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iamamiwhoami – Y Lyrics 13 years ago
The videos are completely random and full of nothing but random bizarre images, right? Wrong. They actually tell a story that is tied into a Arabic, African, AND European legends about something quite unexpected... Let me explain. I think I have this figured out.

Something we should start with is looking more in depth at the continuous imagery of the white substance on Jonna Lee (the singer and woman in all of the iamamiwhoami videos), on the plants, the mud on Jonna Lee, and the constant plant references throughout all of the videos.

So, first thing's first, what do the numbers in the first six introduction videos mean? Let's decipher them, shall we?

699130082.451322-5.4.21.3.1.20.9.15.14.1.12:

FIIAC**HB.DEACBB-E.D.U.C.A.T.I.O.N.A.L

9.1.13.669321018:

I.A.M.FFICBA*AH

9.20.19.13.5.723378:

I.T.S.M.E.GBCCGH

13.1.14.4.18.1.7.15.18.1.1110:

M.A.N.D.R.A.G.O.R.A.AAA*

15.6.6.9.3.9.14.1.18.21.13.56155:

O.F.F.I.C.I.N.I.R.U.M.EFAEE

23.5.12.3.15.13.5-8.15.13.5.3383:

W.E.L.C.O.M.E-H.O.M.E.CCHC

Mhm. It says: "Welcome home. I am educational. It's me, Mandragora Officinirum."

It's significant to note that one of the numbered videos spell out "mandragora" and "officinarum," otherwise known as the mandragora, or, the mandrake plant. The mandrake root, according to ancient folklore, is believed to have grown where a hanging man's semen spilled onto the ground, hence the white substance throughout the videos.

Philip de Thaun was an Anglo-Norman who wrote a book in the first half of the 20th century. In this book "Bestiary," de Thaun, says the following about the mandrake: "It has two roots, the make of a man and a woman."

(HA! Jonna and the mystery man!! But waittt, it gets better...) "The man who is to gather it must fly around about it; must take great care that he does not touch it - then let a dog be bound - let it be tied to it." Following these guidelines are instructions to starve the dog, then after three dogs, offer the dog some bread. Naturally, the dog will come running to the food in your hand. Then... "the dog will draw it to him; the root will break; it will send forth a cry; the dog will fall down dead." This explains the six dogs, then the following six graves/crosses in two of the introduction videos!

(I AM AM I WHO AM I = I AM MANDRAKE. Let's continue...)

"...if the man heard it, he would directly die - therefore, he must stop his ears and take care that he does not hear the cry. When one has the root, it is of great value for medicine, for it cures every infirmity - except only death."

The six dogs turn up dead in the introduction videos, this is obvious at seen by the six crosses used as tombstones. I believe Jonna's character in these videos is actually one half of the root (the man being the other; in U-1, it almost seems like they are connected and unified as one) and her voice is symbolic of the mandrake's cry. The cry, as stated above, is believed to be deadly, but also a miracle plant to cure all illness (just like love and faith can be the cure for all despair and sorrow, as well as the perfect weapon to diagnose pain and agony). This is why the tags for the Youtube videos relate so much to life and death. Such examples include the following tags on the introduction videos: fetus, umbilical cord, habitat, moisture, disciple, amniotic fluid, nest, lay, mount, etc.

Here is another paragraph I found interesting, and this imagery is in several of the iamamiwhoami videos: "A cut of the female mandrake root" ... "cases the figure of a naked woman with the plant shooting into leaf and flower from her head." (Which was blatantly seen in "N")

Also note that mandrake superstition has been rampant through human ages. As I've said, it's associated with providing life and causing death (more often, death). Some common synonyms for the mandrake are: Satan's Apple, Mandragora, Devil's Testicles, etc. Here is another paragraph I found informative:

"The officinarum variety is yellow-greenish; the autumnalis variety is purple. The flowers are born on separate stalks, which emerge from the centre of the leaf-rosette. They later give rise to the golden yellowish fruits, that are often referred to as 'apples', which they resemble, though their size approximates more that of a crab-apple or mirabelle. The fruit has a pleasant scent. The root can grow to over half a meter (2 feet) in length and is often strangely forked, which has given rise to anthropomorphic associations, likening their appearance to a human male or female body shape. The root has a tough brown rind but is white inside. The leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root." (Hence the crown she wears in "T") So, why is Jonna covered in black-brown while maintaining her long, blonde locks? Because her body symbolizes the root in the ground, covered in dirt, and (as stated) it has a "brown rind but is white inside."

The white is shown in "Y" as Jonna sings in the paper house, covered in mud, and her paper dress represents the inner white inside the root. Her hair symbolizes the yellow leaves. Plain and simple. Also, in "T," Jonna is seen covered in the white substance while wearing a crown ("the leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root").

Here is another paragraph: "Mandrake originates in the eastern Mediterranean region and is distributed throughout southern Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa, where it grows in waste places and abandoned fields in sandy and rocky, well draining soil. There is also a species that is endemic to the Himalaya. Nowadays it is cultivated in gardens north of the Alps, but doesn't naturalize there, as it needs a warm and protected setting." This is why Jonna is standing in a flower pot, surrounded by other leaves, in a greenhouse in "O." She IS the mandrake root. She needs that warm and protect setting. Get it?

Let's address the constant use of six: six was the quantity of dogs, berries, and cats throughout the videos. Six dogs, six cats, six berries. 666, right? Well, it isn't Satanic symbolism; it's just an allusion to the devil and the end, simply because the mandrake has been called The Devil's Apple and The Devil's Testicles. The use of 666 simply signifies the end of a bond. Once you understand the mythology behind the mandrake, iamamiwhoami's videos make MUCH more sense.

So, here's the big question: Why even use the mandrake symbolism and allusions?

Well, the mandrake was believed to have a male and female root, right? The root belonged to one plant, one organism, one creation, one being, one idea. This can be symbolic of a love or bond that held significant meaning. However, the root was ripped from the ground and split in two. The female root shrieked, giving birth to Jonna's voice and lyrics.

In case you haven't noticed, the lyrics are about a love / significant connection to someone or something gone horribly wrong.

"B" is the initial love / connection.
"O" is the sudden halt this love / connection takes.
"U-1" is total remorse for this ending.
"U-2" is the continued remorse.
"N" is the insecurities brought on by this newly found independence.
"T" is learning that one has potential by oneself, with or without this person / idea.
"Y" is merely IAM personifying her / their hope and moving on.

:)

submissions
iamamiwhoami – U-2 Lyrics 13 years ago
The videos are completely random and full of nothing but random bizarre images, right? Wrong. They actually tell a story that is tied into a Arabic, African, AND European legends about something quite unexpected... Let me explain. I think I have this figured out.

