RELEASED: December 18, 2020
LABEL: Monster Mountain Records
LINKS: Amazon Music | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube Music | SoundCloud | Tidal | Deezer
You’re about to listen to “Operation: Wake Up” by Mike Posner.
This album was written, recorded, and produced
Over a period of two weeks
In Detroit, Michigan
In my parents’ basement
It’s meant to be listened to all the way through. At least on the first listen. And it’s about 36 minutes long.
If you can’t devote 36 minutes of undivided attention to this album I, again, politely ask that you turn it off, and return at a later time.
I love you and I thank you for taking the time to listen… In the first place.
Also, it’s important to note that the characters in the stories in this album are completely fictional. In addition, anyone struggling with a mental illness – depression, schizophrenia – should not listen to this album. Turn it off.
With caution, tact, and perspective.
Enjoy “Operation: Wake Up”
That aging artist Mike Posner is renting for the week
He’s in LA to write songs for other, more famous artists
We join him as his barber Tracy arrives at the mansion to give him a haircut
“What up doe Tracy?”
“Hey, Mike! Welcome back to LA! How you doing?”
I guess I’m famous again
Shave off the beard
I think when we do it it’s gon’ take off a year
Privacy for press, the trade-off is weird
But really it’s my last chance to stave off the fear of being famous again
Got me back in LA
I sold my house here but I can’t get away
I got a session today with the singer Jessie J
I’m renting this mansion where I’ll stay
(Turn your head this way)
(So how you want it cut?)
Well, I think that the green is played
And to be honest I’ve been feeling kinda off these days
It’s something happening inside me, I can feel the change
These people want a fucking show, Okay
Shave it all off!
(Hey, Mike are-are you okay? Are you sure?)
Just shave it all off!
(As your barber I gotta shoot you straight)
(This isn’t going to look good, you’re making a mistake)
And who are you to tell me that I’m wrong?
(I’m just trying to be your friend and let you know)
I never really liked you anyway
(Mike, that’s not true, take that back)
Just shave it all off
You’re just another girl now with a song
(Really? Chill out)
And I’m just another sad man in LA
(Don’t say that, come on)
(So, how’s Noelle doing anyways?)
T, we broke up in May
(Serious? I didn’t know, are you okay?)
Yeah, I’m okay
(What happened?)
Didn’t take that long to figure out it wasn’t working
She was sad I was touring, wasn’t worth it
(That’s tough, how’d you word it?)
Well I texted her tha-
(You texted her?)
I know I’m a bad person
But it all felt cursed when she would sit around and drink and shit
You can’t be rescued by a sinking ship
(That’s true)
So I pushed what I loved away
(But why?)
Some people can’t take LA
(That’s a cop-out)
I guess that I was one of them
(That’s bullshit)
It’s not bullshit, I’m one of them
(I think you messed up)
But who are you to tell me that I’m wrong?
She never really liked me anyway
Just shave it all off!
She’s just another girl now with a song
And I’m just another sad man in LA
Okay
Shave it all off
(Okay, here it goes)
(Do you want the top a little longer? Like maybe a number 1 or some… number 2?)
Just shave it all off!
(Okay, you don’t have to yell)
(Someone’s moody today)
(Chill out, y’know)
I’m really sorry, Tracy… I… I didn’t mean to yell at you… I just…
(Mike, I know you’re under pressure)
Yeah
(But you should take it easy)
I know
(Hey, what’s that on your dresser?)
Nothing, just a bottle of cologne
(Nah, next to that)
Hey, Tracy, just leave it alone
(Okay, where’s your session at?)
Paramount on Santa Monica at 2
Meeting blackbear for dinner in the Valley when it’s through
(Well, your hair’s done, look in the mirror)
Nah I don’t need to
People who stare into mirrors are all see-through
(Well, let me wipe the hair from your face, it’s all messy)
It’s fine, I’m ’bout to shower, I got this session with Jessie
I should call an Uber at 12:50
And then after that, I gotta meet Bear at Joe’s Falafel for dinner at 8 PM (correct)
Shit, I need a day off
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while
(I think that’d be good for me, honestly, if I just chilled every)
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while
(Gonna get ready now though, huh)
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while
(Yo, this haircut is crazy. Oh my God!)
