Gorillaz The Manifesto Meaning and Review

“The Manifesto,” the second single from Gorillaz’s The Mountain, finds the band once again redefining their sonic boundaries while paying homage to their past. Seamlessly bridging eras, the track combines the group’s trademark digital melancholy with a distinctly organic, Indian-inspired instrumental palette. The result is a song that feels both ancient and futuristic, a spiritual trek through rhythm and reflection. Driven by heavy bass drums and traditional instrumentation, the groove is hypnotic, pulling the listener up “the mountain” referenced in the chorus, a fitting metaphor for transcendence and creative evolution.

Trueno’s Verses and Spiritual Vision

Trueno’s performance anchors the first half of the song, delivering a powerful, introspective verse in Spanish that wrestles with destiny, mortality, and enlightenment. His lyrics carry an earthy spirituality as he speaks of leaving the past behind, walking toward the light, and finding strength in simplicity. The refrain, “Camino hacia la luz / I have nothing to lose,” captures the core of Gorillaz’s current creative ethos: a fearless ascent toward something higher. The Indian-inspired rhythms behind Trueno’s vocals amplify the mystical undertone, lending the track a meditative quality that contrasts beautifully with the band’s electronic backbone.

2-D’s Haunting Chorus

2-D’s chorus brings the familiar Gorillaz melancholy to the forefront. His plaintive delivery on lines like “The mountain, it is high / Yeah, the mountain’s sad so the mountain cry” evokes the weary beauty that defined classics like Demon Days and Plastic Beach. There’s a haunting simplicity in his melody, floating above a textured rhythm section that feels alive with motion. This refrain ties the song’s dual themes, spiritual elevation and existential fatigue, into a single, moving image: climbing higher while burdened by the world’s sorrow.

Proof’s Posthumous Verse

The inclusion of a posthumous verse from Proof is a jaw-dropping surprise. His aggressive, vivid bars cut through the serenity of the first half, grounding the track in gritty reality. It’s a reminder of life’s chaos amidst spiritual searching, a moment of intensity that recalls the raw storytelling of early 2000s hip-hop. Given that Proof’s verse likely originated during the Demon Days sessions, its resurrection here feels symbolic: Gorillaz reconnecting with their roots while continuing to push forward. The juxtaposition of Trueno’s enlightenment and Proof’s darkness creates a fascinating tension that defines the band’s best work.

Gorillaz The Manifesto Review

By the time the outro rolls in, 2-D’s ethereal voice and the layered mantra of “Only automatic now” bring the track full circle, a descent from the mountain after the climb, weary but transformed. “The Manifesto” is a stunning blend of cultural fusion, emotional depth, and historical resonance. It stands as one of Gorillaz’s most ambitious songs in years, proof that even after two decades of innovation, Damon Albarn and company still know how to surprise, move, and inspire.

Listen To Gorillaz The Manifesto  

Gorillaz The Manifesto Lyrics Meaning Explained

The meaning of The Manifesto by Gorillaz is a meditation on life, death, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. The song explores the tension between mortality, chaos, and personal growth, using the metaphor of a mountain to represent the challenges and ascension of life. Through Trueno’s introspective verses, Proof’s posthumous reflections, and 2-D’s haunting chorus, the track examines the journey toward self-realization, the acceptance of impermanence, and the enduring impact of one’s legacy. With Indian-inspired instrumentation, heavy bass, and hypnotic rhythms, the song blends cultural textures with existential themes, creating a sonic experience that is both contemplative and transcendent.

Intro

The intro of “The Manifesto” begins with a series of chants and nonsensical syllables: "[?] Hey, ah / La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la...". These repeated la-la-la lines establish a meditative, mantra-like tone. The ritualistic quality of the melody immediately situates the listener in a reflective space, signaling that this song is a spiritual journey rather than a conventional narrative. Gorillaz often use these melodic openings to prioritize feeling and atmosphere over literal meaning, preparing the audience for introspection.

