Janelle Monáe

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I'm not the kind of girl you take home to your mama now
I tell you no lies (I tell no lies)
Your code is programmed not to love me, but you can't pretend
Oh, what a surprise
Maybe it's lust, maybe it's love, maybe it never ends
Ooh, say your goodbyes (Say 'em now)
Play in my hair and nibble there all on my mocha skin
Yeah, just take a byte

[Chorus]
Take a byte (Just take a byte)
Help yourself (Help yourself)
It's alright (It's alright)
I won't tell (It feels so good when you nibble on it)
Take a byte (Just take a byte)
Help yourself (You look so good, just help yourself)
Don't think twice (Don't think twice)
I won't tell

[Verse 2]
My random access memory wants you to come again
No, don't say goodbye (Don't say goodbye)
I saw my therapist, she thinks you are my magic sin
Oh, maybe she's right (Well, maybe she's right)
Well, I'll just lick an angel just to purify again
Ooh, angels are fun (They're so fun)
So dress me up, I like it better if we both pretend
Yeah, make love 'til we're numb (Oh)
[Chorus]
Take a byte (Just take a byte)
Help yourself (Just go ahead and help yourself)
It's alright (It's alright, it's alright)
I won't tell (Just take a byte)
Take a byte (Just take a byte)
Help yourself (It feels so good, just help yourself)
Don't think twice (Don't think twice)
I won't tell
Take a byte (Just take a byte)
Help yourself (Help yourself)
It's alright (It's alright)
I won't tell (It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, oh)
Take a byte (Won't you just take a byte?)
Help yourself (Go on and help yourself)
It's alright
I won't tell (I)

[Outro]
Just take a byte
Ooh, you look so good, just help yourself
Ooh, it's alright
Take a little byte, take a little byte
Take a little byte

Hey music lovers! Get ready to groove to the empowering sounds of Janelle Monáe's hit track, "Take a Byte." This electrifying anthem is a standout from her critically acclaimed album, Dirty Computer. In this song, Janelle effortlessly weaves together elements of feminism, mythology, and technology to create a captivating musical experience that will leave you craving for more.

About Take a Byte

"Take a Byte" not only showcases Janelle Monáe's incredible vocal prowess but also delves into the strong feminist influence prevalent throughout Dirty Computer. Drawing inspiration from the myths and stories of powerful women across different cultures and historical periods, Janelle pays homage to iconic figures such as the Ethiopian Queen of Sheba, Eve from the Book of Genesis, Scheherazade from Arabian Nights, and the talented actress Marlene Clark.

The wordplay in the song's title is an intriguing fusion of biblical allusion and computer jargon. By cleverly combining the concept of Eve "taking a bite" of the forbidden fruit with the term "byte," which symbolizes a unit of digital information, Janelle explores the merging of human characteristics with the synthetic world of technology in today's digital age.

In her imaginative "emotion picture" that accompanies the album, the scene featuring "Take a Byte" showcases Janelle's android persona, Jane 57821, having her memories cleansed. Highlighting Jane 57821's android and computer nature, her memories are depicted as bytes, reflecting the digital storage hardware from which they are extracted. This attention to detail adds depth and richness to the song's overall narrative.

With its infectious beats and thought-provoking lyrics, "Take a Byte" is a true sonic masterpiece. Janelle Monáe effortlessly blends elements of pop, R&B, and funk to create a sound that is uniquely her own. The track's pulsating rhythm and energetic production make it impossible to resist tapping your feet and dancing along.

Janelle's powerful vocal delivery is complemented by her evocative storytelling. Through her lyrics, she invites listeners to reflect upon the complexities of human existence in a world increasingly influenced by technology. Her ability to seamlessly merge mythology and modernity creates a fascinating juxtaposition that adds intrigue and substance to "Take a Byte."

One of the song's most striking features is its captivating hook. With its catchy melody and memorable lyrics, the chorus of "Take a Byte" will undoubtedly get stuck in your head for days on end. Janelle's infectious charisma shines through as she effortlessly carries the song with her impressive vocal range and impeccable control.

Furthermore, the song's arrangement is a testament to Janelle Monáe's exceptional musical talent. The seamless blend of electronic elements, lively percussion, and groovy basslines creates a sonic landscape that transports you into a world where technology and humanity collide. The meticulous production leaves no stone unturned, ensuring that every element contributes to the overall sonic experience.

In essence, "Take a Byte" serves as a powerful testament to Janelle Monáe's artistry and vision. Through her unique fusion of feminism, mythology, and technology, she creates a musical journey that resonates with listeners on multiple levels. Whether you're captivated by the song's infectious beats or immersed in its thought-provoking lyricism, this track is sure to leave an indelible mark on your musical repertoire.

So, plug in your headphones, turn up the volume, and let Janelle Monáe's "Take a Byte" take you on an exhilarating musical adventure like no other. Get ready to embrace the fusion of past and present, myth and technology, as you surrender yourself to the infectious rhythm of this empowering anthem.

• Release Date: April 27, 2018
• Artist: Janelle Monáe