What A World
Common feat. Chester French Lyrics

In the first verse of What A World, Common asks the listener what they see when they look at him just standing there. He goes on to state that hard work is in his blood and that he won't stop until he achieves his goals, even if his life burns out in the process. He then mentions a "wollen town" which could be a reference to his upbringing in Chicago's South Side, where wool manufacturing was once a major industry. The verse is a reflection of Common's drive and perseverance towards success, and his willingness to work hard to achieve it.

The chorus "What a world, what a world" repeats four times and is a commentary on the state of the world. Common may be referring to the societal and political issues that he has observed in his lifetime. This could be interpreted as a call-to-action to make the world a better place.

Common later reflects on a little boy from Chicago who had aspirations to be a star. This could be a reference to himself and his own journey as a rapper from Chicago. The line speaks to the idea that anyone can achieve their dreams regardless of their background or where they come from. The song as a whole is a hopeful and motivational message urging listeners to persevere through adversity and strive for success no matter what.