Refrain: Trueno

The refrain, delivered by Trueno, begins with the lines "Yo no sé qué va a pasar mañana / Cuando atienda la luz que me llama / Mami, mi futuro me reclama / Camino hacia la luz (Camino hacia la luz mai, mai) / I have nothing to lose (I have nothing to lose), ah-ah-ah", which translate to: "I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. When I answer the light that calls me. Baby, my future reclaims me. I walk into the light. I have nothing to lose."

Trueno confronts mortality and liberation. The light that calls evokes death or spiritual awakening, suggesting that accepting the unknown frees one to live authentically. The declaration I have nothing to lose emphasizes fearlessness in the face of inevitable change, reflecting the album’s recurring motifs of death, transcendence, and self-realization.

Verse 1: Trueno

Trueno reflects on freedom and personal growth with "Crucé la puerta y hoy me siento libre, huh / Dejé el pasado y me fijé en lo simple", which translates to "I crossed the door and today I feel free / I left the past behind and focused on the simple." The door symbolizes a threshold or rebirth while leaving the past behind highlights the importance of letting go of emotional or material burdens.

The line "Solo dame 21 gramos pa' sentirme firme" references the myth that the human soul weighs 21 grams, emphasizing spiritual essence over physical or material attachment. He continues with "Y yo te dejo mi legado antes de irme", asserting that what endures beyond death is the legacy of deeds and values. Lines such as "Cada paso una enseñanza, sigo con confianza / Tan rápido que el tiempo no me alcanza" portray life as a series of lessons, lived with confidence despite time’s limitations, while "No busco alabanzas, menos falsas esperanzas" highlights a rejection of external validation and superficial praise.

Trueno incorporates meditative imagery with "Descansa, como cuando estabas en la panza", evoking the peace of pre-life innocence, and "Y despierta, toma las carta' en el asunto / Para poder mirar la vida en diferentes puntos", encouraging self-awareness and the ability to see life from multiple perspectives. The existential question "Pregunto, ¿qué habrá en ese mundo que viene después del mundo?" contemplates the afterlife. Comfort is offered in "Lo bueno es que vamos todos junto'", reinforcing unity in mortality.

The verse continues with poetic imagery of growth and virtue: "Yo voy con mis valore', también florezco regando las flore' / Me llevo los aroma' y los colore', hago que el cielo se enamore", suggesting that beauty and kindness leave a lasting legacy. Nature also provides wisdom in "Tengo a los árboles de profesore' / Me encanta sentir el viento, subir la montaña sin aliento", connecting the climb of the mountain to spiritual growth. "Al final lo que importa es el intento" emphasizes that effort and intention matter more than the outcome, and "Solo me acompañan mis hazaña', mi virtud, mi sentimiento / Para escribir la parte 2 del cuento" suggests that one’s story continues through deeds and memory.

Chorus: 2-D

The chorus, sung by 2-D, broadens the perspective: "The mountain, it is high / Yeah, the mountain's sad so the mountain cry / Tin god, the braided day / But the mountain stays on still / Don't lose yourself / If you don't stop now, then you're never gonna be done / Living under your gilded sun / On the mountain".

The mountain symbolizes life’s challenges or spiritual ascension, and its sadness reflects human suffering. The “tin god” may critique false idols while the “braided day” represents the interwoven nature of life and time. "Don't lose yourself / If you don't stop now, then you're never gonna be done" warns against endless striving and emphasizes balance and self-awareness. The “gilded sun” contrasts material allure with the spiritual journey.

Post-Chorus: Trueno

Trueno’s post-chorus tag "Es el TR1 / Huh, yeah, con Gori—, con Gorillaz, yeah / Desde Inglaterra hasta Argenti-ti—" connects Argentina and England, symbolizing cultural unity and the global nature of the song.

Part II: Proof

Proof delivers a posthumous verse, dramatically shifting the song’s tone. Lines such as "You never seen a killer with fangs and millimetres / That bang and killers need to be swangin' and still I reach ya" depict mortality and violence, highlighting the shadow side of human existence. References to street life, addiction, and death, including "A recovering heroin addict, looking down the barrel with my peerman's eye", contrast sharply with Trueno’s reflective spiritual pursuit, creating tension between chaos and enlightenment. Proof’s abrupt break "Oh, I’m just fuckin', alright, come on, let's go" mirrors impermanence, emphasizing life’s unpredictability.

Verse 3: Trueno

Trueno returns with "Let it go, let it go, let it go / Entro rompiendo la puerta / Acá no tenemos miedo, le estamos pegando la vuelta", emphasizing release, courage, and confronting obstacles. Imagery like "Paso por tales portales que matan mortales / Ti-Ti-Ti-Tiemblan las placas tectónica', suena la armónica, rinden las cuenta'" represents apocalyptic transformation and spiritual awakening.

"TR1 te saca la venda para que veas que la realidad no está en venta" critiques materialism and false perception, reinforcing themes of truth and authenticity. The pursuit of enlightenment continues in "Sigo buscando el final del túnel, ah, busco esa luz que al final nos une", and moral elevation is expressed in "Solo los buenos son los que suben, las almas levitando como el volumen". Lines like "Solo uno más en el cardumen, busco la paz todos los lune'" highlight humility, and "Soy de los que asumen a su mentira de lo que respiran cuando no hay perfume" underscores honesty in stripped-down circumstances. The reference "Move 37, game over" alludes to transcending conventional understanding, echoing themes of growth and enlightenment.

Outro: 2-D

The outro repeats "You're not alone, you're not alone, you're not even close / You're open, then you're closed, then you're open / You're true, then you're untrue, then you're true again", reflecting the cyclical nature of human emotion and connection. The phrase "Only automatic now" suggests life on autopilot, a mechanical response to circumstances. References to medication in "Slow release pills / You take them today / You take them for tomorrow" emphasize coping mechanisms in modern life, juxtaposing spiritual growth with practical survival strategies.

The Manifesto Meaning

“The Manifesto” explores the tension between life, death, spirituality, and chaos. Trueno represents the pursuit of meaning and enlightenment, Proof embodies mortality and disruption, and 2-D observes the cycles of existence. Mountain imagery symbolizes challenges, ascension, and transcendence, while repeated references to light, legacy, and effort highlight spiritual growth and acceptance of mortality. The song meditates on life, death, and what persists beyond both, emphasizing reflection, authenticity, and the pursuit of inner truth.

Gorillaz The Manifesto Lyrics 

[Part I]

[Intro]

[?]

Hey, ah

La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

[Refrain: Trueno]

Yo no sé qué va a pasar mañana

Cuando atienda la luz que me llama

Mami, mi futuro me reclama

Camino hacia la luz (Camino hacia la luz mai, mai)

I have nothing to lose (I have nothing to lose), ah-ah-ah (Dice, ah, yeah)

[Verse 1: Trueno]

Crucé la puerta y hoy me siento libre, huh

Dejé el pasado y me fijé en lo simple

Solo dame 21 gramos pa' sentirme firme

Y yo te dejo mi legado antes de irme

Cada paso una enseñanza, sigo con confianza

Tan rápido que el tiempo no me alcanza

No busco alabanzas, menos falsas esperanzas

Descansa, como cuando estabas en la panza

Y despierta, toma las carta' en el asunto

Para poder mirar la vida en diferentes puntos

Pregunto, ¿qué habrá en ese mundo que viene después del mundo?

Lo bueno es que vamos todos junto'

Yo voy con mis valore', también florezco regando las flore'

Me llevo los aroma' y los colore', hago que el cielo se enamore

Y si las nube' lloran, que no lloren

Tengo a los árboles de profesore'

Me encanta sentir el viento, subir la montaña sin aliento

Al final lo que importa es el intento

Solo me acompañan mis hazaña', mi virtud, mi sentimiento

Para escribir la parte 2 del cuento

Ah-ah-ah-ah

Ah-ah-ah

[Refrain: Trueno]

Yo no sé qué va a pasar mañana (Yo no sé, yo no sé)

Cuando atienda la luz que me llama (Que me llama)

Mami, mi futuro me reclama (Yes, yes, yes)

Camino hacia la luz (Camino, camino, huh, yeah)

I have nothing to lose (Camino hacia la luz, ma, camino, camino hacia la luz, ma)

[Chorus: 2-D]

The mountain, it is high

Yeah, the mountain's sad so the mountain cry

Tin god, the braided day

But the mountain stays on still

Don't lose yourself

If you don't stop now, then you're never gonna be done

Living under your gilded sun

On the mountain

[Post-Chorus: Trueno]

Es el TR1

Huh, yeah, con Gori—, con Gorillaz, yeah

Desde Inglaterra hasta Argenti-ti—

[Chorus: 2-D]

Ah, the mountain, it is high

Yeah, the mountain's sad so the mountain cry

Tin god, the braided day

But the mountain stays on still

Don't lose yourself

If you don't stop now, then you're never gonna be done

Living under your gilded sun

On the mountain

(O-o-o-okay)

[Part II]

[Interlude: Proof]

(Hahahahaha)

[Verse 2: Proof]

You never seen a killer with fangs and millimetres

That bang and killers need to be swangin' and still I reach ya

Y'all aren't ready for death until I showed up

Hold breath until you blow the one set my niggas throw up

How many times I gotta prove, y'all not to test me?

This uz' can be deadly, slugs move through your chest piece

It's all reality, beefin' with your blocks

Got you creepin' with your glock, now you sleepin' in a box

No one can convince the invincible to be sensible

Pits in the principal, my pistol won’t miss you all

Why shouldn't I diss you, dawg? I'm Leatherface

This E&J make me say your DNA's genetic waste

A medic case that’ll detonate, Derty Harry

A pathetic taste, a shroomhead that murder fairies

A recovering heroin addict, looking down the barrel with my peerman's eye

Got this shotgun just swerving at it

My triggers have turned a pump into a uzi

You chumps do not move me, y'all jump inside movies

You scary dudes that hide behind ya niggas

Confide inside a squealer and died beneath a river

My urban strikes a lot—

(Oh, I'm just fuckin', alright, come on, let's go)

[Verse 3: Trueno]

Let it go, let it go, let it go, huh, huh, yeah

Entro rompiendo la puerta

Acá no tenemos miedo, le estamos pegando la vuelta

Paso por tales portales que matan mortales, contales que el mundo revienta

Ti-Ti-Ti-Tiemblan las placas tectónica', suena la armónica, rinden las cuenta'

TR1 te saca la venda para que veas que la realidad no está en venta (Boom)

Sigo buscando el final del túnel, ah, busco esa luz que al final nos une

Solo los buenos son los que suben, las almas levitando como el volumen

Solo uno más en el cardumen, busco la paz todos los lune'

Soy de los que asumen a su mentira de lo que respiran cuando no hay perfume (Move 37, game over)

[Outro: 2-D]

You're not alone, you're not alone, you're not even close

You're open, then you're closed, then you're open

You're not alone, you're not alone, you're not even close

You're true, then you're untrue, then you're true again

Only automatic now (now, now, now, now)

Only automatic now (now, now, now, now)

Only automatic now (now, now, now, now)

Only automatic now (now, now, now, now)

Slow release pills

You take them today

You take them for tomorrow (Only automatic now now, now, now, now)

Take them for tomorrow (Only automatic now now, now, now, now)

Only automatic now (now, now, now, now)

Only automatic now (now, now, now, now)