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.
Voices Inside My Head
Common Lyrics
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Echoes of things that you said
The lyrics of Common's song "Voices Inside My Head" depict the haunting affect of someone's words on the singer and the constant reminders of those words. The "voices" are a constant reminder of things that were said in the past, leaving a lingering effect on the singer's thoughts. The words are echoing around the singer's mind and have taken on a life of their own, causing a deep introspection and self-reflection.
The repetition of the line 'Voices inside my head' throughout the song symbolizes the persistence and immovability of these thoughts in the singer's mind. The song is reflecting upon the power of words and their impact on the psyche, especially when they come from people with whom we have deep connections and interactions.
Common's use of vivid imagery like, "Every laugh, every smile", adds depth to the lyrics, emphasizing the weight of the words said, and their impact. These words continue to affect despite the passage of time, and even after the singer has moved on, there is still an echo that lingers. Overall, the song is a poignant reflection on the power of words and how they can linger with us long after they were spoken.
Line by Line Meaning
Voices inside my head
My thoughts are consumed by your words
Echoes of things that you said
Your words continue to haunt me and impact my current state of mind
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Gordon Sumner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind