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.
Cloth
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Grew up in different circles in the same spot
Like raindrops we fall in love giving our all
Showing her ring off like a player at the ball
I recall the walls that I had up
Attracted to women for things that didn't matter
Ka-clow boom pop! Sound of my heart when it drop
The night that I met her, it might be forever
I ain't afraid to gamble when life is getting better
With you, I admit I had issues
Like ebony, your essence, your pedigree, your presence
It's more than clothes can say for you
When I shop I gotta spend more than a day for you
I pray for you and us, that we imbue through lust
And accrue the trust, let's shake off the dust from the cloth
Oh you're worried about when people stop and stare
That's just a tear on those beautiful clothes you wear
Cut from the same, cloth you just want to wear
But that's just a tear because girl I can get you fresh
La la la la, la la la la
This is tailor-made love, fit like a snug
Anything we can bear so let's have some cubs
You were there when my cuz passed away
Not only does love, but life hatches day
I appreciate the hugs and the days I breed with you
Strong seeds I can see with you, the good word I read with you
Looking at things that we've been through
Things that seem simple
I know when to go hard and when to be gentle
Sentimental laughs and expressions
Let's stay in the present, no time for second guessing
You said it's this cloth that makes you feel naked
The truth we address it, that's so unexpected
Yeah that's the thread that helps us move ahead
Your hunger for affection will always be fed
Thank God we never sped and let love take it's course
Because what's inside of us, no need to outsource
The cloth
Oh you're worried about when people stop and stare
That's just a tear on those beautiful clothes you wear
Cut from the same, cloth you just want to wear
But that's just a tear because girl I can get you fresh
La la la la, la la la la
Hey lover we can cover each other
Through the coldest nights, tight never smother
It's two things that seems to hold us together
God is our tailor and forever
It's two things that seems to hold us together
God is our tailor and forever
It's two things that seems to hold us together
God is our tailor and forever
It's the cloth
Oh you're worried about when people stop and stare
That's just a tear on those beautiful clothes you wear
Cut from the same, cloth you just want to wear
But that's just a tear because girl I can get you fresh
La la la la, la la la la
The lyrics of Common's song "Cloth" explore the themes of love, unity, and the struggles in relationships. The song talks about two individuals who grew up on the same block but in different cities and how they come together in love. Common talks about how he had certain walls up and was initially attracted to women for things that didn't matter, but when he met the woman in the song, things changed. He describes her essence, pedigree, and presence as something that clothes can't even express. The line "I pray for you and us, that we imbue through lust and accrue the trust, let's shake off the dust from the cloth" suggests that lust and trust are important in relationships and that they need to work together to keep their love fresh.
In the chorus of the song, Common reassures his lover that the tear on the beautiful clothes she wears is nothing to worry about. He tells her that they are cut from the same cloth and that he can always get her fresh. The lines "Hey lover we can cover each other, Through the coldest nights, tight never smother" reflect the support and love they have for each other, even in difficult times. The song ends with a reminder that God is the tailor of their love and will keep them together forever.
Overall, "Cloth" is a beautiful love song that explores the complexities of relationships and the importance of love, trust, and support.
Line by Line Meaning
We were from different cities on the same block
Although we grew up in different cities, we lived on the same block.
Grew up in different circles in the same spot
Despite living on the same block, we had vastly different circles of friends growing up in our respective cities.
Like raindrops we fall in love giving our all
We fell in love quickly and fully, like raindrops hitting the ground.
Showing her ring off like a player at the ball
I was excited to show off my commitment to her, like a sports player proudly showing off their championship ring.
I recall the walls that I had up
I remember when I used to have walls up and was hesitant to let anyone in emotionally.
Attracted to women for things that didn't matter
In the past, I was attracted to women for superficial reasons that didn't really matter in the long run.
Ka-clow boom pop! Sound of my heart when it drop
My heart felt like it was exploding with emotion when I met her.
The night that I met her, it might be forever
I knew there was the potential for a long-term relationship the night I met her.
I hear people saying that they like us together
People have commented on how well we seem to fit together as a couple.
I ain't afraid to gamble when life is getting better
I'm willing to take risks when things are going well in life.
With you, I admit I had issues
I acknowledge having some personal issues before being in a relationship with her.
Like ebony, your essence, your pedigree, your presence
I appreciate everything about her, from her essence and pedigree to simply her presence in my life.
It's more than clothes can say for you
There's more to her than just her appearance or what she wears.
When I shop I gotta spend more than a day for you
I'm willing to spend time and effort to make sure she has everything she needs.
I pray for you and us, that we imbue through lust
I pray for our relationship to grow stronger both physically and emotionally.
And accrue the trust, let's shake off the dust from the cloth
Let's build trust in our relationship and move past any past mistakes or disagreements.
Oh you're worried about when people stop and stare
You're concerned about how other people are judging our relationship.
That's just a tear on those beautiful clothes you wear
That judgement is just a small imperfection in the otherwise beautiful relationship we have.
Cut from the same, cloth you just want to wear
We're very similar, and you want to be a part of my life because of that.
But that's just a tear because girl I can get you fresh
But those small imperfections don't matter to me, because I can always make things better for you.
This is tailor-made love, fit like a snug
Our love is custom-made for us and fits us perfectly.
Anything we can bear so let's have some cubs
We can handle anything that comes our way, so let's have children together.
You were there when my cuz passed away
You were there to support me in my time of need when my cousin passed away.
Not only does love, but life hatches day
Our love has led to the creation of a new life and family.
I appreciate the hugs and the days I breed with you
I appreciate the love and intimacy we share together.
Strong seeds I can see with you, the good word I read with you
I see potential in starting a family with you and growing together spiritually.
Looking at things that we've been through
Reflecting on our past experiences and the obstacles we've overcome together.
Things that seem simple
Things that may seem insignificant, but actually hold a lot of importance.
I know when to go hard and when to be gentle
I know how to be strong and assertive when necessary, but also know when it's important to be gentle and caring.
Sentimental laughs and expressions
The moments we share together that make us both feel emotional and warm inside.
Let's stay in the present, no time for second guessing
Let's focus on enjoying the present moment and not worry about the future or regretting the past.
You said it's this cloth that makes you feel naked
You feel completely vulnerable and exposed when you're with me, as if your clothes don't offer you any protection.
The truth we address it, that's so unexpected
We always confront the truth in our relationship, even when it's difficult or unexpected.
Yeah that's the thread that helps us move ahead
Having open and honest communication is what helps us continue to progress and grow in our relationship.
Your hunger for affection will always be fed
I will always make sure you feel loved and appreciated in our relationship.
Thank God we never sped and let love take it's course
I'm grateful that we took our time and let our love develop naturally.
Because what's inside of us, no need to outsource
We have everything we need within ourselves and our relationship, we don't need to rely on external sources for happiness.
Hey lover we can cover each other
We can always rely on each other for support and protection.
Through the coldest nights, tight never smother
We will always stick together and support each other, even through difficult times.
It's two things that seems to hold us together
There are two things that really anchor our relationship and keep us strong.
God is our tailor and forever
Our faith and trust in God is what keeps our relationship strong and everlasting.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: LONNIE RASHID LYNN, JAMES MOORE FAUNTLEROY, ERNEST WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind