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.
Misunderstood
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If sometimes you see that I'm mad
No one can always be an angel
When everything goes wrong you see some bad
Well I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Yeah, uh (misunderstood)
Tryna get to their dream, yeah, uh (oh)
He stood on the corner with the rest of them
Though he knew that this corner wasn't the best of him
Hard streets and a life that crested him
Dirt police domestic beefs that's festerin'
He knew the President wasn't addressin' him
Though dead presidents was undressin' him
Two kids from hot sex no protection and
People don't see how AIDS is affectin' 'em
It get hard to get the get the God question in
Can't find a job so you robbin' and hustlin'
He killed marks and sold dope for cousin 'em
Can't believe they would be the ones bucking him
He on the ground he could feel God touching him
He heard the sound of his moms sayin trust in him
At heaven's gate, saying please Lord let me in
Or send me back to tell my people to be better men
Misunderstood
'Cause we are, misunderstood
Misunderstood, don't let me be misunderstood
I'm just human, oh
Uh, yeah
She dancin', she dance, she dance for them
Her body move but her mind was manic'n
Thinkin I don't know where they hands have been
Relationships with men have been so damagin'
She thought back to when she was at Howard and
Dreams of doing scenes with Terrence Howard and
Broadway plays and dancin' with Alv and them
The ones that make it always ain't the talented
Some dreams get lost never to be found again
At first strippin' seemed so empowerin'
Most every girl wanna do it now and then
But bein meat every day is devourin'
Cats puttin' paper where she put powder and
Life would break her, now she powderin'
She was high when she fell down and then
Crowd surrounding and, heart was poundin' and
She fell into a deep sleep the siren sounded and
Seen bright lights in the midst of clouds and then
Talked to God, feeling like his child again
Said Lord let me live so I can make you proud again
Misunderstood
'Cause we are, misunderstood
Misunderstood, don't let me be misunderstood
I'm just human, oh
The life we lead, will always lead us
And we pray that he, will never leave us
It's the price we pay, I guess that's the reason
Why my grandma sang, we all need Jesus
The life we lead, will always lead us
And we pray that he, will never leave us
It's the price we pay, I guess that's the reason
Why my grandma sang, we all need Jesus
Misunderstood, don't let me be, misunderstood
Misunderstood, don't let me be, misunderstood
I'm just human
The song “Misunderstood” by Common is about the struggles that people face in their daily lives, and how they may be misunderstood by others who don’t know what they are going through. The lyrics speak to the difficulty of being human and having good intentions, but sometimes encountering bad situations or making mistakes. Common notes that no one can always be an angel, and when things go wrong, people may see the bad side of someone.
The first verse tells the story of a man who lives on a hard street where he has been crestfallen, experiences domestic beefs and feels the pressure to hustle drugs or commit robberies to provide for his family. He’s faced with tough choices, including risking his life to make money or trying to find a job which seems impossible. The second verse is about a woman who engages in stripping, as a way to make money and pay her living expenses, while simultaneously pursuing her dream of becoming an actress. Her journey leads her to dark places, where she’s had relationships with men that have been so damaging. She eventually overdoses on drugs, but through her experience, she talks to God and feels like His child again.
The song is a reminder that everyone goes through struggles, and it’s wrong to judge them without understanding their circumstances. It’s a plea to be seen for who they are, and not simply for what they may be going through. The chorus, which repeats throughout the song, is a moving reminder that we are all human and all have our shortcomings. The song also reminds listeners of the importance of faith and that no matter what one is going through, prayer can offer some sense of solace.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, you understand me now
I hope you are able to understand me and not just judge me based on my actions.
If sometimes you see that I'm mad
Just like everyone else, I have days where I get upset or frustrated.
No one can always be an angel
We all have flaws and make mistakes, no one is perfect.
When everything goes wrong you see some bad
When faced with difficult situations, people may react in ways that seem negative or bad but this doesn't define who they are.
Well I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Regardless of how I may come across, I always have good intentions in my heart.
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
I hope that people see me for who I truly am and don't misunderstand me based on my actions or outward appearance.
Misunderstood
There are many people who are misunderstood and judged unfairly.
'Cause we are, misunderstood
I am part of this group of people who are misunderstood and misjudged.
I'm just human
I am far from perfect and have my own flaws and struggles as a human being.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Devon Harris, Lonnie Lynn, Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, Sol Marcus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The Cura
This album changed my life. The impact is...🔥🔥🔥
shorn john
Real real 2022🤕😤
Karl Roc
Same
MrDtown214tx
This song so soulful. Definitely feeling it with everything that’s going on in the world. Stay Strong 💪🏽 👊🏽
Mrcamshaadgreg
Findin Forever has been his best mainstream album released in my opinion. This dude is definitely one of the realest emcees today. Keep it up Common!!
Randy Lona
man I wish they played music like this on the radio...
Addy Naruto
Lol not in Trump America
Velvet Sky
@Addy Naruto this album is 12 years old. Nice try kid.
von jones
Common is deep I love the way he used nina simone beat and vocalist throughout the song. He is a very brilliant raper or lyricist. He beyond just being another commercial hip hop artist he take it to another level. I like the way he put his lyrics together always talk about the struggles.
mlhayes91
Common is a genius and Devo Springsteen made a masterpiece with this beat.