Portugal. The Man centered on frontman John Gourley’s abstract musical approach and corresponding upbringing. He was raised in a sort of technological isolation: his log cabin home in the winter wasteland of the fringes of Wasilla, Alaska was powered by a generator and had no telephone. Both of his parents helped completely immerse him in the unique lifestyle that comes with a land of seasonal darkness and perpetual cold with their jobs as dog sled mushers. Gourley’s innate curiosity and individual spirit combined with a fascination with science fiction and experiences of homelessness create a distinctly transcendent sound that is always open to interpretation and change.
The band’s debut album, Waiter: “You Vultures!” was released by Fearless Records on January 24th, 2006.
On June 22, 2007 they released their second full length, Church Mouth. The band then set out on a full US tour with support from The Photo Atlas, Play Radio Play, Tera Melos, and The Only Children. They then toured Europe, and followed it up with another US headlining tour with support from Rocky Votolato and Great Depression during September and October. Following this tour, they joined Thursday on a short east coast tour in November alongside Circle Takes the Square.
Portugal. The Man collaborated with the band The Sound of Animals Fighting on the re-release of their first album, “Tiger and the Duke.” Portugal. The Man remixed three of the songs on that album.
On July 30, 2008, it was announced that Portugal. The Man would release Censored Colors under its independent record label, Approaching AIRballoons, with a partnership with EQUAL VISION RECORDS. The album was released September 16, 2008.
On April 9th, 2009, Portugal. The Man announced a fourth studio album, The Satanic Satanist. It was released on July 21, 2009.
As of October 2009, It was announced through Twitter that Portugal. The Man have completed another album entitled “American Ghetto” which combines their progressive rock style from their latter albums with some of the electo style from their “Its Complicated Being A Wizard” release. A listening party was held for a group of 17 fans in Los Angeles CA. The album was released on March 2, 2010.
The Got it All (This Can’t Be Living Now) Songfacts reports the band’s sixth album and first for Atlantic, In the Mountain in the Cloud, was released on July 19, 2011.
On February 8, 2013, Portugal. The Man leaked pictures on Bonnaroo's official Tumblr page which showed that celebrated producer Danger Mouse was producing the band's new record. According to a Q&A Zach did on the band's Tumblr, their new album was influenced by Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" album.
On February 25, 2013, Portugal. The Man released the name of their new album, titled Evil Friends, on Instagram. On March 6, the band revealed the album art for Evil Friends using a Tweet-to-reveal mosaic. The next day, the video for the title track from Evil Friends was released on the band's YouTube channel. On June 4, 2013, the album was released in the United States. The album featured backing vocals by Este Haim and Danielle Haim. A music video of "Purple Yellow Red and Blue" followed.
On April 22, 2014, the band announced a partnership with Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to release a limited-edition run of 400 records to raise awareness for critically endangered Sumatran tigers. The track, "Sumatran Tiger" does not officially exist digitally, and the copies were sent to "400 carefully chosen influencers, among them actors, activists, musicians, conservationists, bloggers and journalists," and is, as the band claims, "the first song meant to go extinct unless it's reproduced." The band encouraged fans to "scour the Internet" using the hashtags #EndangeredSong and #SumatranTiger to find recordings of the song.
In November 2014, Portugal. The Man were in the studio recording their eighth album with Mike D from The Beastie Boys producing. The band also posted pictures of themselves in the studio on Instagram, as well as showcasing small teasers of what their new album would sound like. Mac Miller was also shown working with the band as well. In May 2015, the band released teasers on social networks of what appeared to be new music with a Latin twist with huapango guitars, dream synths and drums machines. On May 5, Portugal. The Man released a Spanish version of "Purple Yellow Red and Blue" covered by a Mexican-American band called The Chamanas on their official YouTube channel to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. On December 31, 2015, Portugal. The Man posted to their website that they had completed two records followed by separate hashtags #Gloomin + #Doomin. However, on February 3, 2016, the band tweeted from their official account that the new record would be entitled Gloomin + Doomin. In February 2016 Portugal. the Man were featured on the Yoko Ono collaboration album Yes, I'm A Witch Too performing "Soul Got Out of the Box".
On November 30, 2016, Triple J radio debuted Portugal. The Man's new song "Noise Pollution". It was released as a single on December 2, and featured Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Zoe Manville. On March 3, 2017, the band released a single titled "Feel It Still", which was followed by the release of an accompanying music video three days later. It was revealed that Gloomin + Doomin "failed to complete" and was thrown out after three years. They have since completed another album, titled Woodstock, which is promoted by "Feel It Still". The album's title was inspired by an original 1969 Woodstock music festival ticket stub owned by Gourley's father. It led Gourley to a realization that almost 50 years later, music has the same mission as then – "to comment on societal and political unease." "We worked with so many rad people on this album, but ended up with just the four of us in a basement at 4 a.m. trying to say something that mattered," said Gourley. "Trying to write music that would help people feel they're not alone, even if they're angry or feeling lost." Woodstock was released on June 16, 2017. John Gourley and Zoe Manville married on New Year's Eve 2017.
Rich Friends
Portugal. The Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I'm not your property
See I'm crushin' down these problems
Cuttin' pain with poverty
I'm just tryna catch a free ride
From the temple to the tomb
I could really really really
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
Let me be your one-man army
I'll campaign for anarchy
I been slippin' through the cracks
Like I was clothed in Vaseline
Let me be your little sunshine
In all this gloom and doom
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
From the Capetown coliseums
Cold disparity
Electric fences hummin' like a hive without a queen
We're all tryna catch a free ride
From the temple to the tomb
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
The song Rich Friends by Portugal. The Man is a satirical take on the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy and famous. The lyrics suggest that the singer is not interested in material possessions, but rather seeks a rich friend who can provide a sense of security in a world that is increasingly uncertain. The chorus of the song repeatedly emphasizes the singer's desire for a rich friend who can provide comfort and stability in the face of adversity.
The song's verses provide further insight into the singer's mindset. They express a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the current state of the world. The singer is struggling with personal problems, but also sees the larger issues of economic inequality and political corruption. They see themselves as part of a larger movement towards anarchy and rebellion.
The bridge of the song is particularly noteworthy, as it paints a vivid picture of the excesses and privileges of the wealthy. The reference to "Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall" suggests a lifestyle of hedonism and drug use. The line "Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous" hints at a sense of entitlement and self-importance that often accompanies wealth and celebrity.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey man I'm cool to lean on
I am someone you can rely on for emotional support.
But I'm not your property
However, you cannot take advantage of me or treat me like your possession.
See I'm crushin' down these problems
I am actively working to overcome my challenges and obstacles.
Cuttin' pain with poverty
Despite facing struggles, I continue to persevere using limited resources and my own determination.
I'm just tryna catch a free ride
I am hoping for assistance from others in order to improve my situation.
From the temple to the tomb
Throughout my journey in life, from birth to death.
I could really really really
I truly desire and need.
Use a rich rich friend like you
Assistance of a wealthy and supportive friend to improve my own financial standing.
Let me be your one-man army
I am willing to work tirelessly on my own to achieve goals and make things happen.
I'll campaign for anarchy
I am willing to take risks and rebel against the norms and values of society.
I been slippin' through the cracks
I have been unnoticed and overlooked.
Like I was clothed in Vaseline
It is as if I am wearing a slippery, invisible coat that allows me to slide by without notice.
Let me be your little sunshine
Allow me to bring some positivity and hope into your life.
In all this gloom and doom
Amidst all the negativity and pessimism in the world.
Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall
Partaking in reckless and dangerous behavior, such as mixing an ADHD medication with alcohol.
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Ignoring red flags and warning signs while pursuing something that seems idealistic and perfect, ultimately leading to destructive consequences.
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Indulging in self-destructive behavior while family members are absent, as if it were a celebration or vacation rather than a harmful habit.
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
Behaving as if we are invincible and above the negative consequences of our actions, as if we are celebrities living in our own world.
From the Capetown coliseums
Referring to a divided society in Cape Town, South Africa, where poverty and wealth are vastly different and often clash.
Cold disparity
The extreme contrast between wealthy and poor.
Electric fences hummin' like a hive without a queen
The societal divisions are like an unmaintained beehive, where the separation is unclear and may lead to danger.
We're all tryna catch a free ride
We all seek some kind of assistance or privilege, often without a true purpose or goal.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ammar Malik, Carla Azar, Eugene Goreshter, Greg Edwards, John Gourley, John Hill, Kyle O'quin, Zachary Carothers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nikki Robinson
Hey man I'm cool to lean on
But I'm not your property
See I'm crushing down these problems
Cutting pain with poverty
I'm just tryin' to catch a free ride
From the temple to the tomb
I could really really really use a rich rich friend like you
I could really really really use a rich rich friend like you
Let me be your one-man army
[?] for anarchy
I been slippin' through the cracks
Like I was clothed in vaseline
Let me be your little sunshine
In all this gloom and doom
I could really really really use a rich rich friend like you
I could really really really use a rich rich friend like you
Crashin' on Chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
From the Capetown coliseums
Cold disparity
Electric fences hummin' like a hive without a queen
We're all trying to catch a free ride
From the temple to the tomb
I could really really really use a rich rich friend like you
I could really really really use a rich rich friend like you
Crashin' on Chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
Crashin' on Chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
Crashin' on Chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
meutians
Lyrics
Hey man I'm cool to lean on
But I'm not your property
See I'm crushin' down these problems
Cuttin' pain with poverty
I'm just tryna catch a free ride
From the temple to the tomb
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
Let me be your one-man army
I'll campaign for anarchy
I been slippin' through the cracks
Like I was clothed in Vaseline
Let me be your little sunshine
In all this gloom and doom
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
From the Capetown coliseums
Cold disparity
Electric fences hummin' like a hive without a queen
We're all tryna catch a free ride
From the temple to the tomb
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
Sulasmi Dewi
Hey man I'm cool to lean on
But I'm not your property
See I'm crushin' down these problems
Cuttin' pain with poverty
I'm just tryna catch a free ride
From the temple to the tomb
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
Let me be your one-man army
I'll campaign for anarchy
I been slippin' through the cracks
Like I was clothed in Vaseline
Let me be your little sunshine
In all this gloom and doom
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
From the Capetown coliseums
Cold disparity
Electric fences hummin' like a hive without a queen
We're all tryna catch a free ride
From the temple to the tomb
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
I could really really really
Use a rich rich friend like you
Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
Crashin' on chardonnay and Adderall
Driving head on into the Wonderwall
Every day holidays when daddy's gone
Livin' life like we're the only ones that know we're famous
jim
Glenn can really easily go from a godly sculpture to the guy down the block you don’t trust.
Ramonerdna
Dear God this concept is amazing, very well executed
melissa thomas
Glenn howerton is a national treasure
Thomas Zimmerman
i think this is your strongest song on the album, I am shocked not more radio stations picked this up last year...
nocreep123
When I saw them live this year on my birthday, they played Dayman fighter of the night man. PTM has and always will be my favorite band
Phoebe Diana
Love this so much! It's the most unique music video I've seen :) Also a bonus with the gorgeous Glenn in it too!
☀️Johnny-Cake☁️
These guys were my technical first live show. I remember my brother and I being so pumped to see them. We didn’t stay for long unfortunately, since I was only around 9 or 10 years old at the time and there were other shows going on, but we caught the beginning of this song, became obsessed with it. Its a fire song and little me was chanhed forever
Martin
Every video that Portugal. The Man makes is incredibly awesome. This one is just another example of an awesome video from the greatest band. Portugal is exceptional in every facet of their being. Watching this I thought, if only there was a channel that played music videos 24/7. I remember when the M stood for Music and not Mess.
Isabella J T
AMO ESSA BANDA GENTE ♡
Cynthia Garcia
Muy original como siempre, Portugal. The Man 💜