Next Lifetime
Erykah Badu Lyrics


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Now what am I supposed to do
When I want you in my world
How can I want you for myself
When I'm already someones girl?

Now what am I supposed to do
When I want you in my world
How can I want you for myself
When I'm already someones girl?

First time that I saw you boy
It was a warm and sunny day
All I know is I wanted you
I really hoped you looked my way
When you smiled at me
So warm and sweet
I could not stay
You make me feel like a itty-bitty girl
What do you do to me

Now what am I supposed to do
When I want you in my world
How can I want you for myself
When I'm already someones girl?

I guess I'll see you next lifetime
No hard feelings
I guess I'll see you next lifetime
I'm gonna be there

Your energy, feels so damn good to me
It picks me up don't want to come down
You got me spinning all around
Yeah
You need to know
I've got that somebody
You're beautiful
But it ain't that kind-a party nowww

Now what am I supposed to do
When I want you in my world
How can I want you for myself
When I'm already someones girl?

Now what am I supposed to do
When I want you in my world
How can I want you for myself
When I'm already someones girl?

Well I guess I'll see you next lifetime
Baby we'll be butterflies
I guess I'll see you next lifetime
That sounds so divine

I guess I'll see you next lifetime
I guess I will now
I guess I'll see you next lifetime
Wait, wait a little while

See it ain't nothing wrong with dreaming
Boy don't get me wrong
'Cause every time (every time) I see you (every single time)
I know just how strong (every single time)
That my love is for my baby
But emotions just don't lie
Well I know I'm a lot of woman
But not enough to divide the pie

Now what am I supposed to do
When I want you in my world
How can I want you for myself
When I'm already someones girl?

I guess I'll see you next lifetime
You know I want to stay around
I guess I'll see you next lifetime
I'm so confused now

Now what am I supposed to do
When I want you in my world
How can I want you for myself
When I'm already someones girl?

I guess I'll see you next lifetime
Already
I'm going to be there
I guess I'll see you next lifetime
I'm going to look for you

Now what am I supposed to do
When I want you in my world
How can I want you for myself
When I'm already someones girl?

I guess I'll see you next lifetime
Oh
Oh baby




I'm gonna be there
I'm gonna be there

Overall Meaning

The song "Next Lifetime" by Erykah Badu tells a story of unrequited love. She sings about the predicament of wanting someone who is already in a committed relationship, without wanting to disrupt that relationship. She admits that she is confused and conflicted, but ultimately decides to let go of those feelings and wait for another lifetime to be with that person. The lyrics highlight the emotional complexity of trying to navigate relationships and deal with unfulfilled desires.


The opening lines of the song convey the internal struggle that the singer is experiencing. She wants to be with the person she desires, but also acknowledges that it is not possible while she is already in a relationship. The repetition of the same lines throughout the song emphasize the difficult decision she has to make, and the somber tone of the lyrics suggest that it is not an easy choice.


The singer's decision to wait for another lifetime could be interpreted as a hopeful gesture. She suggests that if it is meant to be, they will eventually be together. However, the lyrics also suggest that she is unsure whether that will happen, and that it may not be a realistic expectation.


Overall, "Next Lifetime" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and relationships. The lyrics express a yearning for connection and intimacy, while also acknowledging the challenges that come with those desires.


Line by Line Meaning

Now what am I supposed to do When I want you in my world How can I want you for myself When I'm already someones girl?
Badu expresses her conflicted feelings of wanting the man in her life but also being in a committed relationship with someone else. She is unsure of how to navigate this situation.


First time that I saw you boy It was a warm and sunny day All I know is I wanted you I really hoped you looked my way When you smiled at me So warm and sweet I could not stay You make me feel like a itty-bitty girl What do you do to me
Badu reminisces about the first time she saw the man and how she was immediately drawn to him. His smile made her feel youthful and carefree.


I guess I'll see you next lifetime No hard feelings I guess I'll see you next lifetime I'm gonna be there
Badu decides that she cannot pursue the man in this lifetime as she is already in a committed relationship. However, she hopes to see him in another lifetime when their timing might be better.


Your energy, feels so damn good to me It picks me up don't want to come down You got me spinning all around Yeah You need to know I've got that somebody You're beautiful But it ain't that kind-a party nowww
Badu acknowledges that the man has an attractive energy that she enjoys being around, but she reminds herself that she is committed to someone else and that she cannot pursue him.


Well I guess I'll see you next lifetime Baby we'll be butterflies I guess I'll see you next lifetime That sounds so divine
Badu imagines a future life where she and the man are free to be together and be transformed into something new, like butterflies.


See it ain't nothing wrong with dreaming Boy don't get me wrong 'Cause every time (every time) I see you (every single time) I know just how strong (every single time) That my love is for my baby But emotions just don't lie Well I know I'm a lot of woman But not enough to divide the pie
Badu acknowledges that she has strong feelings for the man, but she reaffirms her love for her current partner. She recognizes that emotions can be confusing, but she also knows that she cannot divide her love between two people.


I guess I'll see you next lifetime Already I'm going to be there I guess I'll see you next lifetime I'm going to look for you
Badu repeats her desire to see the man in another lifetime and confirms that she will actively seek him out.




Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SAMUEL J BARNES, ANTHONY S CRUZ, JEAN CLAUDE OLIVIER

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

Afiong Ukoh

"I`ll be the moon, shine on you.
I`ll be the womb, give you food.
I`ll be heaven, love me right.
I`ll be divine, give you Light.

Come take a drink from the fountain.
Three-fourths of purity, symbol of me.
I`ll be flowers, let me grow.
If I feed you wisdom, let me know
Guess I'll see you next lifetime...."



All comments from YouTube:

Jacobi Harris

This is amazing.. her background singers did what needed to be done....

The F L O W Priestess

28, and this reminds me of chillin' in the basement with my dad, as a little girl... playin' Badu ...

SUCH a vibe.

Chaka Khanian

So bumpin. I really love the end when she allows her background singers to show their talents. I love the way she blended Angela and Rene's 'You Don't Have to Cry' in this rendition of Next Lifetime.

k&j

Love โค ๐Ÿ˜

Kelsi Nicole

yassss, and the "let me knowwww" (aaliyah vibes)

Janette Murel

Darby killed !!!

Janette Murel

Cant stop playing it... the last background singer killed it!

Denise Adebiyi

I'm over the moon in love with the end ๐Ÿ˜

6 More Replies...

C Mac

This version is absolutely incredible!!!!

Toccara Doiley

song literally gave me chills

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