Something we should start with is looking more in depth at the continuous imagery of the white substance on Jonna Lee (the singer and woman in all of the iamamiwhoami videos), on the plants, the mud on Jonna Lee, and the constant plant references throughout all of the videos.

So, first thing's first, what do the numbers in the first six introduction videos mean? Let's decipher them, shall we?

699130082.451322-5.4.21.3.1.20.9.15.14.1.12:

FIIAC**HB.DEACBB-E.D.U.C.A.T.I.O.N.A.L

9.1.13.669321018:

I.A.M.FFICBA*AH

9.20.19.13.5.723378:

I.T.S.M.E.GBCCGH

13.1.14.4.18.1.7.15.18.1.1110:

M.A.N.D.R.A.G.O.R.A.AAA*

15.6.6.9.3.9.14.1.18.21.13.56155:

O.F.F.I.C.I.N.I.R.U.M.EFAEE

23.5.12.3.15.13.5-8.15.13.5.3383:

W.E.L.C.O.M.E-H.O.M.E.CCHC

Mhm. It says: "Welcome home. I am educational. It's me, Mandragora Officinirum."

It's significant to note that one of the numbered videos spell out "mandragora" and "officinarum," otherwise known as the mandragora, or, the mandrake plant. The mandrake root, according to ancient folklore, is believed to have grown where a hanging man's semen spilled onto the ground, hence the white substance throughout the videos.

Philip de Thaun was an Anglo-Norman who wrote a book in the first half of the 20th century. In this book "Bestiary," de Thaun, says the following about the mandrake: "It has two roots, the make of a man and a woman."

(HA! Jonna and the mystery man!! But waittt, it gets better...) "The man who is to gather it must fly around about it; must take great care that he does not touch it - then let a dog be bound - let it be tied to it." Following these guidelines are instructions to starve the dog, then after three dogs, offer the dog some bread. Naturally, the dog will come running to the food in your hand. Then... "the dog will draw it to him; the root will break; it will send forth a cry; the dog will fall down dead." This explains the six dogs, then the following six graves/crosses in two of the introduction videos!

(I AM AM I WHO AM I = I AM MANDRAKE. Let's continue...)

"...if the man heard it, he would directly die - therefore, he must stop his ears and take care that he does not hear the cry. When one has the root, it is of great value for medicine, for it cures every infirmity - except only death."

The six dogs turn up dead in the introduction videos, this is obvious at seen by the six crosses used as tombstones. I believe Jonna's character in these videos is actually one half of the root (the man being the other; in U-1, it almost seems like they are connected and unified as one) and her voice is symbolic of the mandrake's cry. The cry, as stated above, is believed to be deadly, but also a miracle plant to cure all illness (just like love and faith can be the cure for all despair and sorrow, as well as the perfect weapon to diagnose pain and agony). This is why the tags for the Youtube videos relate so much to life and death. Such examples include the following tags on the introduction videos: fetus, umbilical cord, habitat, moisture, disciple, amniotic fluid, nest, lay, mount, etc.

Here is another paragraph I found interesting, and this imagery is in several of the iamamiwhoami videos: "A cut of the female mandrake root" ... "cases the figure of a naked woman with the plant shooting into leaf and flower from her head." (Which was blatantly seen in "N")

Also note that mandrake superstition has been rampant through human ages. As I've said, it's associated with providing life and causing death (more often, death). Some common synonyms for the mandrake are: Satan's Apple, Mandragora, Devil's Testicles, etc. Here is another paragraph I found informative:

"The officinarum variety is yellow-greenish; the autumnalis variety is purple. The flowers are born on separate stalks, which emerge from the centre of the leaf-rosette. They later give rise to the golden yellowish fruits, that are often referred to as 'apples', which they resemble, though their size approximates more that of a crab-apple or mirabelle. The fruit has a pleasant scent. The root can grow to over half a meter (2 feet) in length and is often strangely forked, which has given rise to anthropomorphic associations, likening their appearance to a human male or female body shape. The root has a tough brown rind but is white inside. The leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root." (Hence the crown she wears in "T") So, why is Jonna covered in black-brown while maintaining her long, blonde locks? Because her body symbolizes the root in the ground, covered in dirt, and (as stated) it has a "brown rind but is white inside."

The white is shown in "Y" as Jonna sings in the paper house, covered in mud, and her paper dress represents the inner white inside the root. Her hair symbolizes the yellow leaves. Plain and simple. Also, in "T," Jonna is seen covered in the white substance while wearing a crown ("the leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root").

Here is another paragraph: "Mandrake originates in the eastern Mediterranean region and is distributed throughout southern Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa, where it grows in waste places and abandoned fields in sandy and rocky, well draining soil. There is also a species that is endemic to the Himalaya. Nowadays it is cultivated in gardens north of the Alps, but doesn't naturalize there, as it needs a warm and protected setting." This is why Jonna is standing in a flower pot, surrounded by other leaves, in a greenhouse in "O." She IS the mandrake root. She needs that warm and protect setting. Get it?

Let's address the constant use of six: six was the quantity of dogs, berries, and cats throughout the videos. Six dogs, six cats, six berries. 666, right? Well, it isn't Satanic symbolism; it's just an allusion to the devil and the end, simply because the mandrake has been called The Devil's Apple and The Devil's Testicles. The use of 666 simply signifies the end of a bond. Once you understand the mythology behind the mandrake, iamamiwhoami's videos make MUCH more sense.

So, here's the big question: Why even use the mandrake symbolism and allusions?

Well, the mandrake was believed to have a male and female root, right? The root belonged to one plant, one organism, one creation, one being, one idea. This can be symbolic of a love or bond that held significant meaning. However, the root was ripped from the ground and split in two. The female root shrieked, giving birth to Jonna's voice and lyrics.

In case you haven't noticed, the lyrics are about a love / significant connection to someone or something gone horribly wrong.

"B" is the initial love / connection.
"O" is the sudden halt this love / connection takes.
"U-1" is total remorse for this ending.
"U-2" is the continued remorse.
"N" is the insecurities brought on by this newly found independence.
"T" is learning that one has potential by oneself, with or without this person / idea.
"Y" is merely IAM personifying her / their hope and moving on.

:)

submissions
iamamiwhoami – U-1 Lyrics 13 years ago
The videos are completely random and full of nothing but random bizarre images, right? Wrong. They actually tell a story that is tied into a Arabic, African, AND European legends about something quite unexpected... Let me explain. I think I have this figured out.

Something we should start with is looking more in depth at the continuous imagery of the white substance on Jonna Lee (the singer and woman in all of the iamamiwhoami videos), on the plants, the mud on Jonna Lee, and the constant plant references throughout all of the videos.

