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.
Jimi Was a Rock Star
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jimi was a rock star searching for that magic place
That he could touch in the sky just to get his people high
Oh, oh, oh, oh
(Jack)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
(Jack)
Oh, oh, oh, oh
(Jack)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
(Jack)
Life is so, colorful reds, blues and dreams
Jimi lives in a purple haze, in a psychedelic maze
Playing the streets like and instrument
Pulling strings wherever he went
Angel sent from the sky just to get his people high
Oh, oh, oh, oh
(Jack)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
(Jack)
Oh, oh, oh, oh
(Jack)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
(Jack)
Women all around
(Eh, da, da, da, da)
Fast cars and sound
(Eh, da, da, da, da)
And freedom he was bound
(Ehh, da, da, da, da)
Couldn't see the ground
(Eh, da, da, da, da)
Jimi come out why don't you set me free?
(Set me free)
So high born to fly
Getting high off his own supply
Everybody follows the same Lord
Using his light to guide the way
Try things but few die so young
Something among Jimi was stung
Everyone hides their face
Sets behind a mask they wear
Jimi come out, why don't you set me free?
Jimi come out, why don't you set me free?
Jimi come out, why don't you set me free?
The lyrics to Common's song "Jimi Was a Rock Star" are a tribute to the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix. The opening lines suggest that people often hide their true selves behind a mask or facade, but Jimi was different. He was a rock star who was always searching for that magic place, that transcendental state of mind where he could touch the sky and get his audience high. Throughout the song, Common references Jimi's psychedelic rock style and unconventional lifestyle, including his love for fast cars, women, and freedom.
The chorus features the repetition of the name "Jack," which some interpret as a reference to Jack Daniels, a type of whiskey that was reportedly one of Jimi's favorite drinks. Common sings that Jimi was born to fly and got high off his own supply, suggesting that he was both a musical genius and a victim of his own drug use. Despite his vices, Jimi was seen as an angel sent from the sky to guide his fans on a spiritual journey.
The final lines of the song call out to Jimi to set the listener free, implying that his music has a transformative power that can help people break free from their own masks and discover their true selves. Overall, the song is a testament to Jimi's enduring legacy as a musical icon who lived and died on his own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone hides their face, sets behind a mask they wear
People often hide their true selves behind a facade, pretending to be someone or something they are not.
Jimi was a rock star searching for that magic place
Jimi Hendrix, the legendary musician, was always seeking new inspiration and experiences in his music.
That he could touch in the sky just to get his people high
Jimi desired to achieve an almost mystical level of creative expression that would transcend earthly boundaries and elevate his listeners' spirits.
Life is so, colorful reds, blues and dreams
Life is varied and full of vibrant experiences and emotions.
Jimi lives in a purple haze, in a psychedelic maze
Jimi was known for his drug use, as well as his experimental and unconventional approach to music.
Playing the streets like an instrument
Jimi was often seen playing his guitar in public places, treating the environment like an extension of his musical expression.
Pulling strings wherever he went
Jimi had the power to charm and influence those around him with his music and personality.
Angel sent from the sky just to get his people high
Jimi's music was seen by some as transcendent, as if it were divinely-inspired and intended to uplift his listeners' souls.
Women all around / Fast cars and sound / And freedom he was bound / Couldn't see the ground
Jimi enjoyed the trappings of fame and success in the music industry, but felt isolated and disconnected from reality as a result.
Jimi come out why don't you set me free?
The artist is personally inspired and moved by Jimi's music, and encourages him to continue creating for the benefit of himself and others.
So high born to fly / Getting high off his own supply
Jimi's creativity and talent were almost otherworldly, and he seemed to gain energy and inspiration from his own artistic process.
Everybody follows the same Lord / Using his light to guide the way
Jimi's music served as a unifying force for many of his fans, providing a source of inspiration and emotional connection regardless of other differences.
Try things but few die so young / Something among Jimi was stung
Jimi lived a life of experimentation and risk-taking, but ultimately died tragically and prematurely as a result.
Jimi come out, why don't you set me free?
The singer once again calls out to Jimi and expresses their admiration for his musical gifts.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: James Jason Poyser, Jeff Johnson, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Pino Palladino, Ahmir K Thompson, Erica Wright, James Dewitt Yancey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind