Back To The Future
DANGELO AND THE VANGUARD Lyrics


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Traveling at the speed of light and then
At the same time I'm in the same spot too
The room was kept in
'Bout the same way you left it
With about the threats you mess in attitude
Where ya' been with all your grin
Until all your friends turn their backs on you
Reminiscing over what you've been missing
Could be just like cousins kissing
That's taboo

I just wanna go back, baby
Back to the way it was
I just wanna go back, baby
Back to the way it was
I used to get real high, now I
But now I'm just gettin' a buzz
I wanna go back, baby
Back to the way it was

If you win, no matter if you lose
You got to come back again
Pay some dues
Back in Richmond, shit ain't changed a bit in
Niggas with a little piss in got some attitudes
I been wondering if I can love again
So if you're wondering about the shape I'm in
I hope it ain't my abdomen that you're referring to

Seasons may come and your luck just may run out
And all that you'll have is some memories, oh
Seasons may come and your luck just may run out
And all that you'll have is some memories, oh
Seasons may come and your luck just may run out
And all that you'll have is some memories, oh
Seasons may come and your luck just may run out
And all that you'll have is some memories, oh

Said I just wanna go back, baby
Back to the way it was, now, now, now
I used to get real high
Now I'm just getting' a buzz, now, now, now
I said back to the way it was, now, now, now
I just wanna go back, baby
Back to the way it was, now, now, now
I just wanna go back, baby
Back to the way it was, now, now, now
I used to get real high




Now I'm just getting' a buzz, now, now, now
Back to the way it was, now, now, now

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to D'Angelo and the Vanguard's song, "Back to the Future," talk about the desire to go back to an earlier time, when things were different and better. The song's title references the classic science-fiction movie series, and the lyrics create a sense of nostalgia for a time that's passed. The opening lines talk about moving at the speed of light but remaining in the same spot, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling like you're not making progress in life. The room being kept the same way as when it was left shows how time has stood still, and the threats that were made add a sense of tension to the lyrics.


The second verse describes the feelings of loss and confusion that come with growing up and drifting apart from friends. The reference to "cousins kissing" being taboo adds to the sense of wanting to return to a simpler, more innocent time. The chorus repeatedly expresses the desire to go back to the way things were before, when life was easier and more fun. The final lines of the song, "Seasons may come and your luck just may run out, and all that you'll have is some memories," add a somber note to the song's message. Overall, "Back to the Future" is a thoughtful exploration of the human experience of longing for the past.


Line by Line Meaning

Traveling at the speed of light and then
Moving very quickly and then


At the same time I'm in the same spot too
Simultaneously staying in the same place


The room was kept in
The space was maintained


'Bout the same way you left it
In a similar manner as when you departed


With about the threats you mess in attitude
In relation to the negative behavior and attitude you brought


Where ya' been with all your grin
Where have you been with your smile/positive attitude


Until all your friends turn their backs on you
Until your companions abandon you


Reminiscing over what you've been missing
Reflecting on what you have lost or overlooked


Could be just like cousins kissing
May be taboo like kissing one's relatives


That's taboo
That is considered inappropriate


I just wanna go back, baby
I want to return to a previous time


Back to the way it was
To a past state of being


I used to get real high, now I
I used to become very intoxicated, but now


But now I'm just gettin' a buzz
Now I am only slightly feeling the effects of drugs/alcohol


If you win, no matter if you lose
Even if you lose after winning


You got to come back again
You must try again


Pay some dues
Experience some difficulties


Back in Richmond, shit ain't changed a bit in
Things are still the same in Richmond


Niggas with a little piss in got some attitudes
People with limited power have negative attitudes


I been wondering if I can love again
I have been questioning if I can experience love once more


So if you're wondering about the shape I'm in
If you are curious about my current state


I hope it ain't my abdomen that you're referring to
I hope you are not talking about my belly


Seasons may come and your luck just may run out
Times of difficulty may occur and your fortune may change


And all that you'll have is some memories, oh
All you will have left are memories


Said I just wanna go back, baby
Once again, I want to return to a previous time


Now, now, now
At this moment


Back to the way it was, now, now, now
To a past state of being at this moment


I just wanna go back, baby
I simply want to return to a previous time


I used to get real high
I used to become extremely intoxicated


Now I'm just getting' a buzz, now, now, now
Now I am only slightly feeling the effects of drugs/alcohol




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michael Eugene Archer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@almightypush9767

LYRICS

Traveling at the speed of light and then
At the same time I'm in the same spot too
The room was kept in
'Bout the same way you left it
With about the threats you mess in attitude
Where ya' been with all your grin
Until all your friends turn their backs on you
Reminiscing over what you've been missing
Could be just like cousins kissing
That's taboo
I just wanna go back, baby
Back to the way it was
I just wanna go back, baby
Back to the way it was
I used to get real high, now I
But now I'm just gettin' a buzz
I wanna go back, baby
Back to the way it was
If you win, no matter if you lose
You got to come back again
Pay some dues
Back in Richmond, shit ain't changed a bit in
Niggas with a little piss in got some attitudes
I been wondering if I can love again
So if you're wondering about the shape I'm in
I hope it ain't my abdomen that you're referring to
Seasons may come and your luck just may run out
And all that you'll have is some memories, oh
Seasons may come and your luck just may run out
And all that you'll have is some memories, oh
Seasons may come and your luck just may run out
And all that you'll have is some memories, oh
Seasons may come and your luck just may run out
And all that you'll have is some memories, oh
Said I just wanna go back, baby
Back to the way it was, now, now, now
I used to get real high
Now I'm just getting' a buzz, now, now, now
I said back to the way it was, now, now, now
I just wanna go back, baby
Back to the way it was, now, now, now
I just wanna go back, baby
Back to the way it was, now, now, now
I used to get real high
Now I'm just getting' a buzz, now, now, now
Back to the way it was, now, now, now



All comments from YouTube:

@deano9110

I feel so sad for all the music lovers that have just passed away to have missed this . RIP to all , sounds not to be missed

@forho2

Yea but in heaven doe.. ?

@xmann89

deano9110 yez amen

@staysuckafreewithdee

i think this all the time! i thought it was just me.

@peteywheatstraw79

The soul of j dilla is all over this song. RIP Jay dee.

@carsoni4

This track is the ultimate triple-threat. Lyrics, production and performance -- they're all flawless. Absolute perfection. 

"Used to get real high, now I'm just gettin' buzzed. I just wanna go back baby, back to the way it was"
- that's the chorus of the year folks. 

@Rancholovelazer

Agreed, Man. This is "Absolute Perfection" 

@AdamSmith-ln7fh

Co sign

@101Licious

No doubt, a masterpiece !

@rasta317

"Everybody's wondering what kind of shape I'm in. I hope it aint my abdomen." These lyrics were shared in a 2012 GQ interview he did. After reading that article I understood the demons he battled from being a sex symbol. That's not D, that's not what he's about. He's all about his music, I don't believe he's too focused on his image. So I respect his hiatus, and I am thankful for the quality he has blessed our ears and hearts with again. 

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