Bald head smooth, not too shabby
Tom Ford cologne so Jessie know I’m classy
I keep the bottle next to the heat on the dresser
That was too much, she’ll think I’m trying to impress her
I take another shower to wash off the smell
Twenty minutes late now, need excuse to tell
I’ll just blame it on the traffic, better yet, a accident
Car went in a backspin, it was tragic
On the 405, that’s it, I call a Uber X
Here comes a man named Dafar in a Camry
Hurry up, I need the Grammy before I’m an antique
I’m too antsy, I get to the studio
There’s a white dude in a hoodie named Andy
(Hey, my name’s Andy, I’ll be your engineer)
Cool (Jessie’s not here) alright
(Can I offer you a drink?) yeah, I’ll take a cold beer
(We only have water and juice), that’s so L.A., makes sense
I kill the time looking at my DMs, I check ’em
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while
(She’s not bad)
Yeah, I check ’em every
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while
And Jessie walks in the room like (ah)
Bodyguard with her like (don’t get too close, motherfucker)
And I gotta say that she smelled like (ah)
I’m dumbfound looking like, “Mmh, good God”
And suddenly I’m so not prepared
I’m doing my best just not to stare
I’m wonderin’ how I got in here
Must be the Lord’s blessings
The first thing she says is
“Christ, Mike, dear
What have you done with all your hair?
You’re looking like a white monk, it’s weird”
Well, you know, I just shaved it all off
It’s just something that I do every
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while, yeah
Now I’m super embarrassed, in all fairness
She wasn’t tryna be mean, she was just surprised
Or maybe she was and now I’m just justifying
The behavior because I love her but I’d touch
As much as I love her eyes, that must be why
I tell her, “You look very pretty today”
Nice one, dummy (uh, thanks?) very original
I am sensing something subliminal (this guy is weird)
I think she doesn’t really like me (I don’t like him)
I think she’s thinking that I’m lame as fuck (he’s lame as fuck)
Yeah, she’s thinking that I’m lame as fuck (yup)
So I’ma sing her a song that I already wrote
And pretend I just made it up
Hey, uh, hey Jessie (yeah)
What if we tried something like
Don’t do me dirty, show me some mercy
Darling, please lay down your weaponry (that’s cool)
How did I end up somewhere between, oh (uh)
Lover and a memory
‘Cause I don’t believe in a halfway heart (that’s cool)
Ba-buh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh, ya know?
Mm-a-bee-dah-dah, yeah, something like that (that’s dope)
It’ll sound (I like it)
It’ll sound better in your voice, too, when you sing it
Must you do this
Treat me ruthless
Make excuses when the truth is that the thought still comes
Now and then when you’re in private
You’ll consider then the silence tends to sound like drums
You’re pretending you don’t care
So, I’m doing the same
I like you more when you’re taken
Oh Lord, you’re good at this game
(Chorus: Jessie J & Mike Posner)
Don’t do me dirty
Show me some mercy
Darlin’, please lay down your weaponry
How did I end up somewhere between a lover and a memory?
‘Cause I don’t believe in a halfway heart
And you gave me all of my favorite scars
How did I end up somewhere between a lover and a memory?
(Verse 2: Mike Posner)
I been drinking I been smoking
I been waiting I been hoping that there’s still some chance
You and me can find a reason to believe in all them weekends that we used to have
You’re pretending you don’t care
So, I’m doing the same
I like you more when you’re taken
Oh Lord, you’re good at this game
(Chorus: Jessie J & Mike Posner)
Don’t do me dirty
Show me some mercy
Darlin’, please lay down your weaponry (please lay down your weaponry)
How did I end up somewhere between a lover and a memory?
‘Cause I don’t believe in a halfway heart (a halfway heart)
And you gave me all of my favorite scars
How did I (How did I) end up somewhere between a (oh) lover and a memory?
Don’t do me dirty
Show me some mercy
Darlin’, please lay down your weaponry
How did I end up somewhere between a lover and a memory?