So, first thing's first, what do the numbers in the first six introduction videos mean? Let's decipher them, shall we?

699130082.451322-5.4.21.3.1.20.9.15.14.1.12:

FIIAC**HB.DEACBB-E.D.U.C.A.T.I.O.N.A.L

9.1.13.669321018:

I.A.M.FFICBA*AH

9.20.19.13.5.723378:

I.T.S.M.E.GBCCGH

13.1.14.4.18.1.7.15.18.1.1110:

M.A.N.D.R.A.G.O.R.A.AAA*

15.6.6.9.3.9.14.1.18.21.13.56155:

O.F.F.I.C.I.N.I.R.U.M.EFAEE

23.5.12.3.15.13.5-8.15.13.5.3383:

W.E.L.C.O.M.E-H.O.M.E.CCHC

Mhm. It says: "Welcome home. I am educational. It's me, Mandragora Officinirum."

It's significant to note that one of the numbered videos spell out "mandragora" and "officinarum," otherwise known as the mandragora, or, the mandrake plant. The mandrake root, according to ancient folklore, is believed to have grown where a hanging man's semen spilled onto the ground, hence the white substance throughout the videos.

Philip de Thaun was an Anglo-Norman who wrote a book in the first half of the 20th century. In this book "Bestiary," de Thaun, says the following about the mandrake: "It has two roots, the make of a man and a woman."

(HA! Jonna and the mystery man!! But waittt, it gets better...) "The man who is to gather it must fly around about it; must take great care that he does not touch it - then let a dog be bound - let it be tied to it." Following these guidelines are instructions to starve the dog, then after three dogs, offer the dog some bread. Naturally, the dog will come running to the food in your hand. Then... "the dog will draw it to him; the root will break; it will send forth a cry; the dog will fall down dead." This explains the six dogs, then the following six graves/crosses in two of the introduction videos!

(I AM AM I WHO AM I = I AM MANDRAKE. Let's continue...)

"...if the man heard it, he would directly die - therefore, he must stop his ears and take care that he does not hear the cry. When one has the root, it is of great value for medicine, for it cures every infirmity - except only death."

The six dogs turn up dead in the introduction videos, this is obvious at seen by the six crosses used as tombstones. I believe Jonna's character in these videos is actually one half of the root (the man being the other; in U-1, it almost seems like they are connected and unified as one) and her voice is symbolic of the mandrake's cry. The cry, as stated above, is believed to be deadly, but also a miracle plant to cure all illness (just like love and faith can be the cure for all despair and sorrow, as well as the perfect weapon to diagnose pain and agony). This is why the tags for the Youtube videos relate so much to life and death. Such examples include the following tags on the introduction videos: fetus, umbilical cord, habitat, moisture, disciple, amniotic fluid, nest, lay, mount, etc.

Here is another paragraph I found interesting, and this imagery is in several of the iamamiwhoami videos: "A cut of the female mandrake root" ... "cases the figure of a naked woman with the plant shooting into leaf and flower from her head." (Which was blatantly seen in "N")

Also note that mandrake superstition has been rampant through human ages. As I've said, it's associated with providing life and causing death (more often, death). Some common synonyms for the mandrake are: Satan's Apple, Mandragora, Devil's Testicles, etc. Here is another paragraph I found informative:

"The officinarum variety is yellow-greenish; the autumnalis variety is purple. The flowers are born on separate stalks, which emerge from the centre of the leaf-rosette. They later give rise to the golden yellowish fruits, that are often referred to as 'apples', which they resemble, though their size approximates more that of a crab-apple or mirabelle. The fruit has a pleasant scent. The root can grow to over half a meter (2 feet) in length and is often strangely forked, which has given rise to anthropomorphic associations, likening their appearance to a human male or female body shape. The root has a tough brown rind but is white inside. The leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root." (Hence the crown she wears in "T") So, why is Jonna covered in black-brown while maintaining her long, blonde locks? Because her body symbolizes the root in the ground, covered in dirt, and (as stated) it has a "brown rind but is white inside."

The white is shown in "Y" as Jonna sings in the paper house, covered in mud, and her paper dress represents the inner white inside the root. Her hair symbolizes the yellow leaves. Plain and simple. Also, in "T," Jonna is seen covered in the white substance while wearing a crown ("the leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root").

Here is another paragraph: "Mandrake originates in the eastern Mediterranean region and is distributed throughout southern Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa, where it grows in waste places and abandoned fields in sandy and rocky, well draining soil. There is also a species that is endemic to the Himalaya. Nowadays it is cultivated in gardens north of the Alps, but doesn't naturalize there, as it needs a warm and protected setting." This is why Jonna is standing in a flower pot, surrounded by other leaves, in a greenhouse in "O." She IS the mandrake root. She needs that warm and protect setting. Get it?

Let's address the constant use of six: six was the quantity of dogs, berries, and cats throughout the videos. Six dogs, six cats, six berries. 666, right? Well, it isn't Satanic symbolism; it's just an allusion to the devil and the end, simply because the mandrake has been called The Devil's Apple and The Devil's Testicles. The use of 666 simply signifies the end of a bond. Once you understand the mythology behind the mandrake, iamamiwhoami's videos make MUCH more sense.

So, here's the big question: Why even use the mandrake symbolism and allusions?

Well, the mandrake was believed to have a male and female root, right? The root belonged to one plant, one organism, one creation, one being, one idea. This can be symbolic of a love or bond that held significant meaning. However, the root was ripped from the ground and split in two. The female root shrieked, giving birth to Jonna's voice and lyrics.

In case you haven't noticed, the lyrics are about a love / significant connection to someone or something gone horribly wrong.

"B" is the initial love / connection.
"O" is the sudden halt this love / connection takes.
"U-1" is total remorse for this ending.
"U-2" is the continued remorse.
"N" is the insecurities brought on by this newly found independence.
"T" is learning that one has potential by oneself, with or without this person / idea.
"Y" is merely IAM personifying her / their hope and moving on.

:)

submissions
iamamiwhoami – T Lyrics 13 years ago
The videos are completely random and full of nothing but random bizarre images, right? Wrong. They actually tell a story that is tied into a Arabic, African, AND European legends about something quite unexpected... Let me explain. I think I have this figured out.

Something we should start with is looking more in depth at the continuous imagery of the white substance on Jonna Lee (the singer and woman in all of the iamamiwhoami videos), on the plants, the mud on Jonna Lee, and the constant plant references throughout all of the videos.

So, first thing's first, what do the numbers in the first six introduction videos mean? Let's decipher them, shall we?

