The Prodigy first emerged in the underground rave scene in the early 1990s and achieved popularity and worldwide recognition with UK number one singles such as "Firestarter" and "Breathe", both singles coming from their UK and US chart topping album The Fat of the Land (1997). A third single from the album, “Smack My Bitch Up”, was also successful. They earned titles like "the premiere dance act for the alternative masses" and "the Godfathers of Rave", and remain one of the most successful electronic acts of all time. They have sold an estimated 25 million records worldwide, and won numerous music awards during their career, including two Brit Awards for Best British Dance Act, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Kerrang! Awards, five MTV Europe Music Awards, and received two Grammy Award nominations.
The Prodigy were founded in Braintree, Essex, in 1990 by keyboardist and songwriter Liam Howlett. He had taken piano lessons in his youth and gained the ability to play difficult passages in just a few run-throughs. After he decided to pursue a music career, Howlett met dancer and vocalist Keith Flint in mid-1989 at a rave at which Howlett was DJing. After Flint requested Howlett make a mix tape for him, Howlett obliged, returning a cassette several days later with a collection of his own songs on the other side. Howlett had scratched the word "Prodigy" onto the cassette, the same name as the Moog Prodigy analogue synthesiser, and Howlett's moniker. The tape was well-received by Flint and keyboardist Leeroy Thornhill who developed new dance sequences to the music and suggested to Howlett they begin a group together. They were soon joined by MC and vocalist Maxim, then known as Maxim Reality, and female dancer and vocalist Sharky, a friend of Flint's. Together they became the first line-up of the Prodigy.
On 4 March 2019, Keith Flint was found dead at his home in Essex, just weeks after playing six live dates in Australia and New Zealand. On 5 March, the band announced on Twitter that "all forthcoming concerts in 2019 would be canceled, effective immediately".
Following Flint's death, fans began using the Twitter hashtag "Firestarter4Number1" on various social media platforms to get "Firestarter" to top the British singles charts again. This was done out of respect for Keith Flint and to raise awareness of suicide among men.
On 20 August 2019, one day before his 48th birthday, Liam Howlett posted on the band's official Instagram page, saying he is "back in the studio making noise [...] brand new Prodigy tunes are gonna roll", referring to his intention to keep on releasing music under the Prodigy moniker.
Along with the Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim, the Prodigy have been credited as pioneers of the big beat genre, which achieved mainstream popularity in the 1990s. The Prodigy, however, is not considered entirely representative of the genre as their production "often reflected the more intelligent edge of trip-hop, and rarely broke into the mindless arena of true big beat" according to AllMusic. The Prodigy are also considered alternative dance, techno, electronica, breakbeat hardcore, and rave.
Liam Howlett cited early electro as a big influence, mentioning tunes like "Clear" by American music group Cybotron and "Al Naafiysh" by Hashim. Liam Howlett also cited The Bomb Squad, Public Enemy, and Rage Against the Machine as influences.
Android
The Prodigy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's time to break the silence and speak out, the time for action and making a difference. The opening line of The Prodigy's song "Android" sets the tone for a powerful and unrelenting message. As the song progresses, the lyrics paint a picture of a dystopian future where technology and artificial intelligence have taken over, leaving humans as mere slaves to their creations. The repetition of the phrase "I am an android" throughout the chorus represents the feeling of being trapped in a system that is beyond one's control.
The lyrics speak to the fears and concerns of a society that is becoming increasingly reliant on technology and the potential consequences that may come with it. The Prodigy's message is clear - we must be aware of our dependence on technology and ensure that it does not consume us completely. The song serves as a call to action, challenging listeners to take a more active role in shaping the future of our world.
Overall, "Android" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that reflects on the relationship between humans and technology. Its message is as relevant today as it was when it was released nearly a decade ago, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of our relationship with technology and the impact it can have on our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
You know what time it is?
Are you aware of the current moment and the actions that need to be taken?
It's time to get ill, it's time to represent.
It's time to get rowdy and make our presence felt.
You ready for this, let's go.
Are you prepared for what's about to happen? Then let's begin.
Android, android, android, android.
Repetitive chanting to indicate the dominance of Android technology.
Android, android, android, android.
Repetitive chanting to indicate the dominance of Android technology.
It's time to represent, androids.
It's time to show off the capabilities of Android technology through various means.
We're gonna represent and you know what I'm saying.
We're going to showcase the power of Android technology and make it clear to everyone.
Android, android, android, android.
Repetitive chanting to indicate the dominance of Android technology.
Android, android, android, android.
Repetitive chanting to indicate the dominance of Android technology.
We're gonna represent and you know what I'm saying.
We're going to showcase the power of Android technology and make it clear to everyone.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: LIAM HOWLETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind