The Happy Dictator – English Lyrics

• By: Gorillaz, Sparks
• Album: The Mountain

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the satirical world of Gorillaz and Sparks with "The Happy Dictator," a track that masterfully blends a cheerful synth-pop sound with a poignant critique of controlled narratives. This unique collaboration offers a fantastic opportunity to explore how English lyrics can carry deep social commentary, disguised within a catchy, theatrical musical style. Discover the power of irony and a diverse linguistic tapestry as you unravel the song's compelling message.

[English]

(Ah)

I am the one to give you life again

I am the one to save your soul, amen

...

As the shadows they are forming come and join me centre stage

(Oh, what a happy land we live in)

If you are empty and abstracted and your broken heart is full of rage

(Oh, what a happy land, oh yeah)

In a world of fiction I am a velvet glove

(Oh, what a happy land we live in)

I am your soul, your resurrection, I am the love

(Oh, what a happy land, oh yeah)

(Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah)

So look out to the west now, see where the devil lies

(Oh, what a happy land we live in)

It's pharmakon is with you and your empire it is paralysed

(Oh, what a happy land, oh yeah)

I'll propagate eternity and seal it with my kiss

(Oh, what a happy land we live in)

So look into the coffin and let me grant your wish

(Oh, what a happy land, oh yeah)

No more bad news

So you can sleep well at night

And the palace of your mind will be bright

(Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah)

Everything is slowing down yet everything is faster

(Oh, what a happy land we live in)

While everyone is consuming, I'll save you from yourself

(Oh, what a happy land, oh yeah)

Upon this world of fiction my love I will bestow

(Oh, what a happy land we live in)

And as we march into the future

Happiness will grow

(Oh, what a happy land, oh yeah)

No more bad news

So you can sleep well at night

And the palace of your mind will be bright

Everything is slowing down yet faster

Consuming us, I'll save you from yourself

My love bestowed upon this world of fiction

March to the future, happiness grows

Are you not better off than ever?

Are you not better off right now?

When have you felt this way I ask you

When have you felt better off than right now

(Woo!)

I am the one to give you life again

I am the one to save your soul, amen

No more bad news

(Mountains and rainbows, palaces of love)

So you can sleep well at night

And the palace of your mind will be bright

So you can sleep well at night

And the palace of your mind will be bright

(And the palace of your mind will be bright)

(So you can sleep well at night)

(And the palace of your mind will be bright)

(So you can sleep well at night)

(And the palace of your mind will be bright)

(And the palace of your mind will be bright)

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
life /laɪf/ A1	noun - the condition that distinguishes living organisms from inorganic matter
soul /soʊl/ B2	noun - the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being
love /lʌv/ A1	noun - deep affection, especially romantic verb - to feel deep affection for someone
happiness /ˈhæpɪnəs/ B1	noun - the state of being happy
world /wɜːrld/ A1	noun - the earth, together with all its countries and peoples
fiction /ˈfɪkʃən/ B2	noun - literature describing imaginary events and people
resurrection /ˌrɛzəˈrɛkʃən/ C1	noun - the act of rising from the dead
empire /ˈɛmpaɪər/ B2	noun - a group of countries or peoples under a single supreme authority
eternity /ɪˈtɜːrnɪti/ C1	noun - infinite or unending time
palace /ˈpæləs/ B2	noun - a large and impressive building used as a royal residence
mind /maɪnd/ B1	noun - the element of a person that enables them to be aware, think, and feel
bright /braɪt/ A2	adjective - giving out or reflecting a lot of light; vivid
devil /ˈdɛvəl/ B1	noun - a supernatural being that is the personification of evil
shadows /ˈʃædoʊz/ B1	noun - dark shapes produced by a body coming between light and a surface
kiss /kɪs/ A1	noun - a touch with the lips as a sign of love or affection verb - to touch with the lips as a sign of love or affection
coffin /ˈkɒfɪn/ B2	noun - a box or chest for a dead body
propagate /ˈprɒpəˌgeɪt/ C1	verb - to spread and promote (an idea, knowledge, etc.)
consume /kənˈsjuːm/ B2	verb - to use up (resources) or to eat/drink
abstracted /ˈæbstrækt/ C1	adjective - thoughtfully preoccupied; absent‑minded
broken /ˈbroʊkən/ A2	adjective - having been fractured or damaged