Janelle Monae's Many Moons Song Analysis

Music. What is it? Is it art or poetry? Or is it something different entirely? Music is a form of expression. Music can convey emotions, tell a story, benefit health and so much more. Many artists use her platform and art to tell a story. Janelle Monae is one of these artists.  In Monae’s  song “Many Moons” she uses musical activism, analogies, and fictional interpretations to show how African Americans are treated today and have been treated throughout history. 

Janelle Monae is an African American singer/songwriter. Monae was born on December 1, 1985, in Kansas City, Kansas. Janelle’s parents had normal jobs as a janitor and truck driver. She pays homage to her parents in lots of her music. Her first solo project was Metropolis: Suite I ( The Chase). The song “Many Moons'' is from Monae’s album Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase). The album is about an alternate universe with androids. We follow the story of her character Cindy Mayweather and the adventures she goes on to be free. Androids are faced with prejudice and malice they are looked at as inanimate and almost like pieces of property as seen throughout the album. In the past, African Americans were treated in that same context viewed as “not human” because of their skin color. In her lyrics,  Monae speaks about the trials and misfortune of androids. In the beginning of the song Monae says “ We’re dancing free but we’re stuck here underground and everybody’s trying to figure they way out.”  This is a reference to the underground railroad which helped slaves escape to freedom. She goes on to say “ all we ever wanted to say was chased, erased and then blown away.”This is very similar to how african americans are silenced  and their opinions do not matter. For example, during slavery slaves were not allowed to speak unless spoken to and could not read. Monae also references marches in her song by saying “we march all around til the sun goes down” and also says “we long for freedom”. This line is a reference to the freedom marches in the 1900s. For instance,  In 1965, there was a series of civil rights protests called the selma to Montgomery march. 

As the song continues, Monae gives more historical references. To illustrate, “ you're free but in your mind your freedoms in a bind”. Referring to african americans and the systems and customs in place that oppress them, but they are no longer slaves or segregated. Slavery ended in 1865. Soon after, prisons were built and laws were made to imprison African Americans so they could become slaves again. The 13th amendment reads “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States”. Jails were then created to have african americans as slaves legally. Hence the lyrics “you”re free but in your mind your freedom is in a bind” repeated and empazished. She continues and references starting a revolution similar to those who stood up and fought for the rights of black people during segregation and injustice in America. Monae sings “revolutionize your lives and find a way out.” As the song carries on, Monae makes more references and analogies. These are important because Monae wants her audience to understand African American mistreatment.  

Janelle Monae often uses her music and platform to show her activism and confront social issues. Music can be used to bring about social and political change or encourage others to make a chance. Musical activism is used mostly by artists who want to protest or bring awareness to issues but physically cannot. There are different types of musical activism and the most popular used by Monae is protest music. Protest music is usually a song written to go along with a cultural movement. At the end of the song “Many Moons, Monae has a monologue. Throughout This monologue she gives examples and analogies as to why androids/ African Americans are not free and will not be free. Monae says “ black girl, bad hair, broad nose, cold stare.”  This shows the struggles and trials black girls face regularly.

She presses on with her monologue and says “Breast cancer ,common cold, HIV, lost hope. During this part of her song, her video/ short film shows images and videos of marches and events during the civil rights era. The things Monae continues to list are things that plague low income/ “urban” communities rather than the more upscale neighborhoods. Monae's video corresponds With her lyrics.  In this video, she has characters like Android / slave master, gang leaders, and police officers. Monae 's video takes place at an Android / slave auction very similar to auctions back in the 19th century. People bid on the androids and Cindy maywhether is the entertainment. The video carries on and near the end shows Cindy maywhether setting herself free from the unjust society symbolizing that African Americans need to be free. 

Monae’s first project expresses  her passion and activism for the treatment of african Americans. She uses figurative language to reach her audience and make a statement. In her song “Many Moons”, she brings to life the vision of black protest and black mistreatment for the world to see. Although musical activism is very popular now, she was not afraid to use her talent and platform to get a message to the public. Monae still uses her status to help social injustices and still uses music activism in her line of work.