699130082.451322-5.4.21.3.1.20.9.15.14.1.12:

FIIAC**HB.DEACBB-E.D.U.C.A.T.I.O.N.A.L

9.1.13.669321018:

I.A.M.FFICBA*AH

9.20.19.13.5.723378:

I.T.S.M.E.GBCCGH

13.1.14.4.18.1.7.15.18.1.1110:

M.A.N.D.R.A.G.O.R.A.AAA*

15.6.6.9.3.9.14.1.18.21.13.56155:

O.F.F.I.C.I.N.I.R.U.M.EFAEE

23.5.12.3.15.13.5-8.15.13.5.3383:

W.E.L.C.O.M.E-H.O.M.E.CCHC

Mhm. It says: "Welcome home. I am educational. It's me, Mandragora Officinirum."

It's significant to note that one of the numbered videos spell out "mandragora" and "officinarum," otherwise known as the mandragora, or, the mandrake plant. The mandrake root, according to ancient folklore, is believed to have grown where a hanging man's semen spilled onto the ground, hence the white substance throughout the videos.

Philip de Thaun was an Anglo-Norman who wrote a book in the first half of the 20th century. In this book "Bestiary," de Thaun, says the following about the mandrake: "It has two roots, the make of a man and a woman."

(HA! Jonna and the mystery man!! But waittt, it gets better...) "The man who is to gather it must fly around about it; must take great care that he does not touch it - then let a dog be bound - let it be tied to it." Following these guidelines are instructions to starve the dog, then after three dogs, offer the dog some bread. Naturally, the dog will come running to the food in your hand. Then... "the dog will draw it to him; the root will break; it will send forth a cry; the dog will fall down dead." This explains the six dogs, then the following six graves/crosses in two of the introduction videos!

(I AM AM I WHO AM I = I AM MANDRAKE. Let's continue...)

"...if the man heard it, he would directly die - therefore, he must stop his ears and take care that he does not hear the cry. When one has the root, it is of great value for medicine, for it cures every infirmity - except only death."

The six dogs turn up dead in the introduction videos, this is obvious at seen by the six crosses used as tombstones. I believe Jonna's character in these videos is actually one half of the root (the man being the other; in U-1, it almost seems like they are connected and unified as one) and her voice is symbolic of the mandrake's cry. The cry, as stated above, is believed to be deadly, but also a miracle plant to cure all illness (just like love and faith can be the cure for all despair and sorrow, as well as the perfect weapon to diagnose pain and agony). This is why the tags for the Youtube videos relate so much to life and death. Such examples include the following tags on the introduction videos: fetus, umbilical cord, habitat, moisture, disciple, amniotic fluid, nest, lay, mount, etc.

Here is another paragraph I found interesting, and this imagery is in several of the iamamiwhoami videos: "A cut of the female mandrake root" ... "cases the figure of a naked woman with the plant shooting into leaf and flower from her head." (Which was blatantly seen in "N")

Also note that mandrake superstition has been rampant through human ages. As I've said, it's associated with providing life and causing death (more often, death). Some common synonyms for the mandrake are: Satan's Apple, Mandragora, Devil's Testicles, etc. Here is another paragraph I found informative:

"The officinarum variety is yellow-greenish; the autumnalis variety is purple. The flowers are born on separate stalks, which emerge from the centre of the leaf-rosette. They later give rise to the golden yellowish fruits, that are often referred to as 'apples', which they resemble, though their size approximates more that of a crab-apple or mirabelle. The fruit has a pleasant scent. The root can grow to over half a meter (2 feet) in length and is often strangely forked, which has given rise to anthropomorphic associations, likening their appearance to a human male or female body shape. The root has a tough brown rind but is white inside. The leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root." (Hence the crown she wears in "T") So, why is Jonna covered in black-brown while maintaining her long, blonde locks? Because her body symbolizes the root in the ground, covered in dirt, and (as stated) it has a "brown rind but is white inside."

The white is shown in "Y" as Jonna sings in the paper house, covered in mud, and her paper dress represents the inner white inside the root. Her hair symbolizes the yellow leaves. Plain and simple. Also, in "T," Jonna is seen covered in the white substance while wearing a crown ("the leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root").

Here is another paragraph: "Mandrake originates in the eastern Mediterranean region and is distributed throughout southern Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa, where it grows in waste places and abandoned fields in sandy and rocky, well draining soil. There is also a species that is endemic to the Himalaya. Nowadays it is cultivated in gardens north of the Alps, but doesn't naturalize there, as it needs a warm and protected setting." This is why Jonna is standing in a flower pot, surrounded by other leaves, in a greenhouse in "O." She IS the mandrake root. She needs that warm and protect setting. Get it?

Let's address the constant use of six: six was the quantity of dogs, berries, and cats throughout the videos. Six dogs, six cats, six berries. 666, right? Well, it isn't Satanic symbolism; it's just an allusion to the devil and the end, simply because the mandrake has been called The Devil's Apple and The Devil's Testicles. The use of 666 simply signifies the end of a bond. Once you understand the mythology behind the mandrake, iamamiwhoami's videos make MUCH more sense.

So, here's the big question: Why even use the mandrake symbolism and allusions?

Well, the mandrake was believed to have a male and female root, right? The root belonged to one plant, one organism, one creation, one being, one idea. This can be symbolic of a love or bond that held significant meaning. However, the root was ripped from the ground and split in two. The female root shrieked, giving birth to Jonna's voice and lyrics.

In case you haven't noticed, the lyrics are about a love / significant connection to someone or something gone horribly wrong.

"B" is the initial love / connection.
"O" is the sudden halt this love / connection takes.
"U-1" is total remorse for this ending.
"U-2" is the continued remorse.
"N" is the insecurities brought on by this newly found independence.
"T" is learning that one has potential by oneself, with or without this person / idea.
"Y" is merely IAM personifying her / their hope and moving on.

:)

submissions
iamamiwhoami – O Lyrics 13 years ago
The videos are completely random and full of nothing but random bizarre images, right? Wrong. They actually tell a story that is tied into a Arabic, African, AND European legends about something quite unexpected... Let me explain. I think I have this figured out.

Something we should start with is looking more in depth at the continuous imagery of the white substance on Jonna Lee (the singer and woman in all of the iamamiwhoami videos), on the plants, the mud on Jonna Lee, and the constant plant references throughout all of the videos.

So, first thing's first, what do the numbers in the first six introduction videos mean? Let's decipher them, shall we?

699130082.451322-5.4.21.3.1.20.9.15.14.1.12:

FIIAC**HB.DEACBB-E.D.U.C.A.T.I.O.N.A.L

9.1.13.669321018:

I.A.M.FFICBA*AH

9.20.19.13.5.723378:

I.T.S.M.E.GBCCGH

13.1.14.4.18.1.7.15.18.1.1110:

M.A.N.D.R.A.G.O.R.A.AAA*

15.6.6.9.3.9.14.1.18.21.13.56155:

O.F.F.I.C.I.N.I.R.U.M.EFAEE

23.5.12.3.15.13.5-8.15.13.5.3383:

W.E.L.C.O.M.E-H.O.M.E.CCHC

Mhm. It says: "Welcome home. I am educational. It's me, Mandragora Officinirum."

It's significant to note that one of the numbered videos spell out "mandragora" and "officinarum," otherwise known as the mandragora, or, the mandrake plant. The mandrake root, according to ancient folklore, is believed to have grown where a hanging man's semen spilled onto the ground, hence the white substance throughout the videos.

Philip de Thaun was an Anglo-Norman who wrote a book in the first half of the 20th century. In this book "Bestiary," de Thaun, says the following about the mandrake: "It has two roots, the make of a man and a woman."

(HA! Jonna and the mystery man!! But waittt, it gets better...) "The man who is to gather it must fly around about it; must take great care that he does not touch it - then let a dog be bound - let it be tied to it." Following these guidelines are instructions to starve the dog, then after three dogs, offer the dog some bread. Naturally, the dog will come running to the food in your hand. Then... "the dog will draw it to him; the root will break; it will send forth a cry; the dog will fall down dead." This explains the six dogs, then the following six graves/crosses in two of the introduction videos!

(I AM AM I WHO AM I = I AM MANDRAKE. Let's continue...)

"...if the man heard it, he would directly die - therefore, he must stop his ears and take care that he does not hear the cry. When one has the root, it is of great value for medicine, for it cures every infirmity - except only death."

The six dogs turn up dead in the introduction videos, this is obvious at seen by the six crosses used as tombstones. I believe Jonna's character in these videos is actually one half of the root (the man being the other; in U-1, it almost seems like they are connected and unified as one) and her voice is symbolic of the mandrake's cry. The cry, as stated above, is believed to be deadly, but also a miracle plant to cure all illness (just like love and faith can be the cure for all despair and sorrow, as well as the perfect weapon to diagnose pain and agony). This is why the tags for the Youtube videos relate so much to life and death. Such examples include the following tags on the introduction videos: fetus, umbilical cord, habitat, moisture, disciple, amniotic fluid, nest, lay, mount, etc.

Here is another paragraph I found interesting, and this imagery is in several of the iamamiwhoami videos: "A cut of the female mandrake root" ... "cases the figure of a naked woman with the plant shooting into leaf and flower from her head." (Which was blatantly seen in "N")

Also note that mandrake superstition has been rampant through human ages. As I've said, it's associated with providing life and causing death (more often, death). Some common synonyms for the mandrake are: Satan's Apple, Mandragora, Devil's Testicles, etc. Here is another paragraph I found informative:

"The officinarum variety is yellow-greenish; the autumnalis variety is purple. The flowers are born on separate stalks, which emerge from the centre of the leaf-rosette. They later give rise to the golden yellowish fruits, that are often referred to as 'apples', which they resemble, though their size approximates more that of a crab-apple or mirabelle. The fruit has a pleasant scent. The root can grow to over half a meter (2 feet) in length and is often strangely forked, which has given rise to anthropomorphic associations, likening their appearance to a human male or female body shape. The root has a tough brown rind but is white inside. The leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root." (Hence the crown she wears in "T") So, why is Jonna covered in black-brown while maintaining her long, blonde locks? Because her body symbolizes the root in the ground, covered in dirt, and (as stated) it has a "brown rind but is white inside."

The white is shown in "Y" as Jonna sings in the paper house, covered in mud, and her paper dress represents the inner white inside the root. Her hair symbolizes the yellow leaves. Plain and simple. Also, in "T," Jonna is seen covered in the white substance while wearing a crown ("the leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root").

Here is another paragraph: "Mandrake originates in the eastern Mediterranean region and is distributed throughout southern Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa, where it grows in waste places and abandoned fields in sandy and rocky, well draining soil. There is also a species that is endemic to the Himalaya. Nowadays it is cultivated in gardens north of the Alps, but doesn't naturalize there, as it needs a warm and protected setting." This is why Jonna is standing in a flower pot, surrounded by other leaves, in a greenhouse in "O." She IS the mandrake root. She needs that warm and protect setting. Get it?

Let's address the constant use of six: six was the quantity of dogs, berries, and cats throughout the videos. Six dogs, six cats, six berries. 666, right? Well, it isn't Satanic symbolism; it's just an allusion to the devil and the end, simply because the mandrake has been called The Devil's Apple and The Devil's Testicles. The use of 666 simply signifies the end of a bond. Once you understand the mythology behind the mandrake, iamamiwhoami's videos make MUCH more sense.

So, here's the big question: Why even use the mandrake symbolism and allusions?

Well, the mandrake was believed to have a male and female root, right? The root belonged to one plant, one organism, one creation, one being, one idea. This can be symbolic of a love or bond that held significant meaning. However, the root was ripped from the ground and split in two. The female root shrieked, giving birth to Jonna's voice and lyrics.

In case you haven't noticed, the lyrics are about a love / significant connection to someone or something gone horribly wrong.

"B" is the initial love / connection.
"O" is the sudden halt this love / connection takes.
"U-1" is total remorse for this ending.
"U-2" is the continued remorse.
"N" is the insecurities brought on by this newly found independence.
"T" is learning that one has potential by oneself, with or without this person / idea.
"Y" is merely IAM personifying her / their hope and moving on.

:)

submissions
iamamiwhoami – B Lyrics 13 years ago
The videos are completely random and full of nothing but random bizarre images, right? Wrong. They actually tell a story that is tied into a Arabic, African, AND European legends about something quite unexpected... Let me explain. I think I have this figured out.

Something we should start with is looking more in depth at the continuous imagery of the white substance on Jonna Lee (the singer and woman in all of the iamamiwhoami videos), on the plants, the mud on Jonna Lee, and the constant plant references throughout all of the videos.

So, first thing's first, what do the numbers in the first six introduction videos mean? Let's decipher them, shall we?

699130082.451322-5.4.21.3.1.20.9.15.14.1.12:

FIIAC**HB.DEACBB-E.D.U.C.A.T.I.O.N.A.L

9.1.13.669321018:

I.A.M.FFICBA*AH

9.20.19.13.5.723378:

I.T.S.M.E.GBCCGH

13.1.14.4.18.1.7.15.18.1.1110:

M.A.N.D.R.A.G.O.R.A.AAA*

15.6.6.9.3.9.14.1.18.21.13.56155:

O.F.F.I.C.I.N.I.R.U.M.EFAEE

23.5.12.3.15.13.5-8.15.13.5.3383:

W.E.L.C.O.M.E-H.O.M.E.CCHC

Mhm. It says: "Welcome home. I am educational. It's me, Mandragora Officinirum."