‘Cause I don’t believe in a halfway heart (I don’t believe) (A halfway heart)
And you gave me all of my favorite scars (You gave me all of my favorite scars )
How did I end up (how did I end up) somewhere between a (somewhere between a) lover and memory
Halfway through it starts to bore me
Kind of a knock-off of Leonard Cohen’s style
Noelle on my mind, we ain’t spoken in a while
Jessie J offers me a J
I ain’t smoked one in a while
I say okay, I took it and smiled
But now I’m just sad and high
I thank her for the session and we said goodbye
Pack up my laptop and my hard drives
My microphone compressor and my guitar, I’m
Meeting bear at Joe’s Falafel
No Soho house, there’s no falafel
Too many agents, too many managers
People saying words just to fill up all the calendars
That’s why I moved from L.A
To get away from all the bad ideas people tell me
Like
You should take it easy, baby
You should take it easy
So I’m in a Uber Black ‘cause I wanna impress
Mr. Blackbear I know will be very well-dressed
And if we take a photo then I wanna look dope, uh
I need all the hoes DMing Mike Posner
My ego’s hard to tame
My fame remains the best card to play
Text from Blackbear, “Where are you?”
Well, I’m not that far away
But the 101’s slammed, so it’s hard to say
How long before I pull up so I pull up
The poem on my iPhone I was working on earlier
Today, and try to make some headway
To whom it may concern (that’s a good opening)
Right before the sky gets too tired to hold up the stars (that’s a nice line)
Right before virtual reality becomes realer than real reality (that’s really shitty writing)
Right before we smoke ourselves out and the oceans turn black
And by the time I finish it up, I’ve arrived
Noelle’s on my mind, maybe I should try
To call her up, let down my defense
Nah, I need to just listen to my friends when they tell me
You should take it easy, baby
You should take it easy
So I walk in twenty minutes late
Bear’s waiting with a little funny look upon his face
And he says, “You look like a cancer patient”
I remember I’m bald, now he’s testing my patience
He reads my face and sees I don’t think it’s funny
“What’s up with you, man, sad with all that money?
You ride around in open limousines looking like Jimmy Dean
Feeling clean, bagging bone, you got the winning genes”
I hear what he’s saying but it’s not effective
I can’t see things from his perspective
“You know, I know what you need, look at me, don’t text
Some brand new pussy will get your mind off your ex”
Thank you, Dr. Blackbear for breaking me down
But my L.A. girls all hate me now
‘Cause I moved to Detroit, I don’t reply to texts
So I doubt that they’re gonna retry the sex
“Doesn’t matter, here’s what we’re gonna do
You gotta big mansion that you’re staying in, true?” (True)
“You throw a big party, I’ll invite models
And you know Diddy, free CÎROC bottles”
But I hate L.A. parties, “It’ll feel like Cabo
You need this, dog, you’re looking high-low”
He’s right, I need it, he’s not lying
But what about the house, man? It’s not mine
You should take it easy (it’s gonna be fine
In fact, it’s gonna be better than fine), baby
You should take it easy (this is gonna be amazing
You hear me? Amazing)
But the cleaner fee, who’s gonna pay that shit?
“Did you really just say that? Dude, you’re rich
Live a little, I’m not saying buy Ferraris
All I’m saying is let’s have a party
Let’s have a party
Let’s lose control
Let’s have a party
Until we can no more
(Verse 1)
I, I, I
I text the bitches, I text the hoes
It’s gon’ be amazing, Mike don’t even know
Speaking to things that Mike don’t even know
I’ve been fucking his ex for a year on the low
She’ll get mad if I don’t invite her to go
So I text her the addy, I doubt that she’ll show
I hit up Bieber, he’s down to roll
Mike gives me the keys, here you go, now let’s go
(Chorus)
Let’s have a party
Let’s lose control
Let’s havе a party
Until we can no more
Until we can’t no more (oh, oh, oh)
Until we can’t no more (oh, oh, oh)
Until we can’t no… (oh, oh, oh)
Until we can no more (whoa)
(Outro)
So, we’re good to go, have I convinced you?
Yeah, we’re— it’s, it’s cool (alright)
Just make it dope, though, I’d like a scene you know (I got you)
Here’s the key (thank you)
That’s what I’m talking about baby, woo!
I don’t mean to steal your joy
I don’t mean to burst your bubble
But he’s just a little boy
Hey Noelle, how you doing? I’m chill, how are you?
