Toni Watson, known professionally as Tones and I, is an Australian singer, … Read Full Bio ↴Toni Watson, known professionally as Tones and I, is an Australian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Her breakout single, "Dance Monkey", was released in May 2019 and reached number one in over 30 countries.

In 2019, she broke the Australian record for the most weeks at number one on the ARIA Singles Chart by any artist with 16 weeks. By mid-January 2020, "Dance Monkey" had spent its 24th and final week at number one, beating Bing Crosby's all-time Australian record for his version of "White Christmas", which spent 22 weeks at the top in 1943.

"Dance Monkey" was accredited 16× platinum by ARIA for shipments of over 1,120,000 units, by mid-2021. Tones was the most awarded artist at the ARIA Music Awards of 2019, winning four of eight nominations. Tones and I released her debut extended play, The Kids Are Coming, on 30 August 2019, which peaked at number three in Australia, and top 10 in several countries. Her debut album, Welcome to the Madhouse, was released via Bad Batch on 16 July 2021. It debuted at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart. The album's lead single "Fly Away" peaked at number four in Australia and number 11 in the UK.

Toni Watson grew up in Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula to the south of Melbourne, in the Australian state of Victoria. Conflicting reports state she was born either in 1993 or in 2000. The artist prefers not to disclose her birth details, "I never denied my age. I never lied about it. I just don't say anything now... Everything is wrong online."

She explained choosing a music career: "One day I was at the park with my family, all my cousins and stuff, in Frankston... We were all just singing a song and my aunty was like 'oh guys, she can actually hold a note.' I think that's the earliest memory of someone actually pointing me out as someone that has an ability to sing. I was probably like 7 years old." The singer-songwriter had learned to play keyboards and drum pads while at secondary school.She started busking in Melbourne, while working in fashion retail at the Universal Store.

In 2009, as Toni Watson, she created a YouTube page and posted a cappella cover versions of songs. She performed local gigs and festivals, including the Let Go festival. Tones was the vocalist for a duo in 2014, and remembered: "I started out singing in small pubs and bars in Mornington, I was singing along to a guitarist until I ended up branching out on my own." She explained her shift to a solo career: "I actually got made redundant from my retail job and with that money I bought an RC300 (loop station) and just started to try to figure it all out." She busked "up and down the east coast with her synthesizers and loop pedal, she has been building a loyal fanbase and captivating crowds with her genre-diverse style."

In September 2017, the singer-songwriter travelled to Byron Bay in the Australian state of New South Wales to try busking there. At an early performance, she met Jackson Walkden-Brown who became her manager about a month later. Her busking success led to a greater commitment to a music career. The artist spent 2018 living between Walkden-Brown's home in the Gold Coast hinterland and in her van in Byron Bay, writing music and busking full-time. Later that year she won the Battle of the Buskers at Buskers by the Creek.

Mambo
Tones and I Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Switching my life on Rambo
Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo
Switching my life on Rambo
Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo
Switching my life on Rambo
Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo
Switching my life on Rambo
Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo

Bloodlines, shit that you can't fade
They tripping on fuse, say my name one time
One Time
Bloodlines, shit that you can't fade
They tripping on fuse, say my name one time
One Time
Jumping out the gas pipe, hanging with the bad types
Smoking that ooze, when the shit ripe
Niggas tryina' act like, heros with the fake hype
I'm really on the move tryina' earn stripes
She sucking on my bagpipes, notice I'm mad nice
Really finna' sleep on a rare night
Traitor with a blunt knife, busking in the limelight
Y'ain't never know what it feels like
Get the children in the temple
A bunch of feelings that we handle
All I'm dealing elemental, really grievous, we the vandals
All is seeded, by the angles, gorgeous evil, burn the candle
Not appealing, it's a gamble, they deceiving
Let em' dangle, smoking that haze, a slow zone
Yeah I'm baked, can't go home, tryina' make way, to SoHo
Up for 5 days, we don't roam, paralyse hate I'm solo
Strings I made that banjo, felt like days we no glow
Breed my strains like rainbow
Switching my life on Rambo
Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo
Switching my life on Rambo
Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo
Switching my life on Rambo
Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo
Switching my life on Rambo
Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo
Bloodlines, shit that you can't fade
They tripping on fuse, say my name one time
One Time
Bloodlines, shit that you can't fade
They tripping on fuse, say my name one time
One Time
Picking my orders, walking on water
Out here enticing your daughter
Moving life forward, money ain't awkward
Let the rap skip them borders
Went back to the Porter, daddy made Doha
Finna' take steps explorer, we packed in the corner
Green as the order, RR want that horror
With the mob solid like chain gang
Skip the parts, really no spray tan
Stay alarmed, like we got a black van
Parallel park to the advance, gets a little dark at first glance
Come through lemme show the mob dance
Part two, working on the finance, run to money at the first glance
All this drip a ocean, never too stiff for motion
Don't cause no commotion, lest' you leave it broken
All this drip a ocean, never too stiff for motion
Don't cause no commotion, lest' you leave it broken
Switching my life on Rambo
Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo
Switching my life on Rambo
Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo
Switching my life on Rambo
Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo
Switching my life on Rambo
Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo
Bloodlines, shit that you can't fade
They tripping on fuse, say my name one time
One Time
Bloodlines, shit that you can't fade

They tripping on fuse, say my name one time
One Time

Overall Meaning

In Tones and I's song "Mambo," the lyrics seem to touch on themes of rebellion, self-expression, and embracing a carefree lifestyle. The chorus, "Switching my life on Rambo, Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo," suggests a desire to break free from societal norms and expectations. The use of the term "Rambo" implies a bold and fearless attitude, while "King Mambo" may allude to being the ruler of one's own life and decisions.

The verses further explore the idea of living life on one's own terms. The use of drugs and partying symbolize an escape from daily routine and the pursuit of pleasure. The reference to "jumping out the gas pipe" and "smoking that ooze" conjures an image of living recklessly and indulging in vices. The singer also alludes to being misunderstood, feeling like a hero surrounded by fake hype. They emphasize the importance of personal growth and ambition, striving to earn their own success and recognition.

The overall vibe of the song exudes a sense of rebellion and freedom. It encourages listeners to let go of societal expectations, take risks, and embrace their true selves. The lyrics convey a strong message of living in the moment and challenging the conventions that restrict individuality.

Line by Line Meaning

Switching my life on Rambo
Making drastic changes and taking control of my life with fierce determination

Smoke a fat spliff King Mambo
Indulging in marijuana to find relaxation and embrace a carefree attitude

Bloodlines, shit that you can't fade
The deep connections and heritage that cannot be disregarded or diminished

They tripping on fuse, say my name one time
Others are underestimating my power and influence, but they will acknowledge it if mentioned once

Jumping out the gas pipe, hanging with the bad types
Coming out of difficult situations and associating with rebellious individuals

Smoking that ooze, when the shit ripe
Enjoying intoxication when the circumstances are ideal

Niggas tryina' act like, heros with the fake hype
People pretending to be heroes and exaggerating their accomplishments

I'm really on the move tryina' earn stripes
I am actively working towards gaining recognition and proving my worth

She sucking on my bagpipes, notice I'm mad nice
She's giving me oral pleasure, acknowledging my exceptional skills

Really finna' sleep on a rare night
Truly planning to have a peaceful and extraordinary night of rest

Traitor with a blunt knife, busking in the limelight
Betraying others with deceptive intentions, seeking attention and fame

Y'ain't never know what it feels like
You will never understand the emotions and experiences I've been through

Get the children in the temple
Gather the young and innocent individuals in a sacred place

A bunch of feelings that we handle
Dealing with a variety of emotions at once

All I'm dealing elemental, really grievous, we the vandals
Everything I'm facing is fundamental and serious, and we are the disruptors

All is seeded, by the angles, gorgeous evil, burn the candle
Everything is influenced by hidden forces, combining beauty and wickedness, and we live extravagantly

Not appealing, it's a gamble, they deceiving
It's not attractive or predictable, it's risky, and they are being dishonest

Let em' dangle, smoking that haze, a slow zone
Let them be uncertain, while I relax and enjoy the tranquil state of smoking marijuana

Yeah I'm baked, can't go home, tryina' make way, to SoHo
I am heavily under the influence, unable to leave, but I am striving to reach a trendy neighborhood

Up for 5 days, we don't roam, paralyse hate I'm solo
Staying awake for five days straight, not wandering around, and silencing negativity by myself

Strings I made that banjo, felt like days we no glow
I created the musical harmonies that resonate deeply, reminiscent of days when we lacked radiance

Breed my strains like rainbow
Nurturing and developing unique varieties like a vibrant rainbow

Picking my orders, walking on water
Choosing my priorities carefully and accomplishing the impossible

Out here enticing your daughter
Captivating and seducing your daughter with my charm

Moving life forward, money ain't awkward
Progressing in life, and handling money without discomfort

Let the rap skip them borders
Allowing the rap genre to transcend boundaries and limitations

Went back to the Porter, daddy made Doha
Returning to the original place I belong, where my father achieved success

Finna' take steps explorer, we packed in the corner
About to embark on an adventurous journey, and we are ready and united

Green as the order, RR want that horror
Wealthy individuals desire the horror-themed luxury brand, Rolls Royce

With the mob solid like chain gang
Being part of a group that is strong and loyal, comparable to a chain gang

Skip the parts, really no spray tan
Skipping unnecessary details, and definitely no artificial tanning

Stay alarmed, like we got a black van
Remaining cautious and vigilant, as if we are being pursued by a mysterious black van

Parallel park to the advance, gets a little dark at first glance
Adapting smoothly to challenging situations, although it may seem unsettling initially

Come through lemme show the mob dance
Join me and witness the energetic dance performed by the group

Part two, working on the finance, run to money at the first glance
The next phase involves handling financial matters, rushing towards wealth upon initial observation

All this drip a ocean, never too stiff for motion
My impeccable style exudes confidence, and I'm always ready for movement

Don't cause no commotion, lest' you leave it broken
Avoid creating disturbances or chaos, or else you'll end up with something damaged or shattered

Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Thato Modika

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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