It's significant to note that one of the numbered videos spell out "mandragora" and "officinarum," otherwise known as the mandragora, or, the mandrake plant. The mandrake root, according to ancient folklore, is believed to have grown where a hanging man's semen spilled onto the ground, hence the white substance throughout the videos.

Philip de Thaun was an Anglo-Norman who wrote a book in the first half of the 20th century. In this book "Bestiary," de Thaun, says the following about the mandrake: "It has two roots, the make of a man and a woman."

(HA! Jonna and the mystery man!! But waittt, it gets better...) "The man who is to gather it must fly around about it; must take great care that he does not touch it - then let a dog be bound - let it be tied to it." Following these guidelines are instructions to starve the dog, then after three dogs, offer the dog some bread. Naturally, the dog will come running to the food in your hand. Then... "the dog will draw it to him; the root will break; it will send forth a cry; the dog will fall down dead." This explains the six dogs, then the following six graves/crosses in two of the introduction videos!

(I AM AM I WHO AM I = I AM MANDRAKE. Let's continue...)

"...if the man heard it, he would directly die - therefore, he must stop his ears and take care that he does not hear the cry. When one has the root, it is of great value for medicine, for it cures every infirmity - except only death."

The six dogs turn up dead in the introduction videos, this is obvious at seen by the six crosses used as tombstones. I believe Jonna's character in these videos is actually one half of the root (the man being the other; in U-1, it almost seems like they are connected and unified as one) and her voice is symbolic of the mandrake's cry. The cry, as stated above, is believed to be deadly, but also a miracle plant to cure all illness (just like love and faith can be the cure for all despair and sorrow, as well as the perfect weapon to diagnose pain and agony). This is why the tags for the Youtube videos relate so much to life and death. Such examples include the following tags on the introduction videos: fetus, umbilical cord, habitat, moisture, disciple, amniotic fluid, nest, lay, mount, etc.

Here is another paragraph I found interesting, and this imagery is in several of the iamamiwhoami videos: "A cut of the female mandrake root" ... "cases the figure of a naked woman with the plant shooting into leaf and flower from her head." (Which was blatantly seen in "N")

Also note that mandrake superstition has been rampant through human ages. As I've said, it's associated with providing life and causing death (more often, death). Some common synonyms for the mandrake are: Satan's Apple, Mandragora, Devil's Testicles, etc. Here is another paragraph I found informative:

"The officinarum variety is yellow-greenish; the autumnalis variety is purple. The flowers are born on separate stalks, which emerge from the centre of the leaf-rosette. They later give rise to the golden yellowish fruits, that are often referred to as 'apples', which they resemble, though their size approximates more that of a crab-apple or mirabelle. The fruit has a pleasant scent. The root can grow to over half a meter (2 feet) in length and is often strangely forked, which has given rise to anthropomorphic associations, likening their appearance to a human male or female body shape. The root has a tough brown rind but is white inside. The leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root." (Hence the crown she wears in "T") So, why is Jonna covered in black-brown while maintaining her long, blonde locks? Because her body symbolizes the root in the ground, covered in dirt, and (as stated) it has a "brown rind but is white inside."

The white is shown in "Y" as Jonna sings in the paper house, covered in mud, and her paper dress represents the inner white inside the root. Her hair symbolizes the yellow leaves. Plain and simple. Also, in "T," Jonna is seen covered in the white substance while wearing a crown ("the leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root").

Here is another paragraph: "Mandrake originates in the eastern Mediterranean region and is distributed throughout southern Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa, where it grows in waste places and abandoned fields in sandy and rocky, well draining soil. There is also a species that is endemic to the Himalaya. Nowadays it is cultivated in gardens north of the Alps, but doesn't naturalize there, as it needs a warm and protected setting." This is why Jonna is standing in a flower pot, surrounded by other leaves, in a greenhouse in "O." She IS the mandrake root. She needs that warm and protect setting. Get it?

Let's address the constant use of six: six was the quantity of dogs, berries, and cats throughout the videos. Six dogs, six cats, six berries. 666, right? Well, it isn't Satanic symbolism; it's just an allusion to the devil and the end, simply because the mandrake has been called The Devil's Apple and The Devil's Testicles. The use of 666 simply signifies the end of a bond. Once you understand the mythology behind the mandrake, iamamiwhoami's videos make MUCH more sense.

So, here's the big question: Why even use the mandrake symbolism and allusions?

Well, the mandrake was believed to have a male and female root, right? The root belonged to one plant, one organism, one creation, one being, one idea. This can be symbolic of a love or bond that held significant meaning. However, the root was ripped from the ground and split in two. The female root shrieked, giving birth to Jonna's voice and lyrics.

In case you haven't noticed, the lyrics are about a love / significant connection to someone or something gone horribly wrong.

"B" is the initial love / connection.
"O" is the sudden halt this love / connection takes.
"U-1" is total remorse for this ending.
"U-2" is the continued remorse.
"N" is the insecurities brought on by this newly found independence.
"T" is learning that one has potential by oneself, with or without this person / idea.
"Y" is merely IAM personifying her / their hope and moving on.

:)

submissions
iamamiwhoami – N Lyrics 13 years ago
The videos are completely random and full of nothing but random bizarre images, right? Wrong. They actually tell a story that is tied into a Arabic, African, AND European legends about something quite unexpected... Let me explain. I think I have this figured out.

Something we should start with is looking more in depth at the continuous imagery of the white substance on Jonna Lee (the singer and woman in all of the iamamiwhoami videos), on the plants, the mud on Jonna Lee, and the constant plant references throughout all of the videos.

So, first thing's first, what do the numbers in the first six introduction videos mean? Let's decipher them, shall we?

699130082.451322-5.4.21.3.1.20.9.15.14.1.12:

FIIAC**HB.DEACBB-E.D.U.C.A.T.I.O.N.A.L

9.1.13.669321018:

I.A.M.FFICBA*AH

9.20.19.13.5.723378:

I.T.S.M.E.GBCCGH

13.1.14.4.18.1.7.15.18.1.1110:

M.A.N.D.R.A.G.O.R.A.AAA*

15.6.6.9.3.9.14.1.18.21.13.56155:

O.F.F.I.C.I.N.I.R.U.M.EFAEE

23.5.12.3.15.13.5-8.15.13.5.3383:

W.E.L.C.O.M.E-H.O.M.E.CCHC

Mhm. It says: "Welcome home. I am educational. It's me, Mandragora Officinirum."

