http://www.commonmarketmusic.com
Entering the hip-hop arena in an almost-forgotten fashion, the MC-and-the-DJ tag team Common Market has been pegged as leaders of Seattle's new-school rap movement. MC RA Scion and DJ Sabzi have received rave reviews locally, landing in the Seattle Times' artists-to-watch list in 2006, appearing on the front cover of Sound Seattle magazine's September 2006 issue, and obtaining the personal endorsement of hip-hop pioneer KRS-One as an exceptional up-and-coming group. Sabzi, a classically trained pianist and member of Seattle rap group Blue Scholars, and RA Scion came to meet each other in 2004 because of their identical ambitions to make Seattle a hotbed for hip-hop and their similar beliefs as worshipers of the Baha'i Faith. After Sabzi lent production help to RA Scion's solo album, Live and Learn, the two formed Common Market in 2005. Their self-titled debut album was first released in 2005 but then released nationally in early 2006. ~ Cyril Cordor, Rovi
Certitude
Common Market Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Differentiated the many ways to raise it
'Cause losin' the way in the makin' only hurts where you wanna take it
I've been given something I should hold sacred
And if I don't take it then this opportunity goes wasted
It's so basic, the meaning is made with a gesture
Invaded from the West and demonstrated with aggression
Feel the trace of the weapon, it reiterates a message
It's now time to let it begin, head to the wind
The second I stand, see less of a plan – it don't matter, though
In that direction lies the answer so you have to go
And for protection's sake you never take the path and hold
Let the method make your lesson and you'll be the last to know
Some of us have nothin' but a word will make us have it all
Pass it off, time to focus now, that's what we spoke about
Scopin' out the whole zone now – no doubt
RA:
Dark space I wavered in vacillating, half a day wasted
Askin' their favor and validation
I play to the base nature, rate the ohms in my low end
Chrome-plated and shown places they're afraid to go in
The 21st Century fox, rockin' the lamb's wool
The psalm chanter with the palm planted on the handle
The panel host, supposedly channeled the holy ghost
I'm down witcha – stand close and get your crown roast
The herd's served, prefer a touch a swerve in the verve
I learned respect comes first and the check comes third
Now what's the worth of a bush full of birds to the one I done snatched
When every last one comes when I clap
It aint where you're from, but son it's some punished for that
Seen it happen at the pin point pushed in the map
Travelled a global route, wrote it so I know what it's about
Throw a spark and turn the coldest devout – no doubt
Yeah, I burn a few waitin' on my turn at certitude
Searchin' for a heaven ever since interring Gertrude
Went to pen the words to the dirge and dreamt of the image of innocence
Intense, but forgive my indifference
Something 'bout "I heard it before, you're all the same" and
I told her we'd never spoken, so you must be mistaken
I thought maybe she turned away for modesty's sake
Yet as she wept I saw my name along the nape of her neck
For pardon I pleaded – evidently she and I were friends
With ten stretched between this apparition and the one then
Would have been little more than a binge had I not
Mentioned I'mma let feeling's start creepin' in
The act reciprocated, when the weight stacked, bent like a
Paperback, get away, the kid made tracks
Afraid to speak her name, vaguely I recall it being Faith
Lemme hold out, I'm moving slower now – no doubt
Lost touch but never lost hope
Found direction in respect for the presence of crossroads
Guilt gone, so will be the hill the house is built on
Matter's not infinite my sin will swim in the Cimarron
Age and they disintegrate – all of we are dust
Appalled to touch, wait until the wind picks up
It's possibly your progeny in the gust blowin' about
When he shows, pull them photos out – no doubt.
The lyrics of Certitude by Common Market are profound and require meaningful interpretation. The song starts with Chevas admitting that he understands the importance of cherishing the opportunities one receives because losing the way while pursuing a dream can hurt badly. He acknowledges the necessity of making an effort to outline the path to success while also accepting that things may not always go according to the plan. His message is that one should embrace the uncertainties and trust the method to learn the lesson to be the last one standing. RA then follows with his verse, describing his journey and the respect he learned to give before the revenue, reflecting on the price one pays for success. He acknowledges that the worth of the prize is sometimes insignificantly minor compared to the cost of obtaining them. He concludes that one's sins may wash away in time, but his impact will remain among those he inspired, and leaves listeners with the idea that perseverance results in the faithful, just like a gust of wind that will blow in the faintest trace of memories.
The song is full of symbols and metaphors, making the interpretation challenging while also fascinating. On top of that, the back and forth between Chevas and RA amplifies the complexity. Solely Chevas seems to refer to how one should trust the way to overcome uncertainty, while RA's talks about winning the respect of the herd and justifying the effort of chasing a dream. Despite that, the two seem to converge at some point in the song that is unclear. However, it is beautiful to hear both rappers share their thoughts while also conveying a sense of solidarity towards the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Differentiated the many ways to raise it
There are several ways to improve oneself, and it is important to choose the right one.
'Cause losin' the way in the makin' only hurts where you wanna take it
Getting lost while trying to improve oneself can hinder progress.
I've been given something I should hold sacred
I have been given a valuable opportunity that I should cherish.
And if I don't take it then this opportunity goes wasted
If I do not act on this opportunity, it will be wasted.
It's so basic, the meaning is made with a gesture
The meaning of my actions can be easily understood.
Invaded from the West and demonstrated with aggression
I have been influenced by Western culture and its aggressive tendencies.
Feel the trace of the weapon, it reiterates a message
The violent history of the West still leaves its mark on society.
A little bit of effort for the outlining session
Planning can take some effort, but it is worth it.
