Janelle Monáe

Lyrics

[Intro]
Dance apocalyptic
Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic now
Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic
Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic now
(Ah) Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic

[Verse 1]
You're going crazy, the hitmen always find you
Do that dance, smoking in the girls' room
Kissin' friends, it's over like a comic book
Exploding in a bathroom stall, ah
She's so freaked out, worried 'bout the bomb threat
You bought a house, but I'm allergic to the house pets
Credit cards, they bought a new wife for shiny little lonely men

[Chorus]
But I really, really want to thank you for dancing 'til the end
You found a way to break out
You're not afraid to break out
But I need to know if the world says it's time to go
(Dance apocalyptic) Tell me, will you break out?
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic now)
Smash, smash, bang, bang
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic)
Don't stop, sha-lang-a-lang-a-lang
Ooh baby
But I need to know if the world says it's time to go
Tell me, will you break out?
Smash, smash, bang, bang
Don't stop, sha-lang-a-lang-a-lang
Smash, smash, bang, bang
Don't stop, sha-lang-a-lang-a-lang
[Verse 2]
You gotta laugh at the zombie in the front yard
Take a bath, but nothing gets the funk off
You're on TV, rockin' and a-rollin'
'Cause the dead just love to rock and roll
(The dead just love to rock and roll)
Sick and tired of food tasting plastic
You wanna cry, but they grew up without a real kitchen
Asking why the pain is always equal
But the joy just never spreads around (Uh-uh, uh-uh)

[Chorus]
But I really, really want to thank you for dancing 'til the end
You found a way to break out (You found a way to break out)
You're not afraid to break out (You're not afraid to break out)
But I need to know if the world says it's time to go
(Dance apocalyptic) Tell me, will you break out?
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic now)
Smash, smash, bang, bang
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic)
Don't stop, sha-lang-a-lang-a-lang
Hey baby
But I need to know if the world says it's time to go
(Dance apocalyptic) Tell me, will you break out?
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic now)
Smash, smash, bang, bang
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic)
Don't stop, sha-lang-a-lang-a-lang
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic now)
Smash, smash, bang, bang (I love you)
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic)
Don't stop, sha-lang-a-lang-a-lang
[Verse 3]
You're going crazy, the hitmen always find you
Do that dance, smoking in the girls' room
Kissing friends, keep a-rockin' and a-rollin'
'Cause the dead just love to rock and roll
(The dead just love to rock and roll)
So freaked out, worried 'bout the bomb threat
Bought a house, but I'm allergic to the house pets
Credit card, you're working nine-to-five
Just to make enough to pay your rent

[Chorus]
But I really, really want to thank you for dancing 'til the end
You found a way to break out
You're not afraid to break out
But I need to know if the world says it's time to go
(Dance apocalyptic) Tell me, will you break out?
Smash, smash, bang, bang
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic now)
Don't stop, sha-lang-a-lang-a-lang
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic)
Oh, baby, baby
I need to know if the world says it's time to go
Tell me, will you break out?
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic now)
Smash, smash, bang, bang
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic)
Don't stop, sha-lang-a-lang-a-lang
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic now)
Smash, smash, bang, bang
(Bands, they make her dance apocalyptic)
Don't stop, sha-lang-a-lang-a-lang
[Spoken Outro]
(Bands, they make her dance) I've been...
Look at you
You look just like a little old earthquake
(Dance apocalyptic) Break it, break it
(Dance apocalyptic) You got to break it
Ain't no order in this courtroom
(Smash, smash, bang, bang)
You all going to jail
(Don't stop, sha-lang-a-lang-a-lang)

[Spoken: Android Voice]
What's the matter? Your chicken taste like pork?
You have triplets instead of twins?
Is your food taste plastic?
Grandaddy, I think I wanna dance

You know that feeling when the world seems to be falling apart, and all you want to do is dance? Well, Janelle Monae captured that exact sentiment in her infectious hit, "Dance Apocalyptic." Released as the second single from her sophomore album, "The Electric Lady," this retro tune takes us back to the funky vibes of the past while delivering a powerful message about finding joy in the midst of chaos.

Listening to "Dance Apocalyptic," it's hard not to draw comparisons to Prince's iconic track, "1999." Both songs share a similar theme of embracing the end times and letting loose on the dance floor. Janelle Monae pays homage to the Prince of Funk with her own contemporary twist, infusing the track with her signature style and delivering a performance that is uniquely her own.

But the story doesn't end with the catchy melody and vibrant vocals. The music video, directed by Wendy Morgan, premiered in July 2013 and adds another layer of depth to the song. Unlike many music videos, there's more to it than meets the eye. Chuck Lightning, one of the creative minds behind Janelle Monae's artistry, wrote a full treatment for the video, explaining the multiple characters Janelle portrays and the significance of the bird cages adorning some people's heads. If you're curious to dive deeper into the visual storytelling, you can find the full treatment online.

Now, about those remixes. Although a bit challenging to find, there are alternative versions of "Dance Apocalyptic" that offer a fresh take on the original. Olubenga and Chocolate Puma have put their own spin on the track, injecting their unique sounds into the already irresistible mix. If you're craving a different flavor but want to stay within the realm of the dance-apocalyptic atmosphere, these remixes are worth seeking out.

About Dance Apocalyptic

Let's take a closer look at the song itself, shall we? "Dance Apocalyptic" is an upbeat and energetic track that seamlessly blends elements of funk, pop, and soul. From the very first note, you're transported to a world where the only thing that matters is surrendering yourself to the music and letting it carry you away.

Janelle Monae's vocals are nothing short of captivating. Her voice soars with power and emotion, effortlessly infusing the lyrics with depth and meaning. As she sings about the impending apocalypse, there's a sense of urgency laced with a defiant joy. It's as if she's saying, "Yes, the world may be ending, but we won't let that stop us from celebrating and finding solace in each other."

The infectious groove of "Dance Apocalyptic" is driven by a tight rhythm section and catchy guitar riffs. The funk-inspired bassline keeps your feet moving, while the playful brass section adds a touch of brassiness to the mix. The production is flawlessly executed, creating a sonic landscape that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Lyrically, the song cleverly juxtaposes the notion of impending doom with the desire to let loose and dance. Janelle Monae invites us to forget our worries, at least for a few minutes, and fully embrace the present moment. "Get ready for the dance, dance apocalyptic," she exclaims, urging us to join her in this rebellious act of finding solace and joy in the face of uncertainty.

With its infectious beats, powerful vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics, "Dance Apocalyptic" is a standout track on Janelle Monae's "The Electric Lady" album. It's a song that transports you to a world where the only thing that matters is losing yourself in the music and sharing a moment of pure freedom with those around you.

So, the next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of the world, remember Janelle Monae's words: "The world is ending, so we might as well dance."

And dance, my friends, dance like there's no tomorrow.

• Release Date: July 2, 2013
• Artist: Janelle Monáe