Rebillet started playing piano at age four; he studied classical music until age 15 while attending Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas. He dropped out of Southern Methodist University after one year of studying acting. Rebillet then worked in other sectors for ten years, including as a server, an executive assistant, and in a corporate call center, while producing music unsuccessfully under the name "Leae". During this time, Rebillet moved to New York City in 2011 and back to Dallas in 2014 to care for his father, who had Alzheimer's disease.
Rebillet's professional music career began in 2016, when he began publishing YouTube videos and live streams of himself improvising songs in his bedroom, apartment, and hotel rooms, often while dancing in his boxer briefs. These videos began to go viral through Reddit and Facebook, generating a fan base, and earning Rebillet tips. Many of Rebillet's songs are inspired by live requests from his fans, who call him on a phone number that he posts on social media, or comment during the live stream. Rebillet's sessions can last from one to five hours. The content of the streams varies widely, from romance and sex to more frivolous topics, such as snacking.
Rebillet's music is defined by his use of a Boss RC-505 loop station, which allows him to layer his voice with keyboards, tambourines, and other hand percussion instruments. Most of his songs are improvised, and include elements of funk, soul, hip hop, and house music, as well as comedy skits. Nick Pagano described Rebillet's music as ranging "from soulful serenading piano ballads to funky bass licks to downright club bangers, and is always accompanied by his unique sense of humor". His lyrics tend to be comical, silly, or vulgar, enough so that he has been referred to as a comedian. Rebillet's "goofy", "nerdy", and "earnest" personality plays a role in his popularity.
Speaking about the lyrical content of Rebillet's songs, WBUR's Tonya Mosley said, "they’re actually really insightful. It’s sort of like social commentary."
Rebillet has mentioned Reggie Watts, Nina Simone, Madlib, and James Blake as sources of inspiration.[9] Speaking about Reggie Watts, Rebillet has said, "I would not be doing this if he didn’t exist."[6]
Clean
Marc Rebillet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know you're trying
To put yourself up
Sometimes it′s hard to see a light
You know what to reach out
I've been there to help you
You got failed on me
Failed on me, oh
You're not alone if you′re in trouble,
If you′re feeling low, if you're feeling like it′s the end
If you're like you can′t get out
If you feel like you need a friend
Ohh, reach out!
Ohh, reach!
You know a sign
Oh, I know you're struggling
Oh, I know you need
And I know
And I know you can do it, baby
You got it in you
You got it in you
It′s in your heart
And it always was
And it always will be
All you got to do is clean.
The opening lines of “Clean” by Marc Rebillet declare that he knows that someone close to him is in a state of despair and is trying their best to lift themselves up out of it. The phrase, “trying to put yourself up” could be interpreted in many ways, but most likely it means to get out of bed, go to work, take a shower, or perhaps all of these tasks that one would consider minimal on a normal day. The song has a motivational quality to it, as the lyrics are trying to encourage and strengthen someone going through a rough time. Rebillet acknowledges that at times it can be difficult to see hope or light at the end of the tunnel, but that he has been there before and he knows how to assist in getting through the tough times.
The chorus of “Clean” is catchy and inviting. Rebillet tells the person who is struggling that they are not alone and that if they need help or support, they should reach out. The repetition of the phrase “reach out” solidifies the message that Rebillet is trying to get across, which is that there is no shame in asking for help or support from a friend. The final segment of the song reinforces the message that there is hope, even when things seem bleak. The phrase “all you've got to do is clean” is likely referring to shedding whatever is weighing one down and beginning anew. The phrase “it’s in your heart and it always was, and always will be,” furthers the notion that there is always a way out of a difficult situation, just start by cleaning up.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you're down in the dawns
I understand that you are struggling and feeling low.
I know you're trying
I know that you are making an effort to improve your situation.
To put yourself up
To lift yourself up, to feel better.
Sometimes it's hard to see a light
Sometimes it's difficult to see a way out or a positive outcome.
You know what to reach out
You have the tools to ask for help.
I've been there to help you
I have been in your shoes and I can offer you support.
Baby you know
My dear, you should know
You got failed on me
You should never feel like you have let me down.
Failed on me, oh
You have not failed me, my belief in you remains.
You're not alone if you're in trouble
You are not the only one facing difficulties and feeling troubled.
If you're feeling low, if you're feeling like it's the end
If you are feeling sad and hopeless, and think that everything is over.
If you're like you can't get out
If you think that you cannot find your way out.
If you feel like you need a friend
If you feel like you need emotional support.
Ohh, reach out!
Call out for help.
Ohh, reach!
Extend your hand to someone who can support you.
You know a sign
You know what to look for.
Oh, I know you're struggling
I am aware that you are finding things difficult.
Oh, I know you need
I know you are feeling the need for something.
And I know
I am certain
And I know you can do it, baby
You have the strength and ability to overcome this.
You got it in you
The qualities you need to succeed are already within you.
It's in your heart
Your motivation and courage come from within.
And it always was
These qualities have always been a part of you.
And it always will be
You will always possess these qualities.
All you got to do is clean.
All you need to do is clear your mind, remove any obstacles, and move forward with a positive attitude.
Contributed by Nathaniel W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.