“Feel Good Inc.” by Gorillaz

Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.” seems to be premised on some type of apocalyptic situation. And in the midst of such, the artists seems to be presenting love as a viable solution to overcome such devastating circumstances.

De La Soul

De La Soul in particular are known for dropping abstract raps. And Trugoy doesn’t faithfully stick to this topic but seems to deviate into also touting his lyrical proficiency and concluding his solo verse with some words of general encouragement to the listener.

But 2D’s narrative seems as if it is solely based on the inhabitants of a particular metropolis which is on the verge of being destroyed. And overall he seems to be espousing an ideology of people loving one another. 

He’s apparently saying that the destruction of the aforementioned city has forced the people therein to be more social and considerate of each other.

Storyline

But again, the storyline featured in this song is apparently open to different interpretations. In fact as its music video suggests, some feel that this track is actually about mass control. And based on such an understanding, the admonishment to “feel good” is akin to a directive being given to the aforementioned city’s inhabitants in light of the impending disaster. 

Viewed differently, they are being advised to remain optimistic even as the world around them falls apart.

Indeed the title of this song would imply that “Feel Good” is actually a corporation. So in that regard, this song can be viewed as supporting a common criticism conspiracy theorists – so the speak – have against the American government for instance. 

Actually that is such powerful entities pacify the masses in order to keep them compliant whereas in reality they should be more concerned for what’s going on around them.

Conclusion

So conclusively, this song appears as if it encouraging the audience to “feel good”, as in enjoy life. But this may actually be a sarcastic encouragement. And why? Based on 2D’s verse specifically, there doesn’t seem to be any genuine reason for the people to be celebrating.

If such is the case, then this track rather reads more as a criticism of the masses being encouraged to remain joyful even when perhaps they should not be. Or stated otherwise if a listener interprets this track as an optimistic song, which it seems most people have, they may actually be missing the intended message behind its lyrics.

“Windmill, windmill for the land
Turn forever hand in hand
Take it all there on your stride
It is aching, falling down
Love forever, love is free”

Facts about “Feel Good Inc.”

This is considered to be the most-successful song of the Gorillaz’s career. For instance, it topped Billboard’s Alternative Songs list and the Ireland Dance chart as well as music charts in Greece and Spain.

Overall it charted in over 20 nations, including peaking at number 5 on the Eurochart Hot 100 and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.

“Feel Good Inc.” has also been certified Platinum in the United Kingdom.

Moreover in 2006, this track took home a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. And its official visual won two MTV VMAs in 2005, including in the category of “Breakthrough Video“.

“Feel Good Inc.” was produced by the Gorillaz, Jason Cox, James Dring and Danger Mouse.

Danger Mouse also co-wrote the song along with Damon Albarn of the Gorillaz and Trugoy the Dove from De La Soul.

Gorillaz and De La Soul have collaborated a few more times since dropping “Feel Good Inc.”.