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.
Out On Bond
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Plastic bag carryin', no two paces
iPhone, belt by Gucci
Bands with loose change and some car keys
To the Maserati, license plate green god body
Passenger side only ride hot bodies
When we was young as we wanted, show our bodies
Cadillac come from the Southside army
It's my time, you can't alarm me now
I ball, bitches wanna palm me now
Vacation in palm tree style
In the morning where the dons be now
Drinkin' lattes, over breakfast I pray and end it with an ashe
Cops say we lookin' for a nigga that's dressed nice
Seats be goin' way back just like Just Ice
Black leather wearin' justice on the collar
Change is we only ain't trustin' the dollars
Try to get me, get wet like bed sheets
Probably with technique, and let the text speak
Like the nair conference I rap off the head conscious
Freestyle, free trap niggas from bondage
Every word you heard is bond is
Double on 87, on some bomb shit
I'm out on bond
Preposterous chains, top notch dames (I'm out on bond)
Fresh out the county, shoes with no laces
Los but dream those to juvenile placement
All for C-notes, the feds confiscatin'
Back to that block with brains on the pavement
Paid restitution, O from the lootin' enter
Cause they did it, you was influenced
Your mind gone, life don't seem much bigger
Than your time zone, broke as the rich get richer
Blunt burnt lips and a worn out liver
That's everyday livin', guns everywhere chillin'
Got you feelin' like this money comin' sooner than later
'Til then I'll be runnin' from the judge and the bailiff
Crime commitin' cause these women love a man in Mercedes
I never save for when it's rainy, hope Jehovah can save me
While I'm out don't buyin' tryin' to find my time
'Til I hit the main line in that cell confined
Preposterous chains, top notch dames (I'm out on bond)
Preposterous chains, top notch dames
Plastic rap music, rollin' in the Range
Preposterous chains, top notch dames
Plastic rap music, rollin' in the Range
The lyrics of Common's song Out On Bond depict the life of a man who has just been released from prison and is indulging in a luxurious lifestyle that includes expensive designer clothes, cars, and women. The opening lines describe his present situation of walking out of the county jail with plastic bags and shoes with no laces. The man's high-end possessions are emphasized, as he carries his iPhone, wears a Gucci belt, and possesses a Maserati with a customized green license plate. He only allows attractive women to ride with him as passengers. Common uses the metaphor "balling" to indicate his opulence and how it has attracted numerous women. He doesn't seem to care about his past, as he feels untouchable - "It's my time, you can't alarm me now."
The second verse reveals a different side of Common's protagonist. He talks about restitution, coming from nothing, having to commit crimes to drive the fancy cars and get with the beautiful women. He describes the everyday struggle of living in poverty and how it influences young people to make the same mistakes. There seems to be a sense of resignation in his tone as he states that his fate is predestined by his 'time zone.' The verse ends with him awaiting his sentencing, trying to enjoy his freedom while it lasts.
Line by Line Meaning
Fresh out the county, shoes with no laces
Just released from jail, not even given the luxury of shoelaces
Plastic bag carryin', no two paces
No luggage, no plan, just a plastic bag to carry belongings
iPhone, belt by Gucci
Despite being recently incarcerated, still sporting luxury items
Bands with loose change and some car keys
Carrying cash, but not enough to be considered wealthy, and keys to a car
To the Maserati, license plate green god body
Showing off wealth with a flashy car, even the license plate is meant to convey a sense of divinity
Passenger side only ride hot bodies
Driving in style, but only with attractive women in the passenger seat
When we was young as we wanted, show our bodies
Revisiting the freedom of youth, when they were free to express themselves physically
Cadillac come from the Southside army
The car reflects his hometown and its culture
The army now, don't try to harm me now
He's become powerful and deserves respect
It's my time, you can't alarm me now
He's confident in himself and his abilities
I ball, bitches wanna palm me now
He's successful and desirable
Vacation in palm tree style
A luxurious vacation in a warm destination
In the morning where the dons be now
Starting his day with the powerful and wealthy
Drinkin' lattes, over breakfast I pray and end it with an ashe
Living a life of leisure, but still maintaining spiritual practices
Cops say we lookin' for a nigga that's dressed nice
Law enforcement only sees him for his exterior
Seats be goin' way back just like Just Ice
Driving luxury cars with comfortable seats, like a famous rapper Just-Ice
Black leather wearin' justice on the collar
Dressing nicely, but still fighting for justice and change
Change is we only ain't trustin' the dollars
Acknowledging the flaws in society's emphasis on money
Try to get me, get wet like bed sheets
Don't try to mess with him or you'll be in trouble
Probably with technique, and let the text speak
Using his verbal skills to fight back
Like the nair conference I rap off the head conscious
Rapping with a message about social justice
Freestyle, free trap niggas from bondage
Using music to help others who are trapped in difficult situations
Every word you heard is bond is
Everything he says is true
Double on 87, on some bomb shit
Doubling down and taking risks in life
Preposterous chains, top notch dames (I'm out on bond)
Despite being on bail, still wearing ridiculous amounts of jewelry and attracting beautiful women
Fresh out the county, shoes with no laces
Going straight back to his old life after being released from jail
Los but dream those to juvenile placement
Growing up and dreaming of a better life, only to end up in juvenile detention
All for C-notes, the feds confiscatin'
Getting in trouble with the law over small amounts of money
Back to that block with brains on the pavement
Returning home to violence and danger
Paid restitution, O from the lootin' enter
Making amends for past mistakes and taking a new path in life
Cause they did it, you was influenced
Taking responsibility for actions taken under the influence of others
Your mind gone, life don't seem much bigger
Getting stuck in a small mindset and limited opportunities
Than your time zone, broke as the rich get richer
Feeling trapped and stagnant, while the wealthy continue to benefit
Blunt burnt lips and a worn out liver
Living a rough life and not taking care of one's self
That's everyday livin', guns everywhere chillin'
Being constantly surrounded by violence and weaponry
Got you feelin' like this money comin' sooner than later
Desperately hoping for a lucky break financially
'Til then I'll be runnin' from the judge and the bailiff
Continuing to live a life on the run from the law
Crime commitin' cause these women love a man in Mercedes
Feeling pressure to commit crimes to maintain a certain lifestyle and attract women
I never save for when it's rainy, hope Jehovah can save me
Living life recklessly and hoping for divine intervention
While I'm out don't buyin' tryin' to find my time
Making the most of his freedom before having to return to jail
'Til I hit the main line in that cell confined
Knowing that jail time is inevitable and bracing for it
Preposterous chains, top notch dames (I'm out on bond)
Even while awaiting trial, still indulging in a flashy lifestyle and attracting beautiful women
Preposterous chains, top notch dames
Continuing to indulge in luxury items and attractive women
Plastic rap music, rollin' in the Range
Embracing the superficiality of the rap lifestyle, driving a fancy car
Preposterous chains, top notch dames
Continuing to prioritize flashy items and attractive women
Plastic rap music, rollin' in the Range
Embracing the superficiality and excess of the music industry and its associated wealth
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Adrian Younge, Ernest Wilson, Lonnie Lynn, Steve Wyreman, Vince Staples, Loren Oden
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind