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.
God Is Love
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The indivisible, mystical, it was meant for you
And meant for me, infinitely
Even been to prisons to visit you
Ask, "What would Christians do?"
Well some are harassing Native Americans
If God is love, why is hate in the air again?
Search for Samaritans in the hood, misunderstood
The lost tribe of Shabazz and the second class
God, I see you in the streets where the checks is cashed
Hear you in the heartbeat, hopin' that love'll last
I know you in the words, "Where the first is last"
They try to use math to quantify you
In 2005, you saved lives by the Bayou
I know you in the mouth of the spouse singing, "I do"
The most vital is how I describe you
Even when the hard times come
I'll be standing in your love
Grateful, grateful for this life
You turned on the light (hey, hey)
Even when the hard times come
I'll be standing in your love
Grateful, grateful for this life
You turned on the light
We were Buffalo Soldiers, dreadlocked Rastas
Praying to Jehovah, Rafa, in the back of cop cars
Even then we knew that love was not far
It's in the passion of the teachers and the rockstars
The Muslim sisters singing "allahu akbar"
It's coming from where Maya and Pop are
It's in the grandchild's stare up at Papa
"Love is love" became the mantra
The montage for creation, we need it in relation
When two ships pass, one love is the flotation
It's what God used to put the planet in rotation
It's what the culture used to build a hip hop nation
From the basement to the attic, where cookie show for magic
It's what we told the world when we said our lives matter
Turn the student to a master, hustler to a pastor
That's why I'm a rapper, it's all that I'm after
Even when the hard times come
Yeah I know that
I'll be standing in your love (yeah)
Oh, that's why I am
Grateful, (so) grateful for this life
You turned on the light (hey, hey)
God your love has taught me that
Even when the hard times come
Oh, I know that I'll
I'll be standing in your love (hey, and I am)
Grateful, grateful for this life (grateful)
You turned on the light
You turned on the light, yes you did
When it's hard (yeah)
I know you're right there
Tell me where would I be?
Placed it all
Without your love
At your feet
Where would I be?
I don't know
Without your light
What tomorrow brings
Tell me where would I be?
Without your grace
What I know is
I am so grateful, I am so grateful
Oh oh, oh I know (oh oh)
Ooh, ooh, yeah, yeah
'Cause you are the light
Mmm hmm
In “GOD”, the duo Common and CeeLo Green delve into the complexities of faith and religion, asking questions about how we can reconcile our beliefs with the realities of the world around us. The song begins by introducing the idea of a “critical mission”, an urgent and essential task that we must undertake. Common references Christian values like unconditional love and the Golden Rule to suggest that this mission should involve working for justice and equality in the world, particularly for marginalized communities like Native Americans or the “lost tribe of Shabazz”. He also acknowledges the tension that exists within religion, questioning how people can profess beliefs in a loving God while also perpetuating hateful and oppressive behavior.
As the song progresses, Common and CeeLo explore the ways in which love and faith intersect with different aspects of life, from the music industry to politics to personal relationships. They suggest that “love is love” and that this belief should be the driving force behind everything we do. In the chorus, they express gratitude for the light and love that have guided them through hard times, suggesting that their faith has given them strength and resilience. The final lines of the song affirm this idea, with Common declaring that “you are the light”, a reference to God or a higher power that provides guidance and hope.
Overall, “GOD” is a complex and thought-provoking meditation on faith, love, and social justice. It challenges listeners to consider how their beliefs can inspire them to create positive change in the world, even in the face of hardship and adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
The unconditional, critical mission, listen to
Paying careful attention to an important task that is crucial, while also being unconditional and not depending on any specific circumstances.
The indivisible, mystical, it was meant for you
Something that cannot be divided and is inexplicable or magical, but it was destined for you to experience.
And meant for me, infinitely
This experience was also intended for me, and it has eternal value.
Even been to prisons to visit you
I have visited you even in prisons, as a sign that your present circumstances do not change your worth or value.
Ask, "What would Christians do?"
Questioning what actions or choices would align with the teachings of Christianity.
Well some are harassing Native Americans
Despite the supposed moral teachings of Christianity, some individuals are oppressing or mistreating other groups of people who are marginalized, like Native Americans.
If God is love, why is hate in the air again?
Wondering why there seems to be an overwhelming presence of hate, even though it goes against the essence of God who is believed to be love.
Search for Samaritans in the hood, misunderstood
There is a search for people who can compassionately help others who are marginalized or disadvantaged, but these individuals are often misunderstood by society.
A savior comes, will he only come for the good?
If a savior or benefactor appears, will they only assist those who are already viewed as good or deserving?
The lost tribe of Shabazz and the second class
Referencing groups of people who are often overlooked or marginalized by society, despite having value and worth.
God, I see you in the streets where the checks is cashed
There is a belief that God is present even in places where money is exchanged or poverty is evident.
Hear you in the heartbeat, hopin' that love'll last
Sensing the presence of God in the rhythms of life and in the hope that love will endure through difficult times.
I know you in the words, "Where the first is last"
Recognizing that God values humility and service to others, rather than a desire to be first or have power over others.
They try to use math to quantify you
Some people attempt to measure or calculate the value of God, but this is impossible due to God's infinite qualities.
In 2005, you saved lives by the Bayou
Remembering a specific time when God's presence was evident in saving people's lives during a difficult situation.
I know you in the mouth of the spouse singing, "I do"
Acknowledging God's presence in the act of making a lifelong commitment to another person in marriage.
The most vital is how I describe you
Emphasizing that God is the most essential and important aspect of life and existence.
Even when the hard times come
Acknowledging that difficult times are inevitable and will arise at some point in life.
I'll be standing in your love
Despite the difficulties, I will remain steadfast in believing in God's love and presence.
Grateful, grateful for this life
Expressing gratitude for the gift of life, even in the midst of struggles or hardships.
You turned on the light (hey, hey)
God has illuminated and brought clarity to life or a situation, even when it initially seemed dark or hopeless.
We were Buffalo Soldiers, dreadlocked Rastas
Referencing past times when people, such as soldiers or those with Rastafarian hairstyles, experienced prejudice or discrimination, despite being valuable members of society.
Praying to Jehovah, Rafa, in the back of cop cars
Prayer can be a source of comfort and strength, even during difficult or unjust situations like being in the back of a police car.
Even then we knew that love was not far
Despite the difficulties, there was still a belief in the possibility of love and hope, which can transcend any situation.
It's in the passion of the teachers and the rockstars
The essence of love and passion can be seen in people who are driven by their professions or talents, like teachers and musicians.
The Muslim sisters singing "allahu akbar"
Muslim women who are expressing their faith through worship and devotion to God, despite facing negative stereotypes or prejudice from others.
It's coming from where Maya and Pop are
Maya Angelou and Tupac Shakur are examples of people whose writing and music demonstrate themes of love and hope, which come from a source beyond themselves.
It's in the grandchild's stare up at Papa
The innocent stare of a grandchild can represent the potential for love and goodness which is inherent in humanity, and seems to be passed down from generations.
"Love is love" became the mantra
The phrase 'love is love' has become a repeated idea or belief that holds significant meaning, emphasizing the value and respect that all forms of love deserve.
The montage for creation, we need it in relation
The process of creating and building something, whether it be art, relationships, or society, can require diverse perspectives and experiences to come together.
When two ships pass, one love is the flotation
When two different groups or individuals come together, the power of love can serve as a unifying force, like a flotation device keeping them afloat.
It's what God used to put the planet in rotation
The power of love has played a role in the existence and continuation of the world and its systems beyond what human understanding can comprehend.
It's what the culture used to build a hip hop nation
Hip hop culture has utilized the themes of love and unity to create a cultural movement and community, shaped by the voices and experiences of those who participate in it.
