Gorillaz - The Happy Dictator Lyrics

Gorillaz Lyrics

"The Happy Dictator"
(feat. Sparks)

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'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)
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)

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 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 (Will be bright)
And consuming, I'll save you from yourself (Will be bright)
My love bestowed on this world of fiction (Will be bright)
We march to the future happiness grows (Will be bright)
Are you not better off than ever? (Will be bright)
And 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 right now? (Will be bright)

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)
You can sleep well at night (Palaces)
And the palace of your mind (Of love)
Will be bright (Mountains and rainbows)
You can sleep well at night (Palaces)
And the palace of your mind (Of love)
Will be bright

(Will be bright)
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, woo...

Submit Corrections

"The Happy Dictator" is the lead single from Gorillaz's studio album "The Mountain". The song was premiered on September 11, 2025.

This song was first performed live (alongside with the rest of the album's tracks) during the final concert of the Copper Box Arena Shows in London. The even lasted from the 29th of August until the 3rd of September to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary.

According to Damon Albarn, "The Happy Dictator" was inspired by his visit of Turkmenistan, where the country's press doesn't report bad news in order to keep the population happy. Albarn explained, "There's a degree of satire, but it's one of those things that you can sort of imagine people singing back at you and it being quite a joyful experience even though the origins of it are quite sinister and dark."

album: "The Mountain" (2026)

The Empty Dream Machine

The Story Of The Mountain

(Special Digital Edition Bonus Track)

You May Also Like

Tyler, The Creator - "GONE, GONE / THANK YOU" Comparing scars before dinner Jump off the roof into the mirror Felt like summer to my December Was it my August? Shit, I don't remember (Two, three, go) I know my temperature was set You finally...

The White Stripes - "Seven Nation Army" I'm gonna fight 'em off A seven nation army couldn't hold me back They're gonna rip it off Taking their time right behind my back And I'm talkin' to myself at night Because I can't forget Back and...

Capital Cities - "Safe And Sound" I could lift you up I could show you what you wanna see And take you where you wanna be You could be my luck Even if the sky is falling down I know that we'll be safe and sound We're safe and...

Red Hot Chili Peppers - "By The Way" Standing in line to see the show tonight And there's a light on, heavy glow By the way, I tried to say I'd be there waiting for Dani, the girl, is singing songs to me Beneath the marquee, overload...

Smashing Pumpkins - "Today" Today is the greatest Day I've ever known Can't live for tomorrow Tomorrow's much too long I'll burn my eyes out Before I get out I wanted more Than life could ever grant me Bored by the chore Of...

"The Happy Dictator" lyrics

Gorillaz Lyrics