, Jaguar Wright, L'Renee, Lianne La Havas, Sy Smith AND A WHOLE LOTS MORE....
"THE DEFINITION OF NEO-SOUL"
Neo-Soul is a timeless musical genre that fuses real instrumental, Jazz, contemporary R&B and 1970s-style soul,funk,and rock with some elements of hip-hop. As it's name (new soul) implies, Neo-Soul music is essentially modern-day soul music, with contemporary attitudes and sensibilities. It differs from contemporary R&B in that it's organic and obviously more soulful,and it also tends to have deeper messages and meanings than R&B.
cherio70
I actually love that she is not being blown up by the media. Remaining low key is keeping her product quality. Seems like when artist are overly commercialized and BLASTED all over the place their talent and creativity suffers.
Rick Hill
Beautiful, wickedly beautiful!! Meshell continues to keep me anticipating her next work of art , I've got a habit and her name is Meshell.
Bradley D. Blalock
Me'shell is a musical savant! I had the profound pleasure of hearing her live at the Justice League in SF in the late 90s. THANK YOU Me'Shell!!! I recently posted a bunch of my own MARIMBA music videos. Check out "Into the Silence," "On the Middle Road" and "My First Dance With Zimbabwe."
3v3nk331
Love this song!!! Been looping since I heard it and hour ago....Me'Shell is just sik wit it...
MsMadame
This is a perfect, psychedelic, jam!. It has an excellent beat to triabal (ethnic)bellydance too...
Ingrid Skosana
I have not listen to this woman in a very long time, its very refresing. Luv it.