Gorillaz returns with a haunting yet mesmerizing track titled “The Happy Dictator,” a standout single from their highly anticipated album The Mountain. Featuring the distinctive voices of 2-D and Sparks’ Russell Mael, this song plunges listeners into a world where utopia and dystopia collide—a juxtaposition that perfectly reflects the album’s complex narrative. Sonically rooted in Gorillaz’s signature eclectic blend of alternative rock and electronic elements, “The Happy Dictator” offers a vivid commentary on control, perception, and the fine line between salvation and suppression.
Inspired by frontman Damon Albarn’s experiences in Turkmenistan, the lyrics paint a portrait of a fictional ruler who promises peace and happiness while masking a darker reality. This theme of illusion versus truth echoes throughout The Mountain, linking “The Happy Dictator” to other tracks on the album which similarly explore societal and personal contradictions. The song’s hypnotic rhythms and reflective verses invite listeners to question their own reality, encouraging a deeper dive into the album’s tapestry of stories and sounds. Dive into The Happy Dictator lyrics below and unpack its intricate message. Don’t miss other The Mountain tracks for more of Gorillaz’s innovative storytelling and soundscapes.
| Lead Vocals | Damon Albarn & Russell Mael |
| Songwriter | Damon Albarn, Ron Mael & Russell Mael |
| Music Producer | Gorillaz, Remi Kabaka Jr., James Ford & Samuel Egglenton |
| Background Vocals | Rahul Pandey, Vamsee Kotaru, Pulkit Rajvanshi, Vaishnavi Shanker, Vijayaa Shanker, Raja Lakshmi Sanjay, Ritika Sahni, Pari Thakur & Sanskar Vaidya |
| Label | Kong Studios |
| Release Date | September 11, 2025 |
| Song Language | English |
| Copyright © | Kong Studios |
Lyrics of The Happy Dictator by Gorillaz
[Intro: Russell Mael]
I Am The One To Give You Life Again
I Am The One To Save Your Soul, Amen
[Verse 1: 2-D & Russell Mael]
As The Shadows, They Are Forming,
Come And Join Me Centre Stage
(Oh, What A Happy Land We Live In)
If You’re 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, Ah
Ah, 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)
Its 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)
[Chorus: 2-D & Russell Mael]
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, Ah
Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah
[Verse 2: 2-D & Russell Mael]
Everything Is Slowing Down Yet Everything Is Faster
(Oh, What A Happy Land We Live In)
While Everyone’s 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)
[Chorus: 2-D & Russell Mael]
No More Bad News
So You Can Sleep Well At Night
And The Palace Of Your Mind Will Be Bright
[Verse 3: Russell Mael]
Everything Is Slowing Down Yet Faster (Will Be Bright)
Consuming Us, I’ll Save You From Yourself (Will Be Bright)
My Love Bestowed Upon This World Of Fiction (Will Be Bright)
March To The Future Happiness Grows (Will Be Bright)
Are You Not Better Off Than Ever? (Will Be Bright)
Are You Not Better Off Right Now? (Will Be Bright)
When Have You Felt This Way? I Ask You (Will Be Bright)
When Have You Felt Better Off Than Now? (Will Be Bright)
[Bridge: Russell Mael]
I Am The One To Give You Life Again
I Am The One To Save Your Soul, Amen
[Chorus: 2-D & Russell Mael]
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 (Mountains And Rainbows)
So You Can Sleep Well At Night And
The Palace Of Your Mind Will Be Bright (Palaces Of Love)
[Outro: 2-D]
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
(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
(So You Can Sleep Well At Night)
And The Palace Of Your Mind Will Be Bright
Frequently Asked Questions
