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.
Rêverie
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Things that's heavenly, like love and melody
Fly high, my wings propellin' me
To the heights of angels that dwell in me
These are the flights that I take with family
They keep me grounded by understandin' me
I stand under the rain, it feels powerful
Same force that make all the flowers bloom
The same force that made you so valuable
I say, "Don't let the world take it out of you"
I say, "Don't let the world take it out of you"
We living in times, tryin' to hold on
Sayin', "What's Goin' On?" like the old song
People feeling naked with their clothes on
They wanna go home, I tell em', "Go strong"
A lotta sayers, we need more doers
Stay true to the one that run through us
Hold on when they try to subdue us
Old mind-state, they never really knew us
Innervisions, reminiscing
Mourn our conditions, no pot to piss in
We the children of a mission
When freedom calls, we gotta listen
In the first paragraph of the lyrics from Common's song "Reverie," the artist delves into a reflective state of mind, where he envisions a better version of himself. He describes this state as a "reverie," a dream-like state where he can see a more heavenly existence filled with love and melody. Common feels a sense of upliftment and empowerment as he metaphorically spreads his wings and soars to greater heights, aligning himself with the essence of angels. He emphasizes the importance of his family in keeping him grounded and understanding him on a deep level.
Moving on to the second paragraph, Common connects with the powerful forces of nature, drawing parallels between the rain's cleansing and nurturing aspects and the spiritual growth it symbolizes. He poetically links this natural force to the same source that created humanity, emphasizing the inherent value and interconnectedness of all beings. Common encourages listeners to maintain their sense of self-worth and resilience in the face of adversity, urging them not to let the challenges of the world diminish their inner strength and uniqueness.
The third paragraph takes a more critical tone as Common addresses the societal climate of his time, expressing a desire for more action and less talk from individuals. He underscores the importance of staying true to oneself and resisting attempts to suppress one's authenticity and voice. Common critiques the prevailing old-fashioned mindset that fails to truly understand and appreciate the depths of his community and its history. Through the reference to Stevie Wonder's album "Innervisions" and the concept of reminiscing about past struggles, Common highlights the persistent challenges faced by marginalized communities and the need to actively address and overcome them.
In the concluding lines, Common reaffirms his commitment to his community's collective mission for liberation and justice. He calls upon his listeners to heed the call of freedom and actively participate in bringing about positive change. The artist's words carry a sense of urgency and conviction, urging individuals to reflect on their past, acknowledge their current circumstances, and work towards a more equitable and empowered future. Through his introspective and socially conscious lyrics in "Reverie," Common captures a sense of hope, resilience, and solidarity in facing the complexities of life and the world at large.
Line by Line Meaning
Slipped into a reverie, I can see a better me
Entering a daydream, I envision an improved version of myself
Things that's heavenly, like love and melody
Divine aspects such as love and musical harmony
Fly high, my wings propelling me
Soaring to great heights with determination
To the heights of angels that dwell in me
Reaching the lofty potential within myself
These are the flights that I take with family
Accomplishing goals with the support of loved ones
They keep me grounded by understandin' me
Staying connected to reality through empathy
I stand under the rain, it feels powerful
Finding strength in difficult circumstances
Same force that make all the flowers bloom
Recognizing the universal power of creation and growth
Same force we come from, me and you
Acknowledging the common source of humanity
The same force that made you so valuable
Understanding the inherent worth of every individual
I say, 'Don't let the world take it out of you'
Encouraging resilience in the face of adversity
We living in times, tryin' to hold on
Navigating challenging circumstances with perseverance
Sayin', 'What's Goin' On?' like the old song
Questioning the current state of affairs, reminiscent of past struggles
People feeling naked with their clothes on
Experiencing vulnerability despite outward appearances
They wanna go home, I tell em', 'Go strong'
Encouraging inner strength and resilience in times of hardship
A lotta sayers, we need more doers
Advocating for action over mere words
Stay true to the one that run through us
Remaining authentic to our inner convictions
Hold on when they try to subdue us
Maintaining resilience in the face of oppression
Old mind-state, they never really knew us
Rejecting outdated perceptions of who we are
Innervisions, reminiscing
Reflecting on internal insights and memories
Mourn our conditions, no pot to piss in
Acknowledging the hardships we face without sugarcoating
We the children of a mission
Belonging to a purpose greater than ourselves
When freedom calls, we gotta listen
Answering the call to fight for freedom and justice
Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Guy Lawrence, Howard Lawrence, Lonnie Rashid Lynn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@asterreemdavid9791
This video brings me indescribable joy and smile. God bless these precious souls and their hearts.
@mickhopkins8006
Hi
@mickhopkins8006
Awesomeness
@LearDoppler
This brought me very close to tears.
@marcosdeharo9371
Yeah this video made my heart so happy
@mobatan2851
Ameen
@Sanch3zPr0ductions
We need an extended version of this🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
@legendarygreat7403
Commons verse and the kids dancing is soul soothing
@Kayos833
I’m proud to live in Africa. We have so little but appreciate so much. I’m lucky to be more fortunate
@memyselfandi2311
Disclosure AND Common? I must be dreaming! A much needed collaboration. Lots of love from Athens, Greece. 🥰