It's now time to let it begin, head to the wind
It is time to start moving forward, not worrying too much about the details.
The second I stand, see less of a plan – it don't matter, though
Once I start taking action, the lack of a detailed plan becomes less important.
In that direction lies the answer so you have to go
The path ahead leads to the solution, so I must follow it.
And for protection's sake you never take the path and hold
It is better to take action than to remain stagnant for one's own safety.
Let the method make your lesson and you'll be the last to know
By taking action, I will learn more than if I simply plan and wait.
Some of us have nothin' but a word will make us have it all
Words can have a powerful impact even for those with very little.
Pass it off, time to focus now, that's what we spoke about
It's time to take action and focus on our goals.
Scopin' out the whole zone now – no doubt
I am taking a look at the entire situation and gaining a better understanding.
Dark space I wavered in vacillating, half a day wasted
I spent a lot of time wavering in indecision.
Askin' their favor and validation
I sought the approval of others.
I play to the base nature, rate the ohms in my low end
I am aware of my less noble tendencies and try to improve them.
Chrome-plated and shown places they're afraid to go in
I present myself in a polished way even in difficult situations.
The 21st Century fox, rockin' the lamb's wool
I am a savvy modern individual who also has a softer side.
The psalm chanter with the palm planted on the handle
I am a devout person who holds prayer close to my heart.
The panel host, supposedly channeled the holy ghost
I am seen as someone who has a deep spiritual connection.
I'm down witcha – stand close and get your crown roast
I am supportive of you and your goals.
The herd's served, prefer a touch a swerve in the verve
I like to deviate from the norm when it comes to achieving my goals.
I learned respect comes first and the check comes third
I prioritize respect and integrity over financial gain.
Now what's the worth of a bush full of birds to the one I done snatched
I am questioning the true value of something I have gained.
When every last one comes when I clap
I have the power to control a situation.
It aint where you're from, but son it's some punished for that
People are punished for their background, even if they cannot control it.
Seen it happen at the pin point pushed in the map
I have witnessed the negative effects of discrimination first-hand.
Travelled a global route, wrote it so I know what it's about
I have travelled the world and gained a broader perspective.
Throw a spark and turn the coldest devout – no doubt
I can inspire others and make a difference.
Yeah, I burn a few waitin' on my turn at certitude
I have experienced setbacks and delays in my pursuit of certainty.
Searchin' for a heaven ever since interring Gertrude
I have been seeking a sense of peace since the death of someone close to me.
Went to pen the words to the dirge and dreamt of the image of innocence
I wrote a song about loss and imagined a world without tragedy.
Intense, but forgive my indifference
My emotions about the subject are intense, but I am outwardly calm.
Something 'bout "I heard it before, you're all the same" and
Someone has made a dismissive comment to me about my work.
I told her we'd never spoken, so you must be mistaken
I corrected her mistaken assumption.
I thought maybe she turned away for modesty's sake
I considered why she might have reacted that way.
Yet as she wept I saw my name along the nape of her neck
I realized that I have a deeper connection to her than I realized.
For pardon I pleaded – evidently she and I were friends
I asked for her forgiveness and understood that we are close.
With ten stretched between this apparition and the one then
I recognized that a lot of time had passed since our last interaction.
Would have been little more than a binge had I not
Our interaction could have been dismissed as a passing encounter.
Mentioned I'mma let feeling's start creepin' in
I expressed a desire to connect with her on a deeper level.
The act reciprocated, when the weight stacked, bent like a
My feelings were returned, and the situation became more significant.
Paperback, get away, the kid made tracks
I left the situation quickly afterward.
Afraid to speak her name, vaguely I recall it being Faith
I am hesitant to mention her name, but I believe it was Faith.
Lemme hold out, I'm moving slower now – no doubt
I will take my time before making a decision.
Lost touch but never lost hope
Even though we lost contact, I still remained optimistic.
Found direction in respect for the presence of crossroads
I realized that choices in life can determine my path.
Guilt gone, so will be the hill the house is built on
Once I forgive myself, the burden will be lifted and the future will be brighter.
Matter's not infinite my sin will swim in the Cimarron
Nothing lasts forever, including guilt for my mistakes.
Age and they disintegrate – all of we are dust
As we age, our bodies eventually break down and decay.
Appalled to touch, wait until the wind picks up
I am afraid to confront something, and will wait until the situation changes.
It's possibly your progeny in the gust blowin' about
The result of your actions may affect future generations.
When he shows, pull them photos out – no doubt
When the time is right, it is important to share and remember important memories.
Contributed by Aiden B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Seth MacLeod
This song gives me hella goosebumps. Just when you think you’ve heard all common market songs... boom
Takarafire
This song means so much to me. I feel like its about not really being sure where you are going in life. But whatever happens, you can learn, live, and respect yourself enough so that you can look back at the past, drop your guilt, and keep hope for yourself with no doubt in mind.
Stonelegs
"The herd's served, prefer a touch of swerve in the verb" - makes me laugh at the cleverness of it every time.
william mcarty
this song is amazing impossible not to feel a certain way when you listen to this
XtriceZ8917
oh my god RA Scion's voice is so smooth on those synths
CraftTube
Arguably the Market's best track.
jsandhorst
Common Market is the Truth. I want all the instrumentals from Tobacco Road.
RastaToad
Chev is too underground... Listen to his album. one of the best seattle rappers right now.
EightyMarkas
I respect the people who look for this music. Who didn't hear it in some movie or video credits, but wants to fucking hear it.
millsy1987
Haha if its got Goodguuuy's seal of approval you know its good.