Soul by Pound
Common Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

"Gimme a pound thank you man"
"Gimme a pound thank you man"
"Gimme a pound thank you man"
"Gimme a pound thank you man"
"Gimme a pound thank you man"
"Gimme a pound thank you man"

I'm as bad bad as Leroy Brown Brown
Yo I'm a pro pro but not a noun noun
If you got beef beef then you'll get ground ground
Cut up in soul soul by the pound pound
I'm going downtown like Julie Brown I'm the round mound
Not a rebound but like a hound I get down down
Never wore a leash but I get loose
Producin' somethin' fresher than fruits, got more soul than combat boots
Diggin' two scoops of raisins for the troops out of some blazers
So amazin' like Luther everyday Joe but not Bazooka
I used to be a hooper but now I troop to shoot a free flow
Me go with mi amigo, to see the Man named Chico
The legal alienaeno, I roll the instrumentals
Like Jack I be like Nimble never gentle to a bimbo
Not your sex symbol so save that soft stuff for the Care Bears
The way I freak funk oh the monkey's sayin', "Hell yeah"
Correction, "Hell yes"; old folks want to cuss
On how I walk talk and dress, they say my life's a mess
But I'm straight, are you straight, if you straight, then I'm straight
Rock me tonight, just for old time's sake
Back to our regularly scheduled program, program
I am so damn flam, I slam a slam, bam, I slam
Like Conan the Barbarian, if you talk loud, I'll play librarian
Cause see I want it quiet in here
I Mark a Markyiana a bunch of funky Uncle Thomas's
Play like Christopher Williams cause I gotta keep my promises
To stick to my roots and not dilute cause G this ain't two colors
I'm tired of seein these non rappin' dancin motherfuckers

"Gimme a pound, thank you man"
"Gimme a pound, thank you man"
"Gimme a pound, thank you man"
"Gimme a pound, thank you man"

For a record sale a nigga'll sell his soul to go gold
And reach a large scale, sellin' for the pale male
And I can't tell, why for a hoe you grow a tail
And stop drinkin' ale, the booty probably smell
Ain't no pussy worth a sale at least not for the kid to do a bid
Shit you musta flipped you lid, you was wit you slipped you slid
Got doo doo skids on my paper cause I got rhymes up the ass
If I pass gas, ducks fast or gets trimmed like a mustache
I must ask what's goin' on with rap, white kids actin black
It's like McDonald's sellin' fatback
Get back to your Mac, that stuff is wack with all these dance tracks
I'm hearin' rap from Anthrax, my time the Caravan cracks
You're wack, that's the only thing that's black Scooter
When we was on the streets, you was at home on your computer
I'ma shoot a dis well like a fist to all these wack groups
Rhymes are wack as hell! And they sample wack loops
I'm wonderin' how the hell they get a deal I still can't see that far
I feel like Cypress Hill, I could just kill an A&R
Or whoever's in Charge, it surely ain't Charles
But you ain't G-in hip-hop, cause it's ours

"Gimme a pound, thank you man"
"Gimme a pound, thank you man"
"Gimme a pound, thank you man"
"Gimme a pound, thank you man"

It's sick you sick I'm sicker, I flick a flea flicker
Think of that I boa constrictor but the venom I inflicta
Is stricter, I stick I stick the stinkin' to a stunk
If soda was a forty dog, then I would be like drunk
If if was a fifth I would lift the fifth and a spliff
It's not a myth about our dick width, I'm swift and I shoot the
Presents
In essence count your blessings I got a Wessun if you riff
I'm a nigga with soul, my last name should be Smith-sonian
I'm gassin' girls heads, just like petroleum
Get em ready to bone me and, then I play custodian
And turn off the lights this is the likes of a
Ticketing wallowing high jumping radio rumping brother
Got Seoul like Korea gimme an inch I'll take a liter
A chick is a chick that's how I treat her
Never go pop I'm not a two liter
A true leader, don't choose to follow, choose what I swallow
Whether water or a beer bottle, of course I play the lotto
Wear em? No, share em? A hoe
I like the girls the girls I share a life with a bro
Cause you-A-see is family, much tighter than foundations
That holds up the walls, so you better proceed with caution

"Gimme a pound, thank you man"
"Gimme a pound"
"Gimme a pound"




"Gimme a pound"
"Gimme a pound"

Overall Meaning

In Common's song "Soul by the Pound," the artist showcases his lyrical prowess and unique style while touching on various themes. The repeated chorus "Gimme a pound thank you man" could be a reference to the old handshake tradition of giving someone a pound, or it could represent the recognition and appreciation he desires from his listeners. He then goes on to boast about his rap skills, comparing himself to Leroy Brown and stating that he is skilled like a professional but not a "noun" as in a particular type of rapper. He warns those who dare come against him that they will "get ground" and end up "cut up in soul soul by the pound pound." The idea of being "cut up in soul" could be a reference to the intense emotions that rap music often evokes, or it could be interpreted as Common saying that he will break down his opponents' souls with his lyrics. He also touches on his basketball skills, his love for producing music, and his non-conformist attitude towards traditional gender roles. In the second verse, he criticizes those who sell out for the sake of fame and fortune and expresses his disappointment with the state of the rap industry. He rails against those who appropriate black culture for profit and calls for more authenticity in the genre, stating "it's ours." Finally, he references his "soul" and proclaims that he is not just any rapper - he is a "nigga with soul."


Line by Line Meaning

Gimme a pound thank you man
Asking for recognition and respect, acknowledging the support and validation from others.


I'm as bad bad as Leroy Brown Brown
I possess a fearless and rebellious nature, comparable to the legendary character Leroy Brown.


Yo I'm a pro pro but not a noun noun
I am highly skilled and experienced, but I am not easily defined or limited to a specific identity.


If you got beef beef then you'll get ground ground
If you have a conflict or disagreement, you will find yourself defeated or overwhelmed.


Cut up in soul soul by the pound pound
Struggling with the essence of my being, my soul, being divided and analyzed in a commodified manner.


I'm going downtown like Julie Brown I'm the round mound
I am navigating the urban landscape, reminiscent of Julie Brown, and being recognized as a prominent figure.


Not a rebound but like a hound I get down down
Not someone who settles for less, but rather someone who is determined and perseveres in all circumstances.


Never wore a leash but I get loose
I have always been free-spirited and independent, never constrained by societal expectations.


Producin' somethin' fresher than fruits, got more soul than combat boots
Creating something innovative and vibrant like fresh fruits, possessing a deep and authentic essence beyond superficial appearances.


Diggin' two scoops of raisins for the troops out of some blazers
Finding and providing nourishment and inspiration to uplift and support the community.


So amazin' like Luther everyday Joe but not Bazooka
Being extraordinary like Luther Vandross, but still relatable and down-to-earth, not seeking attention or fame like a celebrity.


I used to be a hooper but now I troop to shoot a free flow
I used to play basketball, but now I dedicate myself to expressing my thoughts and emotions through my music.


Me go with mi amigo, to see the Man named Chico
I go with my friend to meet a man named Chico, possibly referring to connecting with influential people in the industry.


The legal alienaeno, I roll the instrumentals
Being an outsider in the industry, navigating through the music scene by controlling and shaping the beats and sounds.


Like Jack I be like Nimble never gentle to a bimbo
Similar to the character Jack from the nursery rhyme, I am agile and quick-witted, never showing sympathy or patience towards foolish individuals.


Not your sex symbol so save that soft stuff for the Care Bears
I am not interested in being objectified as a sex symbol, so the superficial and gentle gestures can be reserved for someone else.


The way I freak funk oh the monkey's sayin', 'Hell yeah'
The way I create and perform funky music is so exciting that it elicits enthusiastic reactions from the audience.


Correction, 'Hell yes'; old folks want to cuss
Actually, the reaction is a definite and emphatic 'hell yes'; even older individuals want to express their excitement and enthusiasm.


On how I walk talk and dress, they say my life's a mess
Critics and judgmental individuals comment negatively on my appearance, behavior, and lifestyle, perceiving it as chaotic or disorderly.


But I'm straight, are you straight, if you straight, then I'm straight
Despite the criticism and disapproval, I am confident in my own identity and authenticity, questioning the judgment of others.


Rock me tonight, just for old time's sake
Inspire and entertain me with your music, reminding me of the good old days when music held a special place in our hearts.


Back to our regularly scheduled program, program
Returning to our usual routine or plan, as if resuming a familiar TV show or broadcast.


I am so damn flam, I slam a slam, bam, I slam
I am incredibly flashy and electrifying, delivering powerful and impactful performances.


Like Conan the Barbarian, if you talk loud, I'll play librarian
Similar to the strong and imposing character Conan, I will silence or control those who speak loudly or arrogantly, just as a librarian maintains order in a library.


Cause see I want it quiet in here
I desire a calm and focused environment to fully express myself and effectively communicate my message.


I Mark a Markyiana a bunch of funky Uncle Thomas's
I leave my mark, being unique and distinct, like a collection of funky individuals who challenge stereotypes and expectations.


Play like Christopher Williams cause I gotta keep my promises
Emulating the talent and dedication of Christopher Williams, I commit to fulfilling my obligations and remaining true to my word.


To stick to my roots and not dilute cause G this ain't two colors
I prioritize maintaining my authentic style and essence, resisting the pressure to conform or blend in with mainstream expectations.


I'm tired of seein these non rappin' dancin motherfuckers
I am fed up with witnessing individuals who lack true rapping skills and instead compensate with flashy dance moves.


For a record sale a nigga'll sell his soul to go gold
In the music industry, artists are willing to compromise their integrity and values in order to achieve commercial success and sell a significant number of records.


And reach a large scale, sellin' for the pale male
In pursuit of reaching a broad audience and appealing to the mainstream market, artists often cater their music to fit the preferences of the majority, symbolized by the pale male demographic.


And I can't tell, why for a hoe you grow a tail
I fail to understand why some individuals transform themselves and compromise their values for the sake of a promiscuous woman.


And stop drinkin' ale, the booty probably smell
Refusing to indulge in excessive alcohol consumption, implying that associating with promiscuous individuals might lead to unpleasant or negative experiences.


Ain't no pussy worth a sale at least not for the kid to do a bid
No sexual encounter is worth jeopardizing one's freedom or getting involved in criminal activities.


Shit you musta flipped you lid, you was wit you slipped you slid
You must have lost your sanity, betraying your principles and engaging in unethical or disloyal actions.


Got doo doo skids on my paper cause I got rhymes up the ass
Metaphorically speaking, my lyrics are overflowing and abundant, causing stains or smears on my written work.


If I pass gas, ducks fast or gets trimmed like a mustache
If I release my rhymes or express myself boldly and honestly, those who are unprepared or intimidated quickly retreat or attempt to suppress my creativity.


I must ask what's goin' on with rap, white kids actin black
I am questioning the current state of rap music, where white individuals imitate or appropriate black culture, trying to adopt a persona that is not authentic to their own experiences.


It's like McDonald's sellin' fatback
Comparing the commercialization and standardization of rap music to a fast-food chain selling unhealthy and cheap products.


Get back to your Mac, that stuff is wack with all these dance tracks
Advising those artists to return to their computers and leave behind their unoriginal, mainstream dance-focused tracks, as they lack creativity and depth.


I'm hearin' rap from Anthrax, my time the Caravan cracks
Expressing frustration towards rap music that lacks authenticity and substance, comparing it to irrelevant or contradictory genres such as heavy metal band Anthrax.


You're wack, that's the only thing that's black Scooter
Insulting someone for their lack of skill and originality, emphasizing that their incompetence is the only black mark or stain on their reputation.


When we was on the streets, you was at home on your computer
Highlighting the disconnection between oneself, who has experience and knowledge from the streets, and the individual being criticized, who lacks real-world understanding and is limited to their virtual existence.


I'ma shoot a dis well like a fist to all these wack groups
Intending to deliver precise and powerful verbal attacks towards all the mediocre and uninspiring music groups in the industry.


Rhymes are wack as hell! And they sample wack loops
Expressing disdain for poorly crafted and unoriginal rhymes, as well as the repetitive and uncreative music samples used in their production.


I'm wonderin' how the hell they get a deal I still can't see that far
Questioning how untalented artists manage to secure record deals, as their lack of skill is evident to those who can see beyond the surface.


I feel like Cypress Hill, I could just kill an A&R
Feeling frustrated and angry like Cypress Hill, contemplating the desire to harm or eliminate an A&R representative responsible for signing talentless artists.


Or whoever's in Charge, it surely ain't Charles
Discrediting the individuals in power within the music industry, implying that they lack competence or knowledge, and asserting that their authority is not legitimate.


But you ain't G-in hip-hop, cause it's ours
Challenging the authenticity and authority of someone claiming to represent hip-hop culture, asserting that ownership and influence over the genre belongs to those who have truly lived and breathed it.


It's sick you sick I'm sicker, I flick a flea flicker
Asserting superiority and uncontested skill in comparison to someone who claims to be exceptional, using a metaphor of effortlessly flicking away a small and insignificant annoyance.


Think of that I boa constrictor but the venom I inflicta
Encouraging the listener to reflect on the level of domination and control exerted, likening it to that of a boa constrictor, with the words and messages delivered having a potent and lasting impact.


Is stricter, I stick I stick the stinkin' to a stunk
Demonstrating a strict and unwavering commitment to exposing and confronting the unpleasant and foul aspects of society or individuals.


