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.
I Have a Dream
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(I am happy...I Have a Dream) I got a Dream
(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out out out
(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out out out
(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out
(I Have a Dream) I got a Dream
(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out out out
(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out out out
(I Have a Dream) I got a Dream
(That One Day) That one day
(That One Day) I'ma look deep within myself
(I Have a Dream) I gotta find a way...
My Dream Is To Be Free
My Dream Is To Be
My Dream Is To Be
My Dream Is To Be Free
[Verse 1]
In search of brighter days, I ride through the maze of the madness,
Struggle is my address, where pain and crack lives,
Gunshots comin' from sounds of Blackness,
Given this game with no time to practice,
Born on the Black list, told I'm below average,
A life with no cabbage,
That's no money if you from where I'm from,
Funny, I just want some of your sun
Dark clouds seem to follow me,
Alcohol that my pops swallowed bottled me,
No apology, I walk with a boulder on my shoulder,
It's a Cold War - I'm a colder soldier,
Hold the same fight that made Martin Luther the King,
I ain't usin' it for the right thing,
In between Lean and the fiens, hustle and the schemes,
I put together pieces of a Dream
I still have one
[Chorus]
[Verse 2]
The world's seen me lookin' in the mirror,
Images of me, gettin' much clearer,
Dear Self, I wrote a letter just to better my soul,
If I don't express it then forever I'll hold, inside
I'm from a side where we out of control,
Rap music in the 'hood played a fatherly role,
My story's like yours, yo it gotta be told,
Tryna make it from a gangsta to a godlier role,
Read scrolls and stow slaves,
And Jewish people in cold cage,
Hate has no color or age, flip the page,
Now my rage became freedom,
Writin' dreams in the dark, they far but I can see 'em,
I believe in Heaven more than Hell,
Blessings more than jail,
In the ghetto let love prevail,
With a story to tell, my eyes see the glory and well,
The world waitin' for me to yell "I Have a Dream"
[Chorus]
The song "I Have a Dream" by Common Feat. Will.I.Am is a tribute to life's unpredictable struggles and the ultimate triumph over them. The chorus is a homage to Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, which is a beacon of hope for all those fighting against oppression and discrimination. The lyrics of the song reflect on the harsh realities of growing up in a marginalized community where drugs, guns, and poverty are rampant. The artist highlights the struggle of people living in impoverished areas, where their dreams are often suppressed due to a lack of resources and opportunities. The key message of the song is that despite the adversity, we have to keep fighting and striving for a better future.
The verse one elaborates on the struggles of growing up in a crime-ridden neighborhood. The artist talks about dealing with the harsh realities of poverty and the struggle for survival. He shares his personal experiences of growing up in a hostile environment where the color of his skin made him an outcast. The line "Hold the same fight that made Martin Luther the King, I ain't usin' it for the right thing," refers to how the struggle for freedom and equality is often overshadowed by personal gain and greed.
Verse two is a reflection of self-discovery and acceptance. The artist talks about how he had to confront his demons and take control of his life. The line "My story's like yours, yo, it gotta be told," highlights the fact that many people have similar experiences and are fighting against the same odds. The song ends on a note of hope, with Common expressing that he believes in love and peace, and he sees the world waiting for him to raise his voice and share his dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a Dream
I have a vision for a better future
Were gonna work it out out out
We will overcome obstacles and achieve our dreams
That One Day
At a future time
I'ma look deep within myself
I will introspect to find my path
I gotta find a way...
I need to discover a solution to my problems
My Dream Is To Be Free
I aspire to live a life of liberty
In search of brighter days, I ride through the maze of the madness
I am seeking a better life despite the challenges and chaos around me
Struggle is my address, where pain and crack lives
I am from a place where hardship and addiction are prevalent
Given this game with no time to practice
I was born into difficult circumstances without preparation
A life with no cabbage, That's no money if you from where I'm from
I come from poverty and lack of financial stability
Dark clouds seem to follow me
I frequently face adversity and hardship
Alcohol that my pops swallowed bottled me, No apology
My father's alcohol addiction has impacted me deeply and left no amends
I'm a colder soldier, Hold the same fight that made Martin Luther the King
I am fighting for change like Martin Luther did, but in a more divisive and aggressive manner
I put together pieces of a Dream, I still have one
I am working towards my vision for a better future despite the obstacles
The world's seen me lookin' in the mirror
The public has observed my self-reflection
Rap music in the 'hood played a fatherly role
Hip hop culture has influenced my upbringing in lieu of a parental figure
My story's like yours, yo it gotta be told
I believe that my life story shares common themes with others from similar backgrounds
Now my rage became freedom
I am channeling my anger towards liberation for myself and others
Blessings more than jail
I value positive outcomes over negative consequences
With a story to tell, my eyes see the glory and well
I aim to share my experiences and inspire others to hope and prosperity
The world waitin' for me to yell "I Have a Dream"
The world is anticipating my proclamation of progress and hope for all
Contributed by Emma D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
The Blue Whale
(I am happy...I Have a Dream) I got a Dream
(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out out out
(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out out out
(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out
(I Have a Dream) I got a Dream
(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out out out
(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out out out
(That One Day ) Were gonna work it out
(I Have a Dream) I got a Dream
(That One Day) That one day
(That One Day) I'ma look deep within myself
(I Have a Dream) I gotta find a way...
My Dream Is To Be Free
My Dream Is To Be
My Dream Is To Be
My Dream Is To Be Free
[Verse 1]
In search of brighter days, I ride through the maze of the madness,
Struggle is my address, where pain and crack lives,
Gunshots comin' from sounds of Blackness,
Given this game with no time to practice,
Born on the Black list, told I'm below average,
A life with no cabbage,
That's no money if you from where I'm from,
Funny, I just want some of your sun
Dark clouds seem to follow me,
Alcohol that my pops swallowed bottled me,
No apology, I walk with a boulder on my shoulder,
It's a Cold War - I'm a colder soldier,
Hold the same fight that made Martin Luther the King,
I ain't usin' it for the right thing,
In between Lean and the fiens, hustle and the schemes,
I put together pieces of a Dream
I still have one
[Chorus]
[Verse 2]
The world's seen me lookin' in the mirror,
Images of me, gettin' much clearer,
Dear Self, I wrote a letter just to better my soul,
If I don't express it then forever I'll hold, inside
I'm from a side where we out of control,
Rap music in the 'hood played a fatherly role,
My story's like yours, yo it gotta be told,
Tryna make it from a gangsta to a godlier role,
Read scrolls and stow slaves,
And Jewish people in cold cage,
Hate has no color or age, flip the page,
Now my rage became freedom,
Writin' dreams in the dark, they far but I can see 'em,
I believe in Heaven more than Hell,
Blessings more than jail,
In the ghetto let love prevail,
With a story to tell, my eyes see the glory and well,
The world waitin' for me to yell "I Have a Dream"
[Chorus]
TheLastHylianTitan
still one of the best songs i've ever heard, even years later.
"i believe in heaven more than hell" is still a very powerful line to me.
Mileek Wood
Best line in the track
CrookedRosePOD
This takes me to a time I was young and innocent. Feels good to feel again
J P
Whoโs here after watching freedom writers 2020
Peder Ludvig Espegard
Ye buddy
Lyra Donovan
Yep
T8 StormZz
One of the best movies Iโve ever seen
Jenny Alfonsi
2021
ใ o
@Jenny Alfonsi 2021!
VViD
i remember i used to jam to this at the end of elementary school and through middle school. such a dope song, happy i came back to it today