As well as music, Common has worked as an actor, on films such as 'Smokin' Aces' (as Sir Ivy) 'American Gangster' (as Turner Lucas), 'Wanted', and 'John Wick: Chapter 2'. He may also be seen in cameo roles in films such as 'Brown Sugar'.
His debut was the 1992 album Can I Borrow A Dollar, but he achieved little critical or commercial success until 1994's Resurrection, an instant classic. He produced several more albums, notably Like Water For Chocolate and the highly experimental Electric Circus, before releasing the Kanye West and J Dilla-produced Be in 2005, which was his first album to receive widespread mainstream appeal and radio playtime.
Common is considered a "cred" artist, which has lead him to collaborations with the likes of De La Soul, Jadakiss, T.I, Talib Kweli, The Roots, Kanye West, Lily Allen, Erykah Badu, and Fort Minor.
The 2007 album Finding Forever was produced mainly by long-time collaborator, Kanye West. Common released his eighth album Universal Mind Control in 2008, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album but lost to the Eminem album Relapse. He released his ninth album The Dreamer/The Believer in 2011. Nobody's Smiling, his tenth album, was released in 2014. The concept of the album was inspired by his troubled hometown of Chicago.
Changes
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We must stand tall and live strong it's up to the youth to live on
And carry this torch we pass down
You see I know it's not the last round
In the next generation my faith is unwavering
My confidence in you is unshakeable
Because I know that you're willing and far beyond capable
But to do it all we must be as one
Life can be better than most of us dream Yeah
So once you take the reins
Believe in your greatness which lies within
And for the better this world will change
I see that you want it Want it I see that you're working for it
So don't take no days off it's gonna pay off
I see that you love it Love it I want you to know that
Before you can see it you gotta believe it
You're the generation of tomorrow
The pursuit starts today
And all time is borrowed Mmm mmm
So you have none to waste
You are not You are not oh I repeat
You are not put on this Earth to lose Lose nah
And you are hot You are hot yeah I repeat it
That you are hot so do what you do
And we gon' do it big Yeah we gon' make a scene Yeah
We gon' take the doubters make 'em all believe
We gon' be the change that we wanna see
We're not taking average chasing legend status
We can have the world we can have it all
Nothing is too big nothing is too small Oh
We can be the change that we wanna see
We're not taking average chasing legend status
Ooh nah nah
I see that it's in your heart I see that it's in your heart
I feel it I feel it I feel your desire
It only takes one spark it only takes one spark Yeah
To set it to set it on fire
You're the generation of tomorrow oh
But the work starts today
And all time is borrowed Yeah
So there's no time to waste Yeah
And you are not You are not yeah I repeat
That you are not You are not put on this Earth to lose Lose
And you are hot You are hot yeah I repeat it
You are hot so do what you do Do what you do
And we gon' do it big we gon' make a scene Scene
We gon' take the doubters Oh make 'em all believe
We gon' be the change that we wanna see
We're not taking average chasing legend status
We can have the world we can have it all
Nothing is too big nothing is too small
We can be the change Be the change
that we wanna see That we wanna see
We're not taking average chasing legend status Let's go
You can have anything you want
But know the work must still be done Work must still be done
And how we will change the world
Is in your own hands Just believe that you can
What is a dream What is a dream without action
Nothing but a reason to stay asleep
You gotta wake up You gotta wake up
Make a decision life is for the living
And it's yours but you gotta go get it oh
And we gon' do it big Woo we gon' make a scene Yeah
We gon' take the doubters We gon' take the doubters
make 'em all believe Make 'em all believe
We gon' be the change Ooh ooh that we wanna see That we wanna see
We're not taking average No no chasing legend status
We can have the world we can have it all
Nothing is too big nothing is too smal
We can be the change We can be the change
That we wanna see That we wanna see
We're not taking average Oh oh chasing legend status
We gon' do it big yeah
Woah nothing ooh woah ooh woah
Do it all we gotta do is do it
Nothing nothing nothing can stop us now
No ooh
The song "Changes" by Common is a motivational and inspiring piece that encourages the youth to embrace their potential and make a difference in the world. The artist talks about the tough times that we live in and reminds the listener that it's up to the youth to carry the torch that has been passed down to them. Common expresses his unwavering faith in the next generation, and his confidence in their capabilities to do all that must be done. The artist urges them to believe in their greatness, take action, and be the change they want to see in the world.
The lyrics of the song are focused on inspiring the youth to be the change they want to see. The artist invokes a sense of responsibility among the youth to carry on the torch of change that has been passed to them. Through the song, Common conveys a message that it's up to the younger generation to embrace their potential, make the most of their time, and build a better world. The song is a call to action, urging the younger generation to take control of their future and strive for greatness. The message is clear - the world can be a better place, and they have the power to make it happen.
In summary, "Changes" by Common is a powerful and inspiring message to the youth to embrace their potential and work towards creating a better world. The artist's message and lyrics encourage listeners to take control of their future, believe in themselves, and never give up on their dreams. The song motivates the youth to take action, embrace the challenge, and become the change they want to see in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
These are tough times we live in but still we can't just give in
Although times are difficult, we cannot surrender and must persevere.
We must stand tall and live strong it's up to the youth to live on
We should be brave and resilient, and it is the responsibility of the younger generation to continue our legacy.
And carry this torch we pass down
We must pass on our knowledge and values to the next generation.
You see I know it's not the last round
I am aware that this is not the final battle.
In the next generation my faith is unwavering
I have an unbreakable trust in the upcoming generation.
My confidence in you is unshakeable
I have complete trust in your capability.
Because I know that you're willing and far beyond capable
I am aware that you are eager and exceptionally proficient.
Of doing all that must be done
You have the potential to accomplish everything that is necessary.
But to do it all we must be as one
To achieve our goals, we must work together in harmony.
Life can be better than most of us dream Yeah
Life can exceed our expectations.
So once you take the reins
Once you take control of your life,
Believe in your greatness which lies within
Trust in the potential that you possess within yourself.
And for the better this world will change
And as a result, the world will improve.
I see that you want it Want it I see that you're working for it
I recognize that you desire success and are striving towards it.
So don't take no days off it's gonna pay off
Therefore, do not take a day off, as your hard work will pay off.
I see that you love it Love it I want you to know that
I can see that you are passionate about this, and I want you to understand that.
Before you can see it you gotta believe it
You must have faith in your abilities before you can see the results.
You're the generation of tomorrow
You are the future generation.
The pursuit starts today
However, the journey towards success starts now.
And all time is borrowed Mmm mmm
We do not have an unlimited amount of time.
So you have none to waste
Therefore, you must not waste any time.
You are not You are not oh I repeat
You are not destined to fail; I repeat,
You are not put on this Earth to lose Lose nah
You are not here on this planet to be unsuccessful.
And you are hot You are hot yeah I repeat it
You are incredible, and I repeat this fact.
That you are hot so do what you do
You are exceptional, so continue being amazing.
And we gon' do it big Yeah we gon' make a scene Yeah
Together, we will do great things and make an impact.
We gon' take the doubters make 'em all believe
We will prove the naysayers wrong and make them believe.
We gon' be the change that we wanna see
We will bring the change we aspire to see.
We're not taking average chasing legend status
We will not settle for being average and will strive to achieve greatness.
We can have the world we can have it all
We can possess everything that the world has to offer.
Nothing is too big nothing is too small Oh
There is no goal too great or too small to strive for.
We can be the change that we wanna see
We can bring about the change that we desire.
Ooh nah nah
I see that it's in your heart I see that it's in your heart
I can tell that you are passionate about this.
I feel it I feel it I feel your desire
I sense your intense motivation.
It only takes one spark it only takes one spark Yeah
All it takes is one catalyst to ignite change.
To set it to set it on fire
To trigger it and initiate progress.
But the work starts today
However, the work must commence now.
So there's no time to waste Yeah
Therefore, we must not waste any time.
What is a dream What is a dream without action
A dream is meaningless without taking action to make it a reality.
Nothing but a reason to stay asleep
It is merely a justification for inaction.
You gotta wake up You gotta wake up
You must realize and act upon your potential.
Make a decision life is for the living
Make the choice to live life to the fullest.
And it's yours but you gotta go get it oh
The life you desire is yours, but you must work towards it.
We gon' take the doubters We gon' take the doubters
We will prove the naysayers wrong.
We gon' be the change Ooh ooh that we wanna see That we wanna see
We will bring about the change that we aspire to see.
Nothing nothing nothing can stop us now
Nothing can prevent us from accomplishing our goals.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind