Hollywood album art

Hollywood

by Gorillaz

Summary

"Hollywood" by Gorillaz dives into the allure and danger of fame. It highlights the seductive nature of Hollywood while cautioning about jealousy and the darker sides of this glamorous world.

Full Analysis

The song paints a vivid picture of Hollywood as both a beautiful and treacherous place. It pulls you into the excitement and allure of fame but also warns about the jealousy and negativity that come with it. The repeated mention of jealousy suggests it’s a major theme, hinting that even in a glamorous setting, darkness lurks beneath the surface. It’s a reminder that while chasing dreams, one must stay aware of the challenges and pitfalls.

Verse 1

Where the beautiful people at?
I said where the beautiful people at?
Beautiful people clap your hands
Freaky people clap your hands
Geeky people clap your hands
Everybody clap your hands

This opening verse sets the stage by calling out to the beautiful people of Hollywood, creating an inclusive vibe. It feels like a party invitation, emphasizing the diverse crowd that the city attracts. By mentioning “freaky” and “geeky” people, it shows that beauty isn’t just skin deep; it welcomes all kinds. The call to clap hands builds energy and excitement, drawing listeners into the atmosphere of celebration.

Chorus

Hollywood is alright
Hollywood is fragrant
Jealousy is gunfire
It makes you kill the vibe
(She's a wonderful thing)
Jealousy and dark times
Sinking on the web
There's more to love than that
Jealousy is vibe down
Jealousy is vibe down

The chorus contrasts the allure of Hollywood with the darker side of jealousy. While it describes Hollywood as “fragrant,” suggesting beauty and charm, it quickly reminds us that jealousy can ruin the good vibes. The line about jealousy being like gunfire is powerful; it shows how destructive jealousy can be. It’s catchy, but it carries a heavy message about the hidden dangers in the world of fame and success.

Verse 2

(Mmh, yeah)
I'ma go walk
All the way to the hills
But you never know what's real
So you have to be prepared
You have to be ready
You have to be ready
'Cause she can be a bitch
And it's a wonderful thing

This verse shifts the tone slightly, hinting at the personal journey one must take in Hollywood. Walking to the hills symbolizes ambition and the pursuit of dreams. But there's a sense of caution here, things aren’t always as they seem. The mention of being prepared indicates that the glamorous life comes with challenges. The line “she can be a bitch” personifies Hollywood as unpredictable, showing both its beauty and its potential cruelty.

Chorus

Hollywood is alright
Hollywood is fragrant
Jealousy is gunfire
It makes you kill the vibe
(She's a wonderful thing)
Jealousy and dark times
Sinking on the web
There's more to love than that
Jealousy is vibe down
Jealousy is vibe down

The chorus repeats, reinforcing its core message. It feels like a reminder to stay aware of the jealousy that can arise in such a competitive environment. The repetition makes it catchy but also drives home the point that while Hollywood has its charms, it’s essential to be mindful of its pitfalls.

Verse 3

Man I came through with that big fat chain on my neck
Little did they know, no sweat
So I dimmed out, rimmed out and cracked the glass
Twenty-five pounds, can you match that bag?
'Cause if you not, raise up
I got a deal to make
And a couple bad bitches I've been aching to break
Wake it and bake
I put the cake on the plate
Jealousy and me? Oh, we're making the day

In this verse, there’s a shift to a more confident and braggadocious tone. The big fat chain symbolizes wealth and success, but it also shows the pressure to keep up appearances. The mention of deals and “bad bitches” hints at the business side of Hollywood, where superficiality often rules. It’s a mix of bravado and reality, showing that jealousy is always lurking, even in moments of confidence.

Chorus

Hollywood is alright
Hollywood is fragrant
Jealousy is gunfire
It makes you kill the vibe
(She's a wonderful thing)
Jealousy and dark times
Sinking on the web
There's more to love than that
Jealousy is vibe down
Jealousy is vibe down

Again, the chorus comes back, strengthening its impact. The repetition makes it feel like a mantra, something to remember amidst the chaos of Hollywood. It’s catchy, but it drives home the importance of recognizing jealousy and negativity.

Bridge

She's just what I need
And it's a wonderful thing
In this city of dreams
And it's a wonderful thing
You know how to ride me
(And it's a wonderful thing)
You know how to excite me
(And it's a wonderful thing)

The bridge shifts back to a more personal note, celebrating the allure of someone special in this chaotic city. It feels like an escape from the negativity discussed earlier. The repeated “wonderful thing” suggests that despite the challenges, there are still beautiful moments and connections to be found. It shows a balance between the dark and light sides of Hollywood.

Outro

She's a wonderful thing
She's a wonderful thing

The outro wraps things up by emphasizing the importance of appreciating the good aspects of life, even amidst the chaos. It’s a reminder to hold onto those wonderful things that bring joy, making the song feel hopeful despite its earlier warnings.

Closing Thoughts

"Hollywood" gives a well-rounded view of fame, showing the glittering surface and the darker undertones that often accompany it. It mixes celebration with caution, making it relatable for anyone who's ever chased a dream. The catchy hooks and vivid imagery pull you in, while the lyrics remind you to stay aware of the complexities of life in the spotlight.

Full Lyrics

Where the beautiful people at?

I said where the beautiful people at?
Beautiful people clap your hands
Freaky people clap your hands
Geeky people clap your hands
Everybody clap your hands

Hollywood is alright
Hollywood is fragrant
Jealousy is gunfire
It makes you kill the vibe
(She's a wonderful thing)
Jealousy and dark times
Sinking on the web
There's more to love than that
Jealousy is vibe down
Jealousy is vibe down

(Mmh, yeah)
I'ma go walk
All the way to the hills
But you never know what's real
So you have to be prepared
You have to be ready
You have to be ready
'Cause she can be a bitch
And it's a wonderful thing
Hollywood
She's so seductive
She's got me looking for that dream
I bow down
She knows how to do it
Exactly the way I like it

Hollywood is alright
Hollywood is fragrant
Jealousy is gunfire
It makes you kill the vibe
(She's a wonderful thing)
Jealousy and dark times
Sinking on the web
There's more to love than that
Jealousy is vibe down
Jealousy is vibe down

Man I came through with that big fat chain on my neck
Little did they know, no sweat
So I dimmed out, rimmed out and cracked the glass
Twenty-five pounds, can you match that bag?
'Cause if you not, raise up
I got a deal to make
And a couple bad bitches I've been aching to break
Wake it and bake
I put the cake on the plate
Jealousy and me? Oh, we're making the day
I'ma vibe with this, Hollywood, nigga must survive this shit
I do that, did that, blow your fuckin' wig back
Forreal-a, gorilla, who loves goin' bareback
They wanna eye me down, tie me down, knock me off
But I'm a lion in the dog pound
Now, how that sound?

Hollywood is alright
Hollywood is fragrant
Jealousy is gunfire
It makes you kill the vibe
(She's a wonderful thing)
Jealousy and dark times
Sinking on the web
There's more to love than that
Jealousy is vibe down
Jealousy is vibe down

She's just what I need
And it's a wonderful thing
In this city of dreams
And it's a wonderful thing
You know how to ride me
(And it's a wonderful thing)
You know how to excite me
(And it's a wonderful thing)

She's a wonderful thing
She's a wonderful thing
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