It's significant to note that one of the numbered videos spell out "mandragora" and "officinarum," otherwise known as the mandragora, or, the mandrake plant. The mandrake root, according to ancient folklore, is believed to have grown where a hanging man's semen spilled onto the ground, hence the white substance throughout the videos.

Philip de Thaun was an Anglo-Norman who wrote a book in the first half of the 20th century. In this book "Bestiary," de Thaun, says the following about the mandrake: "It has two roots, the make of a man and a woman."

(HA! Jonna and the mystery man!! But waittt, it gets better...) "The man who is to gather it must fly around about it; must take great care that he does not touch it - then let a dog be bound - let it be tied to it." Following these guidelines are instructions to starve the dog, then after three dogs, offer the dog some bread. Naturally, the dog will come running to the food in your hand. Then... "the dog will draw it to him; the root will break; it will send forth a cry; the dog will fall down dead." This explains the six dogs, then the following six graves/crosses in two of the introduction videos!

(I AM AM I WHO AM I = I AM MANDRAKE. Let's continue...)

"...if the man heard it, he would directly die - therefore, he must stop his ears and take care that he does not hear the cry. When one has the root, it is of great value for medicine, for it cures every infirmity - except only death."

The six dogs turn up dead in the introduction videos, this is obvious at seen by the six crosses used as tombstones. I believe Jonna's character in these videos is actually one half of the root (the man being the other; in U-1, it almost seems like they are connected and unified as one) and her voice is symbolic of the mandrake's cry. The cry, as stated above, is believed to be deadly, but also a miracle plant to cure all illness (just like love and faith can be the cure for all despair and sorrow, as well as the perfect weapon to diagnose pain and agony). This is why the tags for the Youtube videos relate so much to life and death. Such examples include the following tags on the introduction videos: fetus, umbilical cord, habitat, moisture, disciple, amniotic fluid, nest, lay, mount, etc.

Here is another paragraph I found interesting, and this imagery is in several of the iamamiwhoami videos: "A cut of the female mandrake root" ... "cases the figure of a naked woman with the plant shooting into leaf and flower from her head." (Which was blatantly seen in "N")

Also note that mandrake superstition has been rampant through human ages. As I've said, it's associated with providing life and causing death (more often, death). Some common synonyms for the mandrake are: Satan's Apple, Mandragora, Devil's Testicles, etc. Here is another paragraph I found informative:

"The officinarum variety is yellow-greenish; the autumnalis variety is purple. The flowers are born on separate stalks, which emerge from the centre of the leaf-rosette. They later give rise to the golden yellowish fruits, that are often referred to as 'apples', which they resemble, though their size approximates more that of a crab-apple or mirabelle. The fruit has a pleasant scent. The root can grow to over half a meter (2 feet) in length and is often strangely forked, which has given rise to anthropomorphic associations, likening their appearance to a human male or female body shape. The root has a tough brown rind but is white inside. The leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root." (Hence the crown she wears in "T") So, why is Jonna covered in black-brown while maintaining her long, blonde locks? Because her body symbolizes the root in the ground, covered in dirt, and (as stated) it has a "brown rind but is white inside."

The white is shown in "Y" as Jonna sings in the paper house, covered in mud, and her paper dress represents the inner white inside the root. Her hair symbolizes the yellow leaves. Plain and simple. Also, in "T," Jonna is seen covered in the white substance while wearing a crown ("the leaves emerge directly from the crown of the root").

Here is another paragraph: "Mandrake originates in the eastern Mediterranean region and is distributed throughout southern Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa, where it grows in waste places and abandoned fields in sandy and rocky, well draining soil. There is also a species that is endemic to the Himalaya. Nowadays it is cultivated in gardens north of the Alps, but doesn't naturalize there, as it needs a warm and protected setting." This is why Jonna is standing in a flower pot, surrounded by other leaves, in a greenhouse in "O." She IS the mandrake root. She needs that warm and protect setting. Get it?

Let's address the constant use of six: six was the quantity of dogs, berries, and cats throughout the videos. Six dogs, six cats, six berries. 666, right? Well, it isn't Satanic symbolism; it's just an allusion to the devil and the end, simply because the mandrake has been called The Devil's Apple and The Devil's Testicles. The use of 666 simply signifies the end of a bond. Once you understand the mythology behind the mandrake, iamamiwhoami's videos make MUCH more sense.

So, here's the big question: Why even use the mandrake symbolism and allusions?

Well, the mandrake was believed to have a male and female root, right? The root belonged to one plant, one organism, one creation, one being, one idea. This can be symbolic of a love or bond that held significant meaning. However, the root was ripped from the ground and split in two. The female root shrieked, giving birth to Jonna's voice and lyrics.

In case you haven't noticed, the lyrics are about a love / significant connection to someone or something gone horribly wrong.

"B" is the initial love / connection.
"O" is the sudden halt this love / connection takes.
"U-1" is total remorse for this ending.
"U-2" is the continued remorse.
"N" is the insecurities brought on by this newly found independence.
"T" is learning that one has potential by oneself, with or without this person / idea.
"Y" is merely IAM personifying her / their hope and moving on.

:)

submissions
iamamiwhoami – Y Lyrics 13 years ago
She's personifying her hope, a part of herself, in this song, and telling it to grow a pair, mature, and live (to put it bluntly.)

submissions
iamamiwhoami – N Lyrics 13 years ago
I get a bittersweet feeling with this song. It almost sounds like she's embracing a hurtful lover.

submissions
M.I.A. – XXXO Lyrics 13 years ago
I think "XXXO" is really a way for M.I.A. show that in today's world, sex is made to seem more teen-oriented, as opposed to adult-oriented, combining the "xoxo" of cute love notes between young lovers and the "xxx" of many porn titles.

"XXXO" is a song about a girl struggling to be true to herself ("you want me be / somebody who i'm really not...") in a world in which media is almost entirely focused on sex, and how impressionable youth can be to those images and messages. She throws social networking into the mix and the lyrics prove that the internet really isn't helping the situation. It's sad, really. Great song.

submissions
Fever Ray – Mercy Street (Peter Gabriel cover) Lyrics 13 years ago
I think this is a song about questioning one's potential and worth, while simultaneously searching for an escape from life's hardships.

submissions
Fever Ray – Stranger Than Kindness (Nick Cave cover) Lyrics 13 years ago
& Since this song is about sex, wouldn't "even a fool can CUM" make more sense than "even a fool can COME?"

submissions
Fever Ray – Stranger Than Kindness (Nick Cave cover) Lyrics 13 years ago
This song is about sex, obviously, but it's being regarded as a bizarre act of affection.

Lines like "maps of desire BURNED into flesh" and "tell me I'm dirty" make me feel as though this song isn't about glorifying intercourse, but almost questioning it, and remaining slightly ominous of its consequences.

This song feels inhuman, as well, like we really aren't ourselves when we're tempted with lust, like we're nothing but animals when it all comes down to it.

submissions
Fever Ray – Here Before (Vashti Bunyan cover) Lyrics 13 years ago
One way you could interpret this is as a song of reincarnation.

However, I don't think that's the case. I believe the lyrics are about a parent's bewilderment towards their child's intelligence and personal identity from such a young age. Even if a child's a mere week old, he or she develops his or her own personality. By alluding towards reincarnation, I believe the lyrics are more set on comparing a young life to something as mystical and captivating as reincarnation, or any other religious/supernatural phenomenon itself.

submissions
Fever Ray – Keep the Streets Empty For Me Lyrics 13 years ago
I think this song is a metaphorical reference to endurance and survival, and what better way to express both of these topics than with a deer in the winter (hunting season)? And yes, Karin has stated that this song IS sung from a deer's perspective.

What is implied within the line "morning, keep the streets empty for me," is simply put: "When I wake up, I'm going to hold the reigns over all aspects in my life." KTSEFM is really a song of inner strength, dreams, and acknowledging one's own faults. It's my favorite track on the album.

submissions
Fever Ray – If I Had a Heart Lyrics 13 years ago
I never thought of this song being sung from the unborn baby's point of view. Great interpretation!

submissions
Fever Ray – If I Had a Heart Lyrics 13 years ago
2 words: Postpartum depression.

This song is dark and distorted for a reason: It's not Karin (or any other new mother) speaking, it's the depression saying all the words.

"If I had a heart, I could love you. If I had a voice I would sing." Translation: "I should be joyous, but I'm not. I should be a better mother." However, there's still some hope that these feelings will change in the near future ("After the night when I wake up, I'll see what tomorrow brings..."), but the overall outlook is still grim.

& As far as "This will never end, 'cause I want more", I believe this line signifies that the depression will never truly come to a close, because Karin wants more children (possibly?). Or, it could mean that Karin's depression has been a recurring phenomenon in her life that she just can't overcome.

submissions
Fever Ray – I'm Not Done Lyrics 13 years ago
IMO, "I'm Not Done" is about two people (lovers, mother and child, whoever) really debating over who's right and who is more wise ("Who is the alpha?"). Despite their differences, both people know that that they're not going to stop caring for each other over such a minuscule matter ("It's not over, I'm not done").

submissions
Fever Ray – Dry and Dusty Lyrics 13 years ago
IMO... This song is about two tired, worn, scarred, and fragile lovers who have seen some hard times. They're "dry and dusty," much like an antique, but they have their value, and they know each other's inner worth ("we are capsules of energy"). It's oddly touching.

submissions
Fever Ray – Concrete Walls Lyrics 13 years ago
It's obviously about the trials and tribulations of a mother trying to be all she can be for her child. The concrete walls are a metaphor of her feelings of love and obligation to stay near to her child for years and years, and eventually, until death.

This song is dark, yet still has warmth and hope to it, which really embodies early motherhood: it's tough, but you know you love your child with all your heart, and you have a relentless determination to provide all you can.

submissions
Fever Ray – Coconut Lyrics 13 years ago
I agree that this song was inspired by Olof being away in the tropics.

I also believe this song is about recollecting one's hope after all one's faith pays off in the end. It's a rare and much-deserved feeling of accomplishment.

And let's face it, kicking back with a big cigar a bungalow would be one hell of a way to celebrate the completion of an album (especially an album as magnificent as this!).

submissions
Fever Ray – When I Grow Up Lyrics 13 years ago
I think this song is about a child seeing the world for what it is. The child has so many dreams of what he/she wants to do in life, but also realizes his/her mortality and the fragile state our world is in.

& To continue on the child realizing his/her mortality... He/she knows he/she will return his/her body to nature, part of the dirt, at some point in life; it's inevitable. It's serious and innocent at the same time. Great track.

submissions
Robyn – Konichiwa Bitches Lyrics 13 years ago
This is definitely a hyperbole of her self-confidence and bold personality. She knows there are boys who'd kill to sleep with her, she knows critics love her music, and she knows who she is inside and out. She plays it up and creates a fake persona of a self-absorbed, over-sensual pop goddess. It's great.

submissions
Janelle Monáe – Cold War Lyrics 13 years ago
IMO, "Cold War" is a message to the audience she addresses in "Dance or Die."

In "DoD," she sends the message to stand and speak up for oneself, instead of becoming a "zombie." In "CW," she warns the same people to "know what you're fighting for" and have a clear destination and purpose, instead of arguing for the sake of arguing, just like America & Russia in the Cold War.

Great song, & lots of emotion in her voice.

submissions
Janelle Monáe – Tightrope Lyrics 13 years ago
The ArchAndroid**

submissions
Janelle Monáe – Tightrope Lyrics 13 years ago
It's simple... life is like a tightrope; you have to some balance in it, or you'll fall ("You can't get too high, you can't get too low, because if you get too high, then you'll surely be low"). Johnny Cash made this reference in his signature song "Walk the Line."

This song is also about having the courage to do what you want and be what you want, despite what others have to say. If referencing "the machine" doesn't make that clear enough, Idk what will.

"Tightrope" sticks to the entire theme of "The ArchAndroi": BE YOURSELF AND FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS!

submissions
Janelle Monáe – Dance Or Die Lyrics 13 years ago
I'm kind of sick of reading comments about Janelle Monae's songs regarding race and only race. Her songs regard anything and anyone that are not mainstream; racial minorities, religious minorities, LGBT, and even underground or unknown musicians! Her songs are about xenophobia and the fear of standing up against the majority / the powers that be, and "Dance or Die" displays that better than any other song on "The ArchAndroid." She's blatantly stating that we're "zombies;" we are mindless and kill just to kill. & Even then, the "kill" references are just metaphorical. "Kill" can mean anything, such as following trends, adapting beliefs that are mainstream at the time, and so on. She calls us zombies with damn good justification; because that's exactly what we are in this world... mindless bags of bones who eat and kill and travel in packs for no evident reason.

As far as "Dance or Die," again, it's not literal! By "dance," she means "conform." By "die," she is meaning something of becoming an outcast in society. By calling out "Yes, the freaks must dance or die!", she's calling out to people who label themselves individualistic, who the crowd may consider "freaky" or "weird." She's telling us: "Okay, conform if you want to... but if you REALLY want to make a difference and make your voice heard, you can't be afraid to stand up and speak!"

Her music is more universal than you think. It's not about blatant love-gone-wrong stories or racial issues; Metropolis is a metaphor for the WORLD, and more directly, AMERICA!

* This information can be up to 15 minutes delayed.