I’m good, I just cut Mike, he said you guys are through? Yeah
Oh my God! I didn’t know, sweetie, are you okay?
T, I never been better. What’d that motherfucker say?
Well I’m not sure I should get in the middle of it
Did he tell you that he dumped me? Yeah, aw, little pig
The sex was terrible, never talked to me
Studio all day, he never stopped to eat
He’s a weirdo so I told him we should go see
Other people, now he runs around LA saying
That I’m evil, you seeing anybody new?
Yeah, Blackbear, and he’s got that good dick too
Isn’t that Mike’s best friend? Mmh-hm, but Mike don’t know
When he hears it’s gonna hit him like a cyclone, though
I don’t like the sounds of this, Noelle
I ain’t ask for assistance
Besides T, it’s really none of your business, you’re right
I don’t mean to cause no trouble (I don’t mean to cause no trouble, I just…)
I don’t mean to steal your joy (I love both of you guys)
I don’t mean to burst your bubble
But he’s just a little boy (He’s just a… you know)
I don’t mean to cause no trouble (he’s not the most mature guy)
I don’t mean to steal your joy ( we both know that, so…)
I don’t mean to burst your bubble (I guess I’m glad you’re good)
But he’s just a little boy
It’s just, I’m kinda worried about him
It seems like he’s got a dark cloud around him
I don’t think he took the breakup well at all
Today he asked me to shave his whole head bald
Did you do it? I had to
Oh my God! I bet he looks so dumb
I mean you’re right, but I don’t think he has anyone
He’s working with Jessie but he ain’t having fun
And next to his cologne on a dresser I swear I saw a gun
Who cares? He just wants attention
He’s even having a party tonight at the house
That he’s renting, I’ma go and make sure he sees me
On my new man’s arms, that’s gonna kill him! Too bad for him
I don’t mean to cause no trouble (you really shouldn’t go to this party, Noelle)
I don’t mean to steal your joy (this is gonna be bad)
I don’t mean to burst your bubble
But he’s just a little boy (I have a bad feeling about this)
I don’t mean to cause no trouble
I don’t mean to steal your joy (he’s just a little boy and he…)
I don’t mean to burst your bubble (he doesn’t— he can’t control himself)
But he’s just a little boy
Whoa-oh
Whoa-oh
Whoa-oh
Whoa-oh
Yeah, yeah
Whoa-oh
Whoa-oh
Whoa-oh
Yeah, yeah
Man, fuck Tracy
She don’t know what she’s talking about
Nosy
I have to go to this party tonight with Bear at Mike’s house
Read it and weep
Fuck ’em both
Why’d you invite so many stars?
‘Cause I can
Bieber is here (Yeah)
Nick Jonas is here (Right)
In the corner smokin’ cigars
Why you gotta be so negative?
Look at all the babes
Look at all the bitches
Wipe that look off your face
Blackbear and Mike Posner know how to rage
Are you serious, man? We need to act our age
I’m almost thirty
Let’s face the truth, these girls just want Bieber
That’s right, they do (nice haircut, bro)
You know what, just take this, quit being such a beaver
I can’t, why?
Cue the jokes, I took a pill in Ibiza
What is it anyways? Molly?
Nah, acid. A thousand mics.
I got it from Chris, turn down the lights
What about you? I don’t wanna do it alone
I took two (When?) When we were eating at Joe’s
You’re insane! Okay here goes
Give it forty-five minutes, then let me know
I can already feel it (oh shit) opening my pores
Can I take this call in your bedroom?
Of course! Use the same key that I gave you before
Third room on the left, second floor
Can I tell you something though?
Yeah
I love you, man
I love you, too
I got your back for life
The same for you
I just hope that people see
I’m not who I used to be
I don’t need to run no more
Someday soon I’ll see the lore
This party’s lit, my life is real
I don’t care, that’s how I feel
I don’t need to run no more
Someday soon I’ll see the lore
*Phone ringing*
Hello?
It’s Noelle, I’m almost to the address
Oh shit, you’re coming?
Yeah, I brought my friend too, you know, the actress
We actually just pulled up, you see me out here?
Nah
Is Mike around?
Yeah, I’m in his room, he’s downstairs
All these fake people, what are we doing?
Off the couch, this house is gonna be ruined
People smile at me and ask dumb questions
Talk about themselves and try to book sessions, like
“You might be interested in this, I’m managing this really great artist
She’s like Beyoncé mixed with Taylor Swift
Lucian loves her, she’s gonna be—”
Yo, you listening?
Yeah sorry, I think these drugs are kicking in
(Refrain)
…just wanna be free
I am a lone mosquito
Ain’t got no ego
I just wanna be free
We are all lone mosquitoes
Ain’t got no ego
We just wanna be free
Oh, send me flyin’
A lone mosquito
Ain’t got no ego
I just wanna be free
We are all lone mosquitoes
Ain’t got no ego
We just wanna be free
(Nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is real)
Free, free, free, free
(Nothing is real, nothing is real)
Free, free, free, free
(Nothing is real, nothing is real)
Free, free, free, free
(Nothing is real, nothing is real, is real)
Free, free, free, free
(Nothing is real, nothing…)
Free, free, free, free…
(Nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is real
Nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is rеal
Nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is rеal)
(Nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is real
Nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is real
Nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is real
Nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is real, nothing is real…)
(Verse)
I took too much, latticework in my head
My clothes are too tight, need to get to my bed
Walk upstairs, it’s gettin’ harder to breathe
I hear people in my room, I’m ‘bout to make ’em leave
Probably college kids lookin’ for a place to kiss
I feel around on the wall and turn on the light switch
(Oh) oh my God, oh my (This, this isn’t what it looks like, I swear)
Oh my God… (Just relax, just relax)
Am I hallucinatin’? Is it just a bad trip?
Bear’s got Noelle bent over my bed and shit
Of all the girls, dog? (Dude I’m sorry) My ex?
And you, you couldn’t pick another place to have sex? (No)
(Mike, it’s okay) Just get the fuck out of my house
(This isn’t even your house) Just get the fuck out of my house!
Then I pick up the gun from the dresser and I cock it
(Jesus, Mike, dude c’mon drop it)
I swear if you don’t get the fuck out of here
I count to three, (One… two…) they pick up their shit and disappear
I find a handle of Jack and turn it upside down
Wake up the next morning on the floor face down
Red cups everywhere
Kerosene eyes
I can hear my steps echo (echo)
Leftover lines
It’s all in a silly attempt to be someone different
Someone different
Someone who ain’t me
(Chorus)
And it’s days like this that I find you on my mind
And it’s clear that I really did fuck things up this time
‘Cause right now you’re wrapped up in another man’s arms who doesn’t hold his love for ransom
And I’m right here
Alone in a mansion
(Verse 2)
Uh, Acid in my blood flow
I feel like I’m dead
Razorblade, dark forms
In the sandpaper bed
And it’s all in a silly attempt to make someone listen
Someone listen
To little old me, yeah
(Chorus)
And it’s days like this that I find you on my mind (on my mind)
And it’s clear that I really did fuck things up this time (up this time)
‘Cause right now you’re wrapped up in another man’s arms who doesn’t hold his love for ransom
And I’m right here
Alone in a mansion
Yeah, I’m right here
Alone in a mansion
(Bridge)
Whoa, whoa
You tell me, you tell me
What am I supposed to do?
Whoa, whoa
You tell me, you tell me
(Chorus)
It’s days like this that I find you on my mind (on my mind)
And it’s clear that I really did fuck things up this time (up this time)
‘Cause right now you’re wrapped up in another man’s arms who doesn’t hold his love for ransom
And I’m right here
Alone in a mansion
Yeah, it’s days like this that I find you on my mind (on my mind)
And it’s clear that I really did fuck things up this time
‘Cause right now you’re wrapped up in another man’s arms who doesn’t hold his love for ransom
And I’m right here
Alone in a mansion
Yeah, I’m right here
Alone in a mansion
(Outro)
*Sobbing*
To whom it may concern
Right before the sky gets too tired to hold up the stars
Right before virtual reality becomes too real
Right before we smoke ourselves out and the oceans turn black
Right before it all goes to shit
There will be a brief moment
When the world will remember my name
Mike Posner
Commencing Operation: Wake Up
