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.
Inhale
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I breathe deep
Like an old man in a deep sleep
Or an Indian peace pipe
Identity be
The beginning, the end, the first, the last
Breathe into infinity
Got a chick in the south that be cursin' fast
When it was she tried a nigga nurse it last (?)
The hunger of a homeless
Microphonus
Played the game - it got a bonus
Man is the plan
The master like Tiger
So much is the drive
I am the definition of a rider
Daughter's name means survivor
From a tribe-a
Colliders
Just one word can't describe her
A scribe of the streets
And a good life that we all wanna reach
I'm hotter than a beach
Flow is so deep
Even underwater
I can inhale to bring the world in order
[scratches] Inhale
The lyrics of Common's song "Inhale" touch upon various themes such as identity, eternity, perseverance, and determination. The opening lines "I breathe deep, like an old man in a deep sleep, or an Indian peace pipe, Identity be" suggest the importance of taking a deep breath and connecting with one's own identity. This is followed by the idea of breathing into infinity, emphasizing the limitless nature of human existence. The next lines seem to reference a past relationship where Common's former partner tried to nurse him back to health, but failed. This could be a metaphor for a larger issue of people trying to fix others without addressing their own personal issues.
The song then shifts to a more confident and assertive tone, with Common proclaiming himself as a "rider" and a "survivor". He describes himself as a "master like Tiger", referencing Tiger Woods' dominance in his sport. He also mentions his daughter's name meaning "survivor", highlighting the importance of perseverance in life. Common refers to himself as a "scribe of the streets", indicating his connection to the struggles and experiences of everyday people. He states that his flow is so deep that he can even bring the world in order when he inhales, suggesting that he has a profound impact on the world around him.
Overall, the lyrics in "Inhale" showcase Common's introspective and philosophical outlook on life, paired with his confident and assertive persona as an artist.
Line by Line Meaning
I breathe deep
I take long, full breaths
Like an old man in a deep sleep
Similar to how an elderly man breathes while in a deep state of rest
Or an Indian peace pipe
Or like the peaceful inhales taken while smoking from a ceremonial Native American pipe
Identity be
Identity is
The beginning, the end, the first, the last
It's the start, the conclusion, the initial, and the final
Breathe into infinity
Inhale into boundlessness
A verse that lasts
A stanza that endures
Got a chick in the south that be cursin' fast
There's a woman in the southern region who curses quickly
When it was she tried a nigga nurse it last (?)
When she attempted to mend a black person previously
The hunger of a homeless
The intense desire of someone who is homeless
Microphonus
A small speaker
Played the game - it got a bonus
Participated and gained extra benefits
Man is the plan
I am in charge of my fate
The master like Tiger
As skilled as Tiger Woods
So much is the drive
My motivation is immense
I am the definition of a rider
I embody the essence of someone who perseveres through difficult times
Daughter's name means survivor
My child's moniker signifies perseverance through challenges
From a tribe-a
From a group of people
Colliders
People or objects that collide
Just one word can't describe her
No single adjective can capture her essence completely
A scribe of the streets
A writer who documents life in the urban environment
And a good life that we all wanna reach
As well as the desirable existence we all aspire to
I'm hotter than a beach
I'm overflowing with energy
Flow is so deep
My talent is profound
Even underwater
Even in restrictive conditions
I can inhale to bring the world in order
I can remedy the world's issues and bring tranquility by taking deep breaths
[scratches] Inhale
The song is titled "Inhale"
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAD HUGO, LONNIE RASHID(COMMON) LYNN, PHARRELL WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind