Many Moons

Janelle Monáe

About Many Moons

"Many Moons" is a 2008 song by American singer Janelle Monáe, included on the Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase) album. It was number 47 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2008. The song was also nominated for Best Urban/Alternative Performance at the 51st Grammy Awards. The song's opening section, which involves a refrain of "voodoo," borrows both musically and lyrically from the "Pinball Number Count" song from Sesame Street, which was performed by The Pointer Sisters.  


Year:
2007
5:33
299 
#2

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

We're dancing free but we're stuck here underground
And everybody trying to figure they way out
Hey hey hey, all we ever wanted to say
Was chased, erased and then thrown away
And day to day we live in a daze

We march all around til' the sun goes down night children
Broken dreams, no sunshine, endless crimes, we long for freedom (for freedom)
You're free but in your mind, your freedom's in a bind

Oh make it rain, ain't a thing in the sky to fall
(The silver bullet's in your hand and the war's heating up)
And when the truth goes bang the shouts splatter out
(Revolutionize your lives and find a way out)
And when you're growing down instead of growing up
(You gotta ooo ah ah like a panther)
Tell me are you bold enough to reach for love?
(Na na na)

He lived in sector ten
He had a friend named Benjamin
Sail away, sail away Susan

So strong for so long
All I wanna do is sing my simple song
Square or round, rich or poor
At the end of day and night all we want is more
I keep my feet on solid ground and use my wings when storms come around
I keep my feet on solid ground for freedom
You're free but in your mind, your freedom's in a bind

Oh make it rain, ain't a thing in the sky to fall
(The silver bullet's in your hand and the war's heating up)
And when the truth goes bang the shouts splatter out
(Revolutionize your lives and find a way out)
And when you're growing down instead of growing up
(You gotta ooo ah ah like a panther)
Tell me are you bold enough to reach for love?
(Na na na)

Civil rights, civil war
Hood rat, crack whore
Carefree, nightclub
Closet drunk, bathtub
Outcast, weirdo
Stepchild, freak show
Black girl, bad hair
Broad nose, cold stare
Tap shoes, Broadway
Tuxedo, holiday
Creative black, Love song
Stupid words, erased song
Gun shots, orange house
Dead man walking with a dirty mouth
Spoiled milk, stale bread
Welfare, bubonic plague
Record deal, light bulb
Keep back kid now corporate thug
Breast cancer, common cold
HIV, lost hope
Overweight, self esteem
Misfit, broken dream
Fish tank, small bowl
Closed mind, dark hold
Cybergirl, droid control
Get away now they trying to steal your soul
Microphone, one stage
Tomboy, outrage
Street fight, bloody war
Instigators, third floor
Promiscuous child, broken heart
STD, quarantine
Heroin user, coke head
Final chapter, death bed
Plastic sweat, metal skin
Metallic tears, mannequin
Carefree, night club
Closet drunk, bathtub
White house, Jim Crow
Dirty lies, my regards

When the world just treats you wrong
Just come with me and I'll take you home
No need to pack a bag
Who put your life in the danger zone?
You running dropping like a rolling stone
No time to pack a bag
You just can't stop your hurt from hanging on
The old man dies and then a baby's born
Chan, chan, chan, change your life
And when the world just treats you wrong
Just come with us and you'll take you home
Shan, shan shan shan-gri la
Na na na na na na na na na na na

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe ( /mɵˈneɪ/; born December 1, 1985) is an American R&B/soul musician signed to Bad Boy Records and Atlantic Records. more »

3 fans

Written by: Nathaniel Irvin, Walt Kramer, Janelle Monae Robinson, Charles L Joseph

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Origin
"Many Moons" is a song from Janelle Monáe's debut EP, "Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase)" released in 2007.
Conceptual Continuity
The song is part of Monáe's recurring futuristic thematic concept, drawing from Afrofuturism and notable science fiction works.
Inspirational Sources
The song reflects Monáe's admirations for artists like Stevie Wonder, OutKast, and David Bowie, combining elements of R&B, soul, funk, and electronic music.
Grammy Nomination
"Many Moons" was nominated for Best Urban/Alternative Performance at the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009.
Music Video
The music video for "Many Moons" is directed by Alan Ferguson. It showcases Monáe's acting capabilities and the overarching narrative of her work - featuring a science fiction robot auction and revolt.
Song Narrative
In the song's narrative, Monáe plays an android named Cindi Mayweather who fights for equal rights in a futuristic society.
Recognition
It has been acclaimed by critics for its originality, lyricism, and blending of different music genres.
Representation
The song is often interpreted as representing the struggles for freedom by marginalized groups, including the black community, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Versatility
The song presents Monáe's versatile vocal and music range, shifting from slow ballad-like sections to rapid, upbeat, danceable bits.
Unique Style
"Many Moons" backbone is anchored by doo-wop, a genre that significantly contributes to Monáe's unique style in the modern pop landscape.

Discuss the Many Moons Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Many Moons Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/12302908/Janelle+Mon%C3%A1e/Many+Moons>.

    Missing lyrics by Janelle Monáe?

    Know any other songs by Janelle Monáe? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Many Moons

    746.6K
    6,108     80

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What was the name of the original drummer for The Beatles?
    A Pete West
    B Norman Chapman
    C Pete Best
    D Ringo Starr

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Janelle Monáe tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!