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.
Young Hearts Run Free
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
State of the mind, state of the city
I contemplated with wine
State of the art, state of the mind
State of the city
I contemplated with wine
I put the line down when I put the rhyme down
I ride around town like this is my town
Rap to myself, tryna see how I sound
Kinda arrogant cause I'm from Chi Town
East bound it down, that's how we get down
At the bar takin' shots like they live rounds
My lifestyle is it's good to be alive now
Lot that surround me, places all cloudy
Came in the Audi, pied piper rowdy
You in the 'Raq where's war like Saudi
Youngins carry the iron man, like Robert Downey
Pound the ground we own the concrete jungle
Surround me loudly, wildy is how we came up
Think about the come up
That's why I'm always on edge when the fans seem to run up
Hair all done up, we can spend the summer together
But when the weather change, lady friend
You may be forever stranger lines seem to blur
Yea I like you but I still love her, uh uh uh
I come from the other, wonder why they slumbered on a nigga
Now I see the bigger picture, pour a little liquor
The rich get richer, my dick get bigger
Cause I'mma go hard, g-go g-go hard
The more I know self, the more I know God
Coppin' land from my bro [?]
Good to do business with the bro-gods, let the dollar circulate
Lower the murder rate but still kill this shit
In touch with the crib that's why you feel this shit
The willingness to grow, the willingness to blow
The willingness to know that I don't know shit
But I still wanna know
What the fuck you on girl
Enrichened souls, visions, goals, mission grows as I do
It was written like a haiqu when I was seventeen
I used to sell a [?] to forever dream
Now I'm a champagne king like Evelyn
Young hearts run free and forever sing
Yea
Tell me what the fuck you on
Cause your heart is sayin' ohh, ohh, ohh – run
State of the art, state of the drill
State of the mind, state of the city
I contemplated with wine
State of the art, state of the mind
State of the city
I contemplated with wine
State of the art, state of the drill
State of the mind, state of the city
I contemplated with wine
State of the art, state of the mind
I contemplated with wine
It was red, I guess it had to be the bloodshed
Love shed, 'nough said
But I still wanna know
What the fuck you're on
Cause your heart is sayin' ohh, ohh, ohh – run
And I'm down to jump the gun with you
Tell me what the fuck you want
Cause your heart is sayin' ohh, ohh, ohh – run
And I'm down to jump the gun with you
What the fuck I'm s'possed to do, you not around
I'mma talk about when we high and I'm on the ground
Always hold you down in and outta town
Maybe I'm a clown got me crying out in front the crowd
On the inside but it feel like a fuckin' cloud
Out my fuckin' mind, I'mma fuckin' drown
Girl but I'm not gonna fuck around
I'mma fuckin' marry you and learn to swim
Let me carry you I need to hit the gym
Young hard jab but the difference is
Got young love but I'm not young
Faith in love but I'm not dumb
I don't need to give a fuck about the outcome
Niggas be scared but I'm not one
The lyrics to Common's song "Young Hearts Run Free" depict a state of introspection and contemplation. The first paragraph highlights the artist's mindset and his connection to his city. He references the influence of alcohol on his contemplative state, suggesting that he uses it as a means to explore his thoughts. This may imply that he seeks clarity and inspiration in order to express himself creatively.
In the second paragraph, Common describes his approach to his art, taking pride in his origins from Chicago ("Chi Town"). He asserts his confidence and takes ownership of his rap skills as he rides through his town. The reference to the "concrete jungle" suggests the challenges he has faced and overcome in his career, surrounded by a bustling environment. He also touches on the blurred boundaries between personal relationships and the struggles that come with fame.
The third paragraph reflects on Common's growth as an artist and as an individual. He acknowledges his evolving understanding of himself and a deeper connection to spirituality. He expresses a desire for financial success and empowerment for his community. However, he juxtaposes this with the harsh realities of his environment, specifically mentioning the high murder rate that continues to persist. This highlights his awareness of the harsh circumstances that exist within his city and serves as a reminder of the challenges he faces while pursuing his dreams.
The final paragraph delves into Common's personal relationships, specifically with a romantic partner. He longs for their presence and expresses his vulnerability by acknowledging his emotions in front of others. Despite the difficulties he faces, he remains committed and dedicated, expressing a willingness to marry the person he loves and overcome any obstacles together. He also addresses the criticism and fear he faces from others but maintains his determination and conviction to stay true to himself.
Overall, these lyrics reveal Common's introspective and contemplative nature. They touch on various themes such as personal growth, the challenges of fame, the struggles within his city, and his quest for love and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
State of the art, state of the drill
The current state of the music and the struggles of life
State of the mind, state of the city
The mental state and the state of the urban environment
I contemplated with wine
I introspected and pondered while drinking wine
State of the art, state of the mind
The current state of the music and the mental state
State of the city
The state of the urban environment
I contemplated with wine
I introspected and pondered while drinking wine
I put the line down when I put the rhyme down
I focus and concentrate when writing and delivering my lyrics
Lost on my own Stoney Island that I found
Feeling lost and isolated in my personal journey
I ride around town like this is my town
Confidently moving through the city as if it belongs to me
Rap to myself, tryna see how I sound
Practicing and exploring my own voice and style in music
Kinda arrogant cause I'm from Chi Town
Feeling proud and confident because I come from Chicago
East bound it down, that's how we get down
Representing the East side of Chicago and our unique style
At the bar takin' shots like they live rounds
Having a good time at the bar, drinking shots like they're bullets
My lifestyle is it's good to be alive now
Appreciating the present moment and enjoying life
Lot that surround me, places all cloudy
Being surrounded by many distractions and uncertainties
Came in the Audi, pied piper rowdy
Arriving in a fancy car and attracting attention like a leader
You in the 'Raq where's war like Saudi
Referring to Iraq and its atmosphere of conflict like Saudi Arabia
Youngins carry the iron man, like Robert Downey
Young people carrying weapons like Iron Man, portraying toughness
Pound the ground we own the concrete jungle
Asserting dominance and control over the tough urban environment
Surround me loudly, wildy is how we came up
Growing up in a loud and wild environment
Think about the come up
Reflecting on the journey of success and upward mobility
That's why I'm always on edge when the fans seem to run up
Being cautious and hypervigilant when fans approach
Hair all done up, we can spend the summer together
Being ready for a romantic relationship and enjoying summer
But when the weather change, lady friend
When circumstances change or become difficult, my relationship may falter
You may be forever stranger lines seem to blur
The relationship may become distant and unclear
Yea I like you but I still love her, uh uh uh
Expressing conflicting feelings of attraction and loyalty
I come from the other, wonder why they slumbered on a nigga
Coming from a different background and questioning why others underestimated me
Now I see the bigger picture, pour a little liquor
Gaining a broader perspective and celebrating with a drink
The rich get richer, my dick get bigger
Noticing the increasing disparity between the wealthy and the rest, while also gaining confidence
Cause I'mma go hard, g-go g-go hard
Determined to put in maximum effort and excel
The more I know self, the more I know God
Understanding oneself leads to a deeper understanding of spirituality
Coppin' land from my bro [?]
Acquiring property or assets from a close acquaintance
Good to do business with the bro-gods, let the dollar circulate
Having profitable dealings with trusted friends, supporting financial growth
Lower the murder rate but still kill this shit
Advocating for a decrease in violence while still excelling in the music industry
In touch with the crib that's why you feel this shit
Connected to my roots and upbringing, which is reflected in my music
The willingness to grow, the willingness to blow
Having a desire to develop and succeed, even if it involves taking risks
The willingness to know that I don't know shit
Recognizing that there is always more to learn and not claiming to know everything
But I still wanna know
Despite admitting ignorance, I still have a thirst for knowledge
What the fuck you on girl
What is your mindset or perspective, girl?
Enrichened souls, visions, goals, mission grows as I do
As I develop and grow, my soul, aspirations, and purpose evolve
It was written like a haiqu when I was seventeen
My life and destiny were predetermined, like a haiku poem, when I was young
I used to sell a [?] to forever dream
I used to sell something (unclear what) to sustain my dreams and ambitions
Now I'm a champagne king like Evelyn
Now I have achieved success and live a luxurious lifestyle like Evelyn (reference to Evelyn Champagne King, an R&B singer)
Young hearts run free and forever sing
Youthful spirits are liberated and continue to express themselves through music
Tell me what the fuck you on
Share with me your thoughts and mindset
Cause your heart is sayin' ohh, ohh, ohh – run
Because your emotions are indicating that you want to escape or run away
And I'm down to jump the gun with you
I am willing to take risks and make impulsive decisions alongside you
What the fuck you want
What is it that you desire or seek?
Cause your heart is sayin' ohh, ohh, ohh – run
Because your emotions are indicating that you want to escape or run away
And I'm down to jump the gun with you
I am willing to take risks and make impulsive decisions alongside you
What the fuck I'm s'possed to do, you not around
I am uncertain of what I should do when you are not present
I'mma talk about when we high and I'm on the ground
I will reminisce and speak about our experiences together, from the highs to the lows
Always hold you down in and outta town
Supporting and being there for you both locally and when traveling
Maybe I'm a clown got me crying out in front the crowd
Perhaps I am foolish or ridiculous, as I express my emotions openly in front of everyone
On the inside but it feel like a fuckin' cloud
Internally struggling and feeling clouded or overwhelmed
Out my fuckin' mind, I'mma fuckin' drown
Feeling mentally unstable and suffocated by my thoughts
Girl but I'm not gonna fuck around
Despite these struggles, I am committed and serious about our relationship
I'mma fuckin' marry you and learn to swim
I am dedicated to marrying you and overcoming any challenges that come my way
Let me carry you I need to hit the gym
Metaphorically asking for permission to support and uplift you, while acknowledging the need to improve myself physically
Young hard jab but the difference is
I may be young and inexperienced, but I stand out because of my unique qualities
Got young love but I'm not young
Experiencing the intensity of young love, even though I am not technically young anymore
Faith in love but I'm not dumb
Having trust and belief in love, despite past experiences
I don't need to give a fuck about the outcome
Not worrying about the end result or consequences
Niggas be scared but I'm not one
Others may be fearful, but I am not afraid
It was red, I guess it had to be the bloodshed
Referring to a violent or tragic event, as symbolized by the color red
Love shed, 'nough said
Love has been lost and there is no need for further explanation
But I still wanna know
Despite the loss and pain, I still seek understanding
What the fuck you're on
What is your emotional state or perspective?
Cause your heart is sayin' ohh, ohh, ohh – run
Because your emotions are indicating that you want to escape or run away
And I'm down to jump the gun with you
I am willing to take risks and make impulsive decisions alongside you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: JAMES EDWARD FAUNTLEROY II, ERNEST DION WILSON, LONNIE RASHID LYNN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind