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.
What A World
Common Lyrics
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And I am just standing there
Shit that makes all much work
That's what's in my blood
And I won't stop until I cut
Cause my life just burned out
So I keep down in a wollen town??
Till I reach the top
What a world
What a world [x4]
A little boy from Chicago had ?? to be a star
The lyrics of Common's song What A World invoke a sense of determination and resilience, as the artist speaks about what drives him and keeps him going. He begins by questioning what others see when they look at him, suggesting that despite any preconceptions or assumptions, he knows what he is capable of. He mentions that hard work is in his blood, and it's what keeps him going even when his life feels like it's burning out. He uses the metaphor of climbing a mountain, staying "down in a woolen town" until he reaches the top, implying that he's taking his time and working his way up.
The repeated refrain of "What a world" suggests a sense of wonder and amazement at the world around him, which may serve as a source of inspiration. The song's overall message is one of resilience and determination, as Common describes pushing through challenging times in order to reach his goals.
Line by Line Meaning
What do you see when you look at me
What is the perception that you have of me when you look at me?
And I am just standing there
Even when I am not doing anything, I am still being judged by others.
Shit that makes all much work
I have overcome many obstacles and struggles to get where I am today.
That's what's in my blood
Persevering through difficult times and pushing myself to succeed is deeply ingrained in my character.
And I won't stop until I cut
I will continue to work tirelessly until I achieve my goals.
Cause my life just burned out
My past experiences have been challenging and have motivated me to strive for something better in life
So I keep down in a wollen town??
I refuse to let my circumstances or surroundings dictate my success and will push through any adversity.
Till I reach the top
I will keep working hard and striving for success until I achieve my goals.
What a world
Expressing the irony and challenges of living in this world despite overcoming struggles.
What a world [x4]
Reiterating that this world is full of challenges and hardships, but it's important to keep striving towards success.
A little boy from Chicago had ?? to be a star
A young boy from Chicago had big aspirations and dreams of becoming a successful individual despite the odds and difficulties he faced.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAD HUGO, LONNIE RASHID(COMMON) LYNN, PHARRELL WILLIAMS, PHARRELL L WILLIAMS, SABIRA JADE BOTTERILL, STEPHEN EMMANUEL SIMPSON, STIRLING PRICE, VADIM ALEXSANDROVICH PEARE
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