She is best known for her singles You Got Me her collaboration with The Roots, as well as her own songs Tyrone, Love of My Life, On & On, Bag Lady, The Healer, Honey and Soldier. Her lyrics are highly personal urban philosophy which throw emotional challenges in the face of the listener. She weaves unusual musical influences together creating a rich texture of sound.
Some music journalists have labeled her Nu soul, nouvelle-soul or neo soul, often comparing her to Billie Holiday in lyrical delivery and grouping her with Maxwell and D'Angelo in musical genre.
Baduizm, Badu's highly acclaimed debut album, was released in early 1997 and debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts. Lead single On & On reached #12 on the singles charts in both the U.S. and UK. Badu received notice for her introspective lyrics and jazzy, bass-heavy sound, and was hailed as one of the leading lights of the burgeoning neo soul genre. Her sophisticated style of singing drew many comparisons to Billie Holiday. Baduizm eventually went triple platinum and, along with On & On, won Grammy Awards at the 1998 ceremonies.
During that year, Badu became involved with rapper André 3000 of OutKast, with whom she had a child, Seven, who was born in 1997. Their relationship ended sometime in the late 90s. Badu recorded her first live album, Live, while pregnant with Seven, and the release of the recording coincided with the birth to her child. Live reached #4 on the Billboard charts, selling double platinum, and spawned another R&B hit single in Tyrone a song chiding a selfish, cheap, and inattentive boyfriend. Badu also collaborated with The Roots (who had previously handled production duties on a number of tracks on Baduizm) on their breakthrough 1999 release, Things Fall Apart. She was featured on the song You Got Me co-written by Jill Scott, which hit the top 40 and won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
After taking some time off to raise her child, Badu returned in 2000 with Mama's Gun, an album more organic in sound than her previous studio album, and primarily produced by the Soulquarians and noted bassist Pino Palladino. A remix of one of the album's songs, Bag Lady was issued as the first single and topped the R&B charts for seven weeks. The album was well-received, with the lyrical content winning notices from many publications who found some of her lyrics hard to decipher on her initial releases. Despite not charting as high as her first two albums, Mama's Gun was another platinum-selling success, and Bag Lady was nominated for a Grammy.
By 2000, Badu was in a romantic relationship with fellow Soulquarian Common, and Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop) was released as a collaboration between the two on the Brown Sugar soundtrack. Love of My Life hit #9 on the pop charts, topped the R&B listings, and Badu was awarded her fourth Grammy for the song in 2003.
After the release of Mama's Gun and Love of My Life, Badu went through a period of writer's block. She hit the road throughout 2002 and much of 2003 on what she dubbed the "Frustrated Artist Tour," in search of inspiration to write and perform new material. The conclusion of the tour saw Badu head back to the studio with new material, and in September of 2003, the Worldwide Underground was released. More jam-oriented than any of her prior releases, Badu was quoted as saying that the release was designed to serve as one continuous groove. Worldwide Underground reached #3 on the Billboard charts and was certified gold not long after its release, and Badu received four further Grammy nominations for the EP.
After almost four years and the birth of a daughter, Puma, it was revealed in 2007 that Badu had three albums in the works over the course of 2007 and 2008. Honey, a new single produced by 9th Wonder, was leaked online in November 2007, and the new album, titled New Amerykah Part One (4th World War), was released on February 26, 2008.
On August 23, 2008, Badu joined the rock band My Morning Jacket on stage at their show in Dallas, Texas to perform her song Tyrone. Her surprise appearance was met with an enthusiastic reaction from the audience.
On February 1, 2009 Badu gave birth to her third child, a girl named Mars Merkaba with her boyfriend Jay Electronica.
Her album New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) was released on March 30, 2010.
Plenty
Erykah Badu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When she wants plenty, she gets plenty
When she wants plenty, she gets plenty
When she wants plenty, she gets plenty
then she gets plenty more, uhh
repeat Chorus One
(Guru)
Watchin her drivin by, in her new whip so fly
Wish she could sing me a lullaby, to scoop her I've got to try
In her eyes, there's a flame that burns right through my soul
Can't pretend to be cool, about to lose my control
Yeah I know she's got plenty admirers, she's got many
Like an exotic fantasy, into a frenzy she sends me
Wow I have to sit down, and gather my wits now
I want to caress those hips now, want to kiss those lips now
(Badu)
Hello? Hey babyyy
I know you called and I didn't answer twice
But baby that's oh-kay it's nice
for you to call anyway see, okay, see uhh
Hey babyyy
You know it's okay if you don't call me
anymore cause I got a-plenty
truckload of niggaz like you at my door dial tone
(Chorus One)
(Guru)
Yup
And every day is her day, and every year is her year
Anyone tried to violate, they could straight disappear
She don't care if you play yourself, tryin to step to her
The illest of gangsters, I show and respect to her
Truly glamourous, she ain't impressed and it shows
She don't like your new clothes, she don't care about your playa pose
Do you suppose I could hook up and spend time with her?
She's just how I dreamed - I'll bust my nine for her
(Chorus Two: Erykah Badu)
When she gets plenty, she gets plenty
When she gets plenty, she gets plenty
When she wants plenty, she gets plenty
any damn thang she wants, uhh
(Guru)
Uhh
Surgeon General - I provide vitamins and minerals
The charge that she's got on me, should be federal
I was told never put the two before the one son
but always cultivate your Wisdom, to help you build your kingdom
I want to be the answer to every question she has
So when I wish to enter, she'll be lettin me pass
I know she wants to be with G-O-D eventually, but still
She got everything yeah the girl's got plenty
(Badu)
Flowers in her bedroom
Perfume on her neck
Nectar from a mason jar
Seven dollar dress she's
Super cute, and plenty bad
Thirty twenty-two thirty-six and a half
I, hope the dude will realize
She got the silky(?) (?)sexy bedroom eyes
Baby baby please don't break yo' neck
Cause you gon' have a wreck tires squeal
Cause when it comes to love I get plenty, degrees one-twenty
My back slipped out my dress - OOPS!
(Chorus Three: Erykah Badu)
When she gets plenty, she gets plenty (she gets it all)
When she wants plenty, she gets plenty (uhh)
When she wants plenty, she gets plenty (c'mon)
and she gets plenty more (plenty more) ahh
When she wants plenty, she gets plenty
When she wants plenty, she gets plenty (mm, she gets it all)
When she wants plenty, she gets plenty
and any damn thang I want - right?
(Guru)
That's right
In this game of life it takes a lot to win
Plenty more baby's what I got to give
(Badu)
Yeah yeah baby that's really nice
But I'm tryin to read my book and you're in my light
(Guru)
Uhh - a woman like you could help me reach the top
If I get a chance to love you, mm, I won't stop
(Badu)
Damn! Oh huh, what? Huh, whaaat?
I didn't hear you I was thinkin bout some stuff
(Guru)
Baby you so fine I want to smack myself
I don't need no support I'm gonna back myself
(Badu)
Hooo baby you so sweet
Now can you get the lotion and rub my feets
(Guru)
In massage therapy I got a master degree
I give you plenty more, than what you askin from me
(Badu)
I need a little bit of space, a little bit of wealth (okay)
And oh - about the feets, a little to the left (like this?)
Mmmmmm (m'hmm, like that?)
Yeahhh (feels good right?)
Ohhhhh
Ahhhhh (yeah, heh heh)
Hehehee! (You don't really care)
I do! (Heh, you the Queen huh?)
More lotion! (C'mon.. you got plenty!)
Erykah Badu cracks up laughing
(Badu) That's good! Alright?
(Guru) That's good right?
(Badu) laughing
The song "Plenty" by Erykah Badu and Guru is a dialogue between a man (Guru) and a woman (Badu) expressing their desire for one another. The chorus repeats the phrase "When she wants plenty, she gets plenty" suggesting that the woman is very attractive and gets what she wants. The verses describe the man's admiration for the woman and his willingness to do whatever it takes to get closer to her. The woman, on the other hand, seems to play hard to get and teases the man with her many suitors but still leaves the possibility of a romantic relationship open.
The lyrics of "Plenty" are centered around the theme of desire and the pursuit of fulfillment. The woman represented in the song is seen as a symbol of perfection that both the singer and other men in the song yearn for. Badu's character is confident, independent, and unimpressed by showmanship or superficial displays of wealth. The song contrasts the woman's abundance of suitors with Guru's desire to win her over through a more meaningful connection.
Overall, "Plenty" is a playful and flirtatious exchange between two characters, with elements of humor and vulnerability apparent throughout the lyrics. The repetition of the phrase "plenty" suggests both desire and satisfaction, implying that the characters are both confident in their ability to attract and satisfy their romantic interests.
Line by Line Meaning
When she wants plenty, she gets plenty
She always gets what she wants
then she gets plenty more, uhh
She never settles for just enough, always keeps going
Watchin her drivin by, in her new whip so fly
I'm mesmerized by her stunning appearance and fancy car
Wish she could sing me a lullaby, to scoop her I've got to try
I want to impress her, win her over with my efforts
In her eyes, there's a flame that burns right through my soul
I'm deeply attracted to her passion and intensity
Can't pretend to be cool, about to lose my control
I can't hide my feelings, I'm about to show my true emotions
Yeah I know she's got plenty admirers, she's got many
She's popular and desired by many men
Like an exotic fantasy, into a frenzy she sends me
She's like a dream come true, igniting a strong desire in me
Hello? Hey babyyy
Answering the phone and greeting a potential suitor
I know you called and I didn't answer twice
Acknowledging that she missed the call and didn't answer it twice
But baby that's oh-kay it's nice
Letting the person know it's alright and okay to call back
for you to call anyway see, okay, see uhh
Encouraging the person to keep trying to connect with her
Yup
Agreeing with a previous statement
And every day is her day, and every year is her year
She always has a good time and takes advantage of every opportunity
Anyone tried to violate, they could straight disappear
Anyone who messes with her will face serious consequences
She don't care if you play yourself, tryin to step to her
She's not impressed by men trying to win her over with flashy moves or gestures
The illest of gangsters, I show and respect to her
Even tough guys have to defer to her and show her respect
Truly glamourous, she ain't impressed and it shows
She's a truly glamorous woman who isn't swayed easily
She don't like your new clothes, she don't care about your playa pose
She's not interested in material possessions or players trying to impress her
Do you suppose I could hook up and spend time with her?
Asking if there's a chance to spend some quality time with her
She's just how I dreamed - I'll bust my nine for her
She's exactly what I've been looking for and I'd do anything to be with her
When she gets plenty, she gets plenty
Repeating the chorus and emphasizing her ability to acquire plenty
any damn thang she wants, uhh
She always gets what she desires, no matter what it is
The charge that she's got on me, should be federal
I'm strongly attracted to her and completely under her spell
I want to be the answer to every question she has
I want to be there for her and fulfill all her needs
So when I wish to enter, she'll be lettin me pass
I want to be with her intimately and have her reciprocate my desires
She got everything yeah the girl's got plenty
Acknowledging that she has it all, plenty of everything
Flowers in her bedroom
Describing her attention to detail and decor in her personal space
Perfume on her neck
Noticing her alluring scent
Nectar from a mason jar
Noticing her unique tastes and preferences
Seven dollar dress she's
Noticing that she can look amazing in even an inexpensive outfit
Super cute, and plenty bad
She's attractive and has an edge to her
Thirty twenty-two thirty-six and a half
Describing her physical measurements in detail
I, hope the dude will realize
Expressing a hope that another man will appreciate her qualities
She got the silky(?) (?)sexy bedroom eyes
Noticing her alluring and seductive gaze
Baby baby please don't break yo' neck
Asking someone to be careful and not hurt themselves
Cause you gon' have a wreck tires squeal
Joking that someone might get in an accident from being distracted by her beauty
When she wants plenty, she gets plenty
Repeating the chorus again
Surgeon General - I provide vitamins and minerals
Metaphorically identifying oneself as a source of strength and nourishment
I was told never put the two before the one son
Remembering a piece of advice about prioritizing and building a solid foundation
but always cultivate your Wisdom, to help you build your kingdom
Emphasizing the importance of gaining knowledge and insight to grow and succeed
Yeah yeah baby that's really nice
Agreeing with someone and being supportive
But I'm tryin to read my book and you're in my light
Politely asking someone to move out of the way to leave them in peace
In this game of life it takes a lot to win
Acknowledging that life is challenging and requires effort to succeed
Plenty more baby's what I got to give
I have a lot more love to offer and can give more
A woman like you could help me reach the top
Expressing that someone like her could be a great partner to help them both succeed
If I get a chance to love you, mm, I won't stop
Saying that if given the opportunity, they will love her unconditionally
I didn't hear you I was thinkin bout some stuff
Admitting when one's mind is preoccupied and not listening attentively
Baby you so fine I want to smack myself
Expressing admiration and affection for someone's beauty
I don't need no support I'm gonna back myself
Confidently asserting that one is independent and doesn't need others' help
Hooo baby you so sweet
Expressing more admiration and affection
Now can you get the lotion and rub my feets
Asking for a physical gesture of affection and care
I give you plenty more, than what you askin from me
Claiming to go above and beyond to provide for and please someone
I need a little bit of space, a little bit of wealth (okay)
Acknowledging personal needs and desires for breathing room and financial stability
And oh - about the feets, a little to the left (like this?)
Providing specific instructions for a physical gesture of affection and care
Erykah Badu cracks up laughing
Describing the artist's reaction to a humorous situation
That's good! Alright?
Reaffirming that everything is good and okay
That's good right?
Asking for confirmation that everything is good and okay
laughing
Describing the artist's reaction to a humorous situation once again
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: Lacy Brylon, Erica Wright, Harold Martin, Keith Elam
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind