In 1996, Mad Child and Prevail went to the B-Boy Summit in San Diego, California, where Mad Child won several rap battles and was initiated into the Rock Steady Crew, legendary to the hip hop/b-boy scene. The Crew is held in great respect as hip hop's highest collective - to join one must win a contest of skill against one of the highest ranked members. Swollen Members is one of only three rap groups affiliated with Rock Steady.
That same year, the duo began recording their first tracks, with help from many of their friends from the scene - MCs, DJs, and producers, including Rob the Viking. Rob would continue to work with the group through the years, eventually joining them later. From the praise they were receiving, they decided it was time to release their material as a group. With the subsequent release of three 12" singles on Mad Child's record label Battleaxe Records, the group quickly established themselves in the scene and built a respectable following. The next logical step was to release an album, which was titled Balance and released in 1999.
Balance received wide critical acclaim and has been claimed by the band to have sold in excess of 50,000 copies. Featuring collaborations with artists such as Everlast, Divine Styler, and Dilated Peoples, the album also netted Swollen Members the 2001 Juno Award for Best Rap Recording.
Following Balance, Swollen Members recorded and released Bad Dreams, which successfully dodged the so-called "sophomore curse" many artists suffer upon their second release. Bad Dreams was released on November 13, 2001, featuring guests such as Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, Son Doobie, Joey Chavez, and former member Moka Only. Like their debut, Bad Dreams was surprisingly successful for an independent rap album and brought Swollen Members global acclaim. Surprisingly, it appealed to both underground and mainstream audiences, with several singles reaching platinum status in Canada.
The album also earned Swollen Members their second Juno Award, and four MuchMusic Video Awards. The group continues to tour, visiting every major market possible and performing hundreds of shows a year; some with nearly 15,000 audience members. The media continues to give their music and live shows excellent coverage around the globe, and both new and old singles receive solid airplay on college and commercial radio. Their tracks have also been featured in a multitude of films, television programs, extreme sports videos, commercials, video games (especially games produced by Electronic Arts, which has a studio in their hometown of Vancouver), and compilation albums, the sales of which total in the millions when combined.
Swollen Members have appeared on numerous television shows, in addition to having several of their live shows televised. Like their singles, their music videos have been heavily played on both the Canadian MuchMusic and the American MTV, as well as on many independent video shows.
2002's Monsters in the Closet, their third release, brought them greater fame than ever before. Where Moka Only and Rob the Viking had only peripherally assisted the duo before, they now became official members of the group. Monsters included several unreleased tracks and remixes, as well as collaborations from fellow British Columbian Nelly Furtado and Saukrates of Def Jam. Production credits included Evidence from Dilated Peoples.
2003 brought Heavy, released yet again to critical acclaim and powerful sales, despite dismal video play time on MuchMusic. The band considers it the bridge between their underground origins and their potential for fame. Unfortunately the album was controversial among Swollen Members' fanbase. Many fans claim that Swollen Members have removed many elements of their style which had awarded them in the past. The lines were drawn between fans who began to listen to Swollen Members when Monsters in the Closet came out and fans attracted by the earlier two albums (especially Balance). They continue to tour, playing both local and international shows to the delight of their hometown fans.
In 2005 Moka Only decided to break off from the group for a second time and continue work on his solo career.
In 2006 Swollen Members released their fifth full album, Black Magic. It is understood that Mad Child and Prevail made an attempt to return to their previously critically acclaimed style and method. Their previous album Heavy was seen by the band as a disappointment, and isn't listed on their official site discography.
In August 2006, Swollen Members released their new single "Put Me On - Feat. Everlast" off of their new album, "Black Magic".
Their next CD is scheduled to be released at the end of the summer of 2008. According to the band's website, Mad Child will soon release a solo album.
Go To Sleep
Swollen Members Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Both fucked up but we still good crazy
Got boyfriends so our love's like maybe
Ro dawg ask if we mis behaving
You seem like you gotta a couple screws loose too
We just met and I'm afraid one day I might lose you
Somethin cornered in my head like what am I gon' do
This is wrong but if you want me you know I'll come through
See dollar signs in your eyes when your talkin
But I know there's another side, face me, embrace me
I need you, I need to feed till I breathe you
And you know soon we both gon have to make a decision
Feel bad, he's got to go be he's not takin you with him
Till then, just promise me that you won't cry
Ill meet you in your dreams, first we'll talk till your phone dies
Go to sleep so we can meet
Again
Go to sleep so we can meet
Again
The first time I saw her I was breathless speechless
A goddess in front of my eye with righteous features
Too nervous to introduce myself as prevail
This has never happened before so I knew it was real
What we're buildin is a feeling that has opened me up
We build together everyday, I hope your feeling this cut
Plus we both travel the world, destination unknown
Ill meet you in a private location in ancient rome
In a different time zone we can finally be alone
I'm on the countdown grindin with my brothers on the road
This time around my mind is on a different mode
There's no need to shop around I got the good shit at home
I've been blessed with a priceless precious jewel
The freshest girl I met in my life is you
You're my partner in crime my lifeline understand
Close your eyes hold my hand and enter the sandman
If your not dream come true, don't pretend to be
You know that I've already slept with the enemy
Lady venom has ended now that I'm independent
Livin life without tension first I'm lookin for friendship
Lifestyle surrendered centered faithful focus sinful
In past life we've become closest eyes are wide open
Curse has been broken immersed in your person, truth has been spoken
I'm hopin you see me when your head hit the pillow that
When I go to sleep first thing I see is your sillouhette
Feel like I was always missin something true until we met
I know that we can't be together now but soon we'll meet again
My tour ends, until then ill meet you in the dream land
'cause each and every moment is important that's the game plan
A changed man, help me put my life into perspective
Its impossible to separate as long as we're connected
The song "Go to Sleep" by Swollen Members is a love song about two people who are in a complicated situation. The song is sung from the perspective of a man who has fallen in love with a woman who is already in a relationship with someone else. Despite this, the man is still drawn to her and can't stop thinking about her. He is torn between his feelings and the reality of the situation, knowing that they can't be together. However, he promises to meet her in her dreams, where they can be together without the complications of real life.
The lyrics of the song are full of ambiguity and mixed emotions. The man is afraid that he might lose the woman he loves, but he is also aware that she has a boyfriend. He acknowledges that her love for him is uncertain, but he is still willing to take the chance. He sees the dollar signs in her eyes when she talks, but he also knows that there is another side to her. He wants to embrace her and be with her, but he also feels guilty about the situation they are in.
The song has a dreamlike quality, with references to ancient Rome and the sandman. The man promises to meet the woman in her dreams, where they can be together without the complications of real life. He is on tour with his band, but he is always thinking of her. He hopes that she is thinking of him too, and that she will see him when she goes to sleep.
Overall, "Go to Sleep" is a song that explores the complexities of love and relationships. It is a beautiful and haunting song that captures the intense emotions of two people who are drawn to each other, but can't be together.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo it took 5 minutes now I call you baby
After only five minutes of conversation, I feel so connected to you that I'm comfortable calling you my baby
Both fucked up but we still good crazy
Though we share personal issues, we still care deeply for each other
Got boyfriends so our love's like maybe
Since we both have significant others, our love feels unsure and potentially ill-fated
Ro dawg ask if we mis behaving
Rodney, a mutual friend, inquired if our actions were inappropriate
You seem like you gotta a couple screws loose too
I sense that you have some emotional instability and I can relate
We just met and I'm afraid one day I might lose you
I worry about the potential loss of you, despite our newly formed connection
Somethin cornered in my head like what am I gon' do
I'm conflicted internally about what to do with my feelings for you
This is wrong but if you want me you know I'll come through
I know this is morally incorrect, but I will still be there for you if you need me
Often you walkin in highheels and stalkings
I often see you walking in highheels and stockings, which comes across as sexually alluring
See dollar signs in your eyes when your talkin
I sense a hint of greed in your conversations and actions
But I know there's another side, face me, embrace me
Despite your exterior, I know there is a side of you that is genuine and caring, so show it to me and accept my love