If soda was a forty dog, then I would be like drunk
Illustrating the intensity and intoxicating effect of his presence, suggesting that he has a powerful influence similar to the buzz from consuming a large amount of alcohol.


If if was a fifth I would lift the fifth and a spliff
Playing with the possibility of changing past circumstances, suggesting that if he had the power to alter certain events, he would indulge in strong alcoholic beverages and marijuana.


It's not a myth about our dick width, I'm swift and I shoot the presents
Dispelling any doubters or skeptics, asserting his prowess and speed, both metaphorically and literally, in delivering powerful and impactful performances.


In essence count your blessings I got a Wessun if you riff
Advising others to appreciate what they have and remain humble, as he has a powerful weapon (referring to a firearm) in his possession to address any conflicts or challenges.


I'm a nigga with soul, my last name should be Smith-sonian
Embracing his African American heritage and cultural identity, expressing his deep connection to soul music and suggesting that his last name should be associated with the renowned museum, the Smithsonian Institution.


I'm gassin' girls heads, just like petroleum
He is captivating and charming women with his personality and words, similar to how petroleum fuels or powers vehicles, here fueling their interest and desire.


Get em ready to bone me and, then I play custodian
Engaging in flirtation and creating a sense of anticipation and attraction, only to then assume the role of a caretaker or guardian, ensuring the well-being and preserving the integrity of the relationship.


And turn off the lights this is the likes of a
Creating an intimate and sensual atmosphere, where the focus is on personal connections, similar to the ambiance of a dimly lit space.


Ticketing wallowing high jumping radio rumping brother
Describing the energetic and lively nature of his music, filled with catchy melodies and rhythms that captivate and energize listeners, especially when played on radio stations.


Got Seoul like Korea gimme an inch I'll take a liter
Possessing the spirit and energy of Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, in his music, emphasizing his ability to make the most out of any opportunity or given space.


A chick is a chick that's how I treat her
Asserting the importance of treating women equally and respectfully, not differentiating based on appearances or stereotypes, valuing their individuality and personhood.


Never go pop I'm not a two liter
Declaring his resistance to becoming mainstream or commercialized, asserting that he will never conform to popular trends or sell out his artistic integrity.


A true leader, don't choose to follow, choose what I swallow
Portraying himself as a genuine and influential figure who doesn't blindly follow others, but rather selectively accepts and internalizes ideas, beliefs, and values.


Whether water or a beer bottle, of course I play the lotto
Indicating that he embraces both a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle, balancing moderation (represented by water) and occasional indulgences (represented by beer). Both choices add excitement and unpredictability, like playing the lottery.


Wear em? No, share em? A hoe
Rejecting the idea of owning women as possessions or treating them as disposable objects, advocating for mutual respect and partnership instead.


I like the girls the girls I share a life with a bro
Expressing his preference for romantic companionship and meaningful relationships with women, valuing the emotional connection and support they bring to his life.


Cause you-A-see is family, much tighter than foundations
Highlighting the deep bond and connection he shares with his crew and supporters, emphasizing that they are united and loyal, anchoring him like a sturdy foundation.


That holds up the walls, so you better proceed with caution
Emphasizing the significance and strength of his support system, warning others to be careful and respectful when dealing with him and his team.


Gimme a pound, thank you man
Asking for recognition and respect, acknowledging the support and validation from others.


Gimme a pound, thank you man
Asking for recognition and respect, acknowledging the support and validation from others.


Gimme a pound, thank you man
Asking for recognition and respect, acknowledging the support and validation from others.


Gimme a pound, thank you man
Asking for recognition and respect, acknowledging the support and validation from others.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ERNEST WILSON, LONNIE LYNN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@beaniegee5129

'90s hip-hop are still all that!!

@brianisaac1804

I can’t stomach current rap.

@cream7947

FACTUALS

@dizmop

oh man this takes me back to the carefree optimistic days of my youth, now I'm a cynical old guy in my late 40's

@langdondaughtrey2687

I feel you.

@MichaelJohnson-ql6ob

Speaking to my soul!! By the pound

@yehor_ivanov

man, you don't really have to be this way, thou..
you can always change your perspective, I think

and your comment makes it look like
that's the change u should be aimin' for)

cheers

@spainman2020

Lol the older i get the harder it is for me to give new music a shot. "Yo you heard that new so and so?" 'Nah man I just get in the car and play my Wu Tang playlist."

@onetruth013

Spot on

7 More Replies...

@TheCrazedaarson

93 was one of the best summers ever, and this was #1 on my soundtrack. Thank God for the Box

More Comments

More Versions