From the basement to the attic, where cookie show for magic
In every part of life and society, love and the potential for wonder and magic can be found, even in unexpected or overlooked places.
It's what we told the world when we said our lives matter
The 'Black Lives Matter' movement is an example of people asserting the value and worth of their lives through the belief in the overriding force of love and its demand for equality.
Turn the student to a master, hustler to a pastor
Love has the ability to transform people's lives, changing their roles or perceptions from something negative or limited to something positive and empowering.
That's why I'm a rapper, it's all that I'm after
I am a rapper because I believe in the power of words and music to express the themes of love, transformation, and hope that resonate with my experiences.
When it's hard (yeah)
When things are difficult or challenging.
I know you're right there
Believing that God is present and available to bring comfort and strength during difficult times.
Tell me where would I be?
Questioning what life would be like without the presence and love of God.
Placed it all
Acknowledging that one's life is in the hands of a greater power beyond oneself.
Without your love
Expressing that life and love would be meaningless or impossible without God's presence and love.
At your feet
Submitting oneself to God's will and guidance, in recognition of God's infinite power and wisdom.
Without your light
Feeling lost or directionless without the illumination and clarity provided by God's presence and love.
What tomorrow brings
Uncertainty or questioning what the future may hold, despite trusting in God's presence and guidance.
Without your grace
Life would be devoid of the unmerited favor, support, and love provided by God to humanity.
What I know is
Despite the unknowns and uncertainties, there is a conviction and assurance in one's faith and belief in God's love and presence.
I am so grateful, I am so grateful
The repeated phrase expresses gratitude and thankfulness for the gift of life and the presence of God's love and guidance in one's life.
Oh oh, oh I know (oh oh)
Emphasizing the knowledge and conviction of God's presence and love, even in the face of difficulties or uncertainties.
Ooh, ooh, yeah, yeah
An exclamation of joy or affirmation that can accompany a firm belief in God's love and presence.
'Cause you are the light
Affirming that God's presence and love is represented as a guiding and illuminating force in life and the world around us.
Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Burniss Earl Travis, Emmanuel Karriem Riggins, James Jason Poyser, Jonathan McReynolds, Leon Bridges, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Samora Abayomi Pinderhughes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Norma Normathamsanqa
Common never dissapoint...One realest man don't sing about money girls and cars but sings about the unconditionally love from the master above...God bless your soul and preserve from this evil industry of world of rap.
Mike Porter
He does rap about that, it's rare but even when he does he still keeps it classy and smooth. 😤😤🔥 💯
Chanc' Register
Factory! I say that to concur and cause its the whole truth peace!
Bazinga
🙏🏿💯
Shaz Naidoo
I love this song. I wanna do gospel but people saying I'm wasting my life. But it's the only thing I'm confident in doing.
IDubTheeJado
Common is a classic MC who’s survived the ‘90s era and is still kicking it today in 2019. Consistent with his consciousness. A self-aware poet with a message. A Black star, with or without the Mos Def-Talib Kweli feature, who looks to inspire others to shine just as brightly if not more brightly than he does. What more could a fan ask for? Common inspires me to approach rap the way a spoken word poet would, to make every word deliberate and every string of syllables hi-hats of imagery. To spread love.
Shout-out to his supergroup August Greene on a related note too—I’m a product of jazz, soul, and hip hop and appreciate all combined experimentations of the three genres. Also, shout-out to the Texan Leon Bridges, an old soul revamping old soul for the modern day.
Chanaví Alexandria
JaydinationLocs Do it for Jesus 🙌🏽
STITCHED N’ SLICK BY MIMI
Never would I think Common & Jonathan McReynolds would be on the same track. BOTH so underrated and gems✨
Shane Lynton
Jonathan Mcreynolds is not underrated trust me!
Cory Hodges
God works in mysterious ways🤙