I am so happy to be taking a closer look at the meaning behind “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley. That is because it is one of my favorite songs and one that I often play acoustically, given half the chance.
It is a fantastic Pop song that came to define everything good about Gnarls Barkley and their music. It’s the sound of the 2000s and, more specifically, seemed to sum up everything great about the summer of 2006. I love this song, and I am happy to get started and tell you a little more about it.
Band History
The band was formed in 2003 and is made up of CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse. It must be said that this was an unlikely mix and combination of characters.
CeeLo Green came from the world of Rap and Hip Hop. Danger Mouse, a music producer and multi-instrumentalist, had a strong interest in Rock and Electronic music. He had worked on the production of albums for bands like Gorillaz and The Black Keys. However, it is worth mentioning that he worked on albums for several Hip-Hop artists too.
When the paths of the two musicians crossed in 2003…
CeeLo Green had already taken the first steps in making a significant change in musical direction. He had begun to experiment with new material that was more Soul and Pop-orientated. This shift has since been confirmed by CeeLo Green as a conscious choice. He wanted to develop new styles of music other than that of Hip Hop and Rap.
His hook-up with Danger Mouse also added Electronica into the mix. And the result was nothing short of sensational. They released their first album, St. Elsewhere, in 2006 and very much took the music press and fans by surprise.
What they had not expected was a fresh Pop, Soul, and Electronic sounding album, but that is what they got. It was new and exciting, and the buying public absolutely loved it. I loved it too because I bought the album.
The name of the band has always been an interesting topic…
And, despite a few random theories being suggested, there is no definitive answer. The duo has kept very tight-lipped about the choice. They’ve insisted that it means nothing and is not the subject of any conscious decision by either band member.
What is also a mystery is why CeeLo Green would dress up as different characters during his live performances. He took on the personas of astronauts, tennis players, and chefs. Possibly most famously, he dressed up as a Star Wars character at the 2006 MTV Movie Awards. And, then, as a Pilot for his 2007 performance at the Grammy Awards. Brilliant!
Additionally, he has even dressed up as a bride and taken on the characters of famous fictional movie characters from movies such as A Clockwork Orange, Wayne’s World, and Back to the Future. Why he did this is anyone’s guess. Maybe it was just for publicity. Regardless, it was pure entertainment and gave everyone plenty to smile about.
Chart Success
“Crazy” was the band’s debut single from the album St. Elsewhere in 2006. It was a huge commercial success, which immediately put them on the map as a global force in music.
It went to #2 on the US Billboard charts but made it to #1 in several other countries. Its best performance was in the UK, where it went to #1 and managed to stay there for an astounding nine weeks. “Crazy” also went three times platinum in the process and proved that the Brits are a crazy bunch at heart.
It was an incredible start to their recording career. But, sadly, they never got close to the commercial success achieved by “Crazy” with any of their subsequent releases. Despite producing some incredible music, the best they could achieve in the US was #88 chart in 20008 for “Going On.” In the UK, they got to #10 with their second single, “Smily Faces.”
I genuinely don’t understand this…
That’s because as catchy as “Crazy” was, I think they made better music in the following years. My favorite is their heart-wrenching and powerful song, “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul.” A wonderful track that showcases all that is good about Gnarls Barkley and demonstrates CeeLo Green’s voice at his best.
Sadly, it didn’t even chart, which is a crying shame. Of all the top Gnarls Barkley songs, this is the one I’d recommend that you listen to.
St. Elsewhere was also a success and made it to #4 in the US and again to #1 in the UK. It also got to #1 in New Zealand and made it into the Top 10 charts around the world. Global sales, discounting digital downloads, are estimated to be in the region of three million copies.
Recording and Video
The concept for the recording came about from listening to and being inspired by music from the legendary Italian songwriter and composer Ennio Morricone. Much of his work was used in the famous Spaghetti Westerns of the 60s.
They picked up on this theme and ultimately adapted a piece of music from the Reverberi Brothers, “Last Man Standing,” which was used in the movie Django, Prepare a Coffin. What many don’t know is that the structure of this song is the basis for much of the melody and chorus of “Crazy.” Consequently, the Reverberis are credited for their contribution along with, of course, Danger Mouse and CeeLo Green.
The official video is an interesting affair…
And continues to explore the theme of madness. The video made use of the psychiatric ink block tests as its central theme. Inserted into the shapes appears all sorts of animals. Plus, Danger Mouse and CeeLo Green’s likenesses are cleverly inserted.
The video was put together by the famous director Robert Hales. He had previously worked with artists like Richard Ashcroft and Nine Inch Nails. The video was well-received and highly regarded. It was nominated for a couple of MYV Music Video Awards but sadly lost out on both occasions.
I love the official video. Incidentally, there was a second version made especially for the BBC in the UK. However, I don’t think you can beat their live performances. Seeing CeeLo Green dressed in all his different kinds of outfits is a joy to behold. Kind of reminds me a bit of The Village People in the nicest possible way.
The Meaning Behind “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley – Lyrics
The lyrics to Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy“ started in the most unlikely way. It all came from a conversation between CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse. They were relaxing and talking about the band when Danger Mouse mused that the only way they would ever be taken seriously by fans and the media was if people thought they were crazy.
CeeLo jumped on the idea and came up with the song “Crazy” in a matter of minutes that was subsequently recorded in just a single take. So, what does “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley mean?
Not surprisingly, it is about losing your mind and giving yourself up to insanity. When it was written, CeeLo Green was going through tough times with a divorce. So, it is hardly surprising that he was already in this kind of mindset.
The verses…
Green realizes he has finally lost touch and is going out of his mind. However, he muses that despite this, it may not be a bad thing and that we are all probably crazy in our own way.
He then builds on this last idea in the second verse. There he explores the concept that there are plenty of people in the world that consider themselves to be sane but are actually out of their minds.
We hit the third verse and final chorus when CeeLo again questions his own sanity. As well as starting to introduce the concept of the mental fragilities of other entertainers. He considers that many of them give their all and end up going crazy in the pursuit of their art and perfection. Maybe?
And, that chorus?
The chorus repeatedly questions the idea of our own sanity. Along with the main themes of the other three verses, it is a topic that just about everyone can identify with. No doubt, this is the reason for the song’s incredible success and enduring popularity. A simple song with an amazingly powerful meaning.
Want More Awesome Music From The 2000s?
If so, check out our thoughts on the Best 2000s Rap Songs, the Best Pop Songs of the 2000s, the Best 2000s R&B Songs, and the Best Songs of The 2000s for more incredible song selections.
Also, have a look at our takes on the Top 10 Fergie Songs, the Top 10 Gwen Stefani Songs, the Best Gorillaz Songs of All Time, and the Top 10 Akon Songs of All Time to discover even more fantastic tunes.
And you need to hear them. So, don’t miss our reviews of the Best Bass Earbuds, the Best Sound Quality Earbuds, the Best iPhone Earbuds, the Best Headphones for Music, the Best Headphones for Hip-Hop, and the Best Headphones Under $200 you can buy in 2024.
The Meaning Behind “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley – Final Thoughts
It is easy to see why this song is so popular. It gives us a fantastic melody and chorus with hypnotic lyrics, an incredible mix, and a flawless vocal performance in one neat package. Plus, the meaning of Gnarles Barkley’s “Crazy” connects us to our souls and expresses the crazy nature of our lives and thoughts brilliantly.
This is undoubtedly one of my favorite songs of the 2000s, and there are plenty of people out there that agree with me. That includes all the people who parted with their hard-earned cash to buy a copy or pay for a digital download. The critics loved it too. None more so than Rolling Stone magazine, who ranked it as the best Pop song of the millennium. Mighty praise and something I fully agree with.
Until next time, happy listening.