I need you, I need to feed till I breathe you
I crave your presence and can't get enough of you
And you know soon we both gon have to make a decision
Ultimately, we will both have to decide where our hearts truly lie
Feel bad, he's got to go be he's not takin you with him
I feel empathy for you because your current significant other may be leaving you behind
Till then, just promise me that you won't cry
For now, just promise that you won't let our situation bring you to tears
Ill meet you in your dreams, first we'll talk till your phone dies
We may not be able to physically be together, but I'll always be there for you, even in your dreams
The first time I saw her I was breathless speechless
Upon seeing you, my breath was taken away and I was left speechless
A goddess in front of my eye with righteous features
You are a heavenly beauty with morally admirable traits
Too nervous to introduce myself as prevail
I was too anxious to properly introduce myself
This has never happened before so I knew it was real
This unexpected connection feels authentic and genuine to me
What we're buildin is a feeling that has opened me up
Our relationship is creating an emotional awakening within me
We build together everyday, I hope your feeling this cut
We work together to create something special every day, and I hope you appreciate and feel our bond
Plus we both travel the world, destination unknown
We both are world travelers, unsure of where our journeys will lead us
Ill meet you in a private location in ancient rome
In our dreams, I will take you to an imaginary private location in ancient Rome
In a different time zone we can finally be alone
In another dimension or time, we can finally enjoy each other's company without interference
I'm on the countdown grindin with my brothers on the road
I'm currently on tour with my team, grinding and hustling towards our goals
This time around my mind is on a different mode
My current mindset is different than it has been in the past
There's no need to shop around I got the good shit at home
I don't need to search for love anywhere else, because I've found it with you
I've been blessed with a priceless precious jewel
You are a rare and invaluable treasure to me
The freshest girl I met in my life is you
You are the most attractive and unique girl that I've ever encountered
You're my partner in crime my lifeline understand
You are my trusted partner and my saving grace, and I hope you know and accept that
Close your eyes hold my hand and enter the sandman
Relax and let yourself drift off to sleep while we hold hands and dream together
If your not dream come true, don't pretend to be
If you're not truly the one for me, please don't pretend to be
You know that I've already slept with the enemy
You are aware that I've been romantically involved with others in the past
Lady venom has ended now that I'm independent
I've let go of negative relationships and am now independent and free
Livin life without tension first I'm lookin for friendship
I'm living life with minimal stress, and I'm initially seeking friendship before anything else
Lifestyle surrendered centered faithful focus sinful
I've given up my past lifestyle and am focusing on living faithfully and sinlessly
In past life we've become closest eyes are wide open
In our past lives, we've formed a strong connection, and our eyes are now open to a new and deeper level of love
Curse has been broken immersed in your person, truth has been spoken
I've been freed from a curse through my immersion in your life, and we've been truthful with each other about our feelings
I'm hopin you see me when your head hit the pillow that
I'm hoping that you think of me as you fall asleep at night
When I go to sleep first thing I see is your sillouhette
As I drift off to sleep, I envision your silhouette in my mind
Feel like I was always missin something true until we met
I feel like I've been searching for something real my whole life until I met you
I know that we can't be together now but soon we'll meet again
Our current situation prevents us from being together, but I believe we will reunite in the future
My tour ends, until then ill meet you in the dream land
While I'm on tour, I'll see you in our dreams
'cause each and every moment is important that's the game plan
We must treasure every moment we have together, that's our mission
A changed man, help me put my life into perspective
You've helped me change for the better and see my life from a new perspective
Its impossible to separate as long as we're connected
Our deep connection means that it's impossible for us to ever truly be separated
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SHANE BUNTING, KILEY HENDRIKS, BARBARA HATCH, SAM SPIEGEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lindseyvukmire540
It’s impossible to separate as long as we’re connected 🍃
@arjparke3124
Fourteen long years of the journey of life this song still speaks to me. Thank you for this
@BLITZ6769
If a flower could bloom into a person you would be one of em...
@rfsamigo
this song deserves millions of views
@KFresh1026
throwback <3 :3
@DeMoodoh
i miss u this was r song.hope you never forget about what shared,always in my dreams.
@PRJ355
14 years not knowing about them i cant believe it they are just as good as jedi mind tricks or atmosphere
@whitepineraven2429
I love this song <3
@raqueljimenez2716
#i take off meh ghee string n HANDL3 MINE$ 😘✌🙀💯
Gota luve crude humor
@frostythesn0wman
Awesome.