The Remedy
Common Lyrics

Yo, we all got different things we got to deal with. we always are trying To put the blame on something else rather than sometimes looking at Ourselves, recognizing a lot of the stuff that happens...but if we look Within ourselves, we could prevent a lot of this nonsense. it's about Relating back to the essence, where it all stems from. i'm-a do my thing Over this drum, like a native tongue.
Common is talking about how people often blame others and external factors for their problems instead of looking inward and recognizing their own role in things. He believes that if we all looked at ourselves more, we could prevent many of the issues that arise. He believes in getting back to the roots of things and will continue to do what he does best over the beat.

Do what you will, if you feel that your steeze is real Complicated with the skills over reel to reel Brown skin is what I feel, my mind and body's appeal Is to the no-frill mills, who hear the beats to chill Constantly, I'm hearing black americans just sneering Looking for a leader who can fill us up with either Hitting us up with great emotional chat About the fact That the black Is constantly held back Like 50 tracks back in a relay race And the white team's ahead So let's keep up the pace And I be needing something To feed my logical taste At the end of the race is there a paradise place?
Q-Tip is talking about how he follows what feels right for him, which is making music that appeals to people who want to relax and enjoy the beats. He also comments on how many black Americans are looking for a leader who can empower them and help them break the cycle of being held back in society. He wants someone who can speak truth and inspire, rather than just provide empty words. He wonders if there is a better place at the end of life, after all the struggle and hardship.

Yo, we can't get involved in what the next man is doing Material gain we put too much in persuing Yo duke, I need this dough so we can step to this party But we can all mardi grati Minus that shit in our body What that got to do with that 'cause kid that's the essence, Your physical presence Embodies every lesson You can't run the rolls royce if the engine is busted. Can't even life the knife to cut the mustard. What we need to do first Now listen to this verse Let's concentrate on our spiritual plate. Recognize your existence in this vast blue space From a tiny cloud of blood To the human beings with taste, sight, touch, smell And sound Let's deem it profound! And prioritize this cause it was allah's wish Allah? I'm god No I ddon't believe that. that's a mystery If God is so good why does shit be happening to me?
Common advises to stay focused on one's own life and not get swept up in material pursuits. He suggests that instead, people embrace a spiritual path to recognize their existence in the vast universe, and understand that their physical being embodies many lessons. He likens this to an engine that needs to be taken care of in order to run smoothly. Even with a Rolls Royce, if the engine is busted, it won't run. He urges people to prioritize their spiritual development over all else, because it's what Allah wanted. However, he also questions why bad things happen to people, suggesting that no one truly understands the mystery of God.

From the spiritual world my former life has developed First person I lost close to me was stella Some of my mellows Lost their mothers and their brothers For them I feel empathy But I ain't pouring out no liquor for no niggas I pour my heart out when I see dot out on the deck Knowing two weeks ago he slapped-box with death I hear of niggas dying in the wind-in the news But when it's somebody you know it hits you And emotions get bruised I ain't been in your shoes, I won't judge you for knocking Because the spirit of the ghetto says you gotta! They snatch you again from rock flippin' Give back into the neighborhood, you better start kickin' Stickin' stores On the strip I'm tired of arabs giving me my change back Devil bomb my yesterday My tomorrow he never gave back I lay back, looking at the ceiling Wonndering what can I do So my homie won't have to be dealing Not cause you serving and I'm rapping I'm better Just different pieces to the puzzle of black life That we have to put together, better ourselves Cause families we gotta raise No matter how long the money Shorter become the days Men become like women And no difference in the season If you got popped five times You breathing for a reason Let's put the five tenure plan into progression Before we count our paper Count our blessings
Common talks about his experiences with losing people he's loved, and how it's hard when it's someone you know rather than just hearing about it through the news. He speaks to the struggles of growing up in the ghetto and how people turn to drug dealing to survive. He doesn't judge people who do what they have to do to make ends meet. He encourages people to not give up and to work hard for their families. He talks about how people are becoming more androgynous, and how violence and gang life impacts people. He encourages people to focus on their goals and keep moving forward, while remembering to appreciate what they have.