When Prince began his formal dispute with record company Warner Bros. and changed his stage name to o(+> in 1993, the NPG became a side-project for Prince, allowing him to release music outside of his contract. The concept was quite similar to The Time, and was also intended to appeal to a more urban audience than Prince's mainstream material.
The NPG's debut album, Goldnigga featured Tony M. as lead vocalist/rapper. The album relied heavily on rap, while the music itself was reminicent of 1970s funk. Prince participated heavily in writing and performing the music, while Tony wrote and performed raps. Prince provided co-lead vocals on 2 songs, "Black M.F. in the House" and "Johnny", and the 2 were often performed by him in concerts and aftershows.
Prince trimmed down the NPG when he began performing as o(+> in early 1994. This tighter version backed o(+> on The Gold Experience and released Exodus in 1995. Now with Sonny T as lead vocalist, the focus was more on funk. Although several raps were recorded for the album, they were nixed on the final release. o(+> again took a role behind the scenes and adopted the guise of the masked "Tora Tora". He again performed lead vocals on several tracks, sometimes with an altered voice. His participation in this version of the NPG was much more apparent.
The Good Life
New Power Generation Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fantasy never hurt nobody, whatever chills the illin'
When the every day gets on your last one
Give it up and go
2 the place in everyone's future
The good life - one day we'll know (Good life)
Everyday after school, you know where 2 find this brother
That was the only thing that I wanted 2 do, that was my drug of choice
Left all the funny smellin' cigarettes 2 the American boys
"La Dolce Vita" was the knob that turned me on
Marcello Mastroianni Italian Mac comin' on strong
He had all the honies, the kind from the magazines
Small waist, big - right!... biggest ones you've ever seen
The good life (good life), one day that's what I'll be livin'
Fantasy never hurt nobody, whatever chills the illin'
When the every day gets on your last one
Give it up and go
2 the place in everyone's future
The good life - one day we'll know, one day we'll know
(Good life) {x2}
Mama worked all night, went 2 school by day
Wanted 2 get her Master Degree so she could make a better way
Set examples 4 her babies that we'll never forget
That's where I guess my spirit comes from, eternally never met
Oh, the good life (good life), one day that's what I'll be livin'
Fantasy never hurt nobody, whatever chills the illin' (Ooh, good life)
When the every day gets on your last one
Give it up and go
2 the place in everyone's future (The good life)
The good life - one day we'll know
(Good life)
Good life {x2}
Good life (Good life)
Hey, hey, hey!
Peace 2 the mother that knows
That the babies are the key 2 the world, key 2 the world
The battles of the future will be won
By those who teach those baby boys and girls
This is our plea 2 the brothers
Who are tired of the barely gettin' by, instead you should try
2 see your future map out your steps
And make sure no one dies
The good life (good), one day that's what I'll be livin'
Fantasy never hurt nobody, whatever chills the illin'
(One drop of blood ain't worth forsaking your dreams)
When the everyday gets on your last one, give it up and go
(Music, sports, fashion, whatever)
2 the place in everyone's future, the good life - one day we'll know
(Consolidate, think ahead, and cream, cream)
The good life (good life), one day that's what I'll be livin'
Fantasy never hurt nobody, whatever chills the illin' (Hey yeah, good life)
When the every day gets on your last one
Give it up and go (Good life, oh)
2 the place in everyone's future
The good life - one day we'll know
New Power Generation (Good life)
Tryin' 2 lead the Good Life (One day we'll know)
Oh yeah, oh Lord
Good life (Good life)
The good life
Good life (Good life)
The good life (Good life)
Good life (good life), one day that's what I'll be livin'
Fantasy never hurt nobody, whatever chills the illin'
When the every day gets on your last one
Give it up and go
2 the place in everyone's future
The good life - one day we'll know
Good Life {repeated}
Good life (Good life)
The good life (Good life) {x3}
One day we'll know
The Good Life by New Power Generation is a song about dreaming of a better future, a life far away from the struggles of everyday life. The lyrics suggest that daydreaming and using fantasy to soothe oneself is not necessarily a bad thing. The song focus on the idea that one can give up and let the frustrations of everyday life get to them, or one can aim for a better future; a future where their dreams come true. The song pays homage to mothers who work hard to set a good example for their children, especially single mothers who manage to work long hours and go to school. The song ends with a plea to brothers who are struggling to make ends meet, encouraging them to think ahead, set goals, and strive for success, not just for themselves, but for the welfare of their communities.
The first verse of the song explains how the troubles of everyday life can cause someone to disconnect with reality and begin to daydream about the future. In the second verse, the artist reveals how going to the cinema and watching movies served as an escape from his struggles. He talks about the Italian film, La Dolce Vita, which was his favorite film when he was growing up. The film served as a source of inspiration, and he became fascinated by the lead character, Marcello Mastroianni. He admired the lead character's charm and the attention he received from attractive women.
Line by Line Meaning
The good life, one day that's what I'll be livin'
The singer aspires to lead a good life someday.
Fantasy never hurt nobody, whatever chills the illin'
It's okay to indulge in fantasies or harmless distractions to feel better when ill or down.
When the every day gets on your last one
When life becomes too stressful and overwhelming.
Give it up and go
Take a break or leave the situation to find peace.
2 the place in everyone's future
To a future where everyone can live the good life.
The good life - one day we'll know
Someday, people will know what it feels like to live the good life.
Everyday after school, you know where 2 find this brother
The singer used to go to the movies uptown as an escape from everyday life.
That was my drug of choice
Watching movies was the artist's preferred way to feel good.
Left all the funny smellin' cigarettes 2 the American boys
The artist rejects smoking marijuana and lets Americans consume them.
"La Dolce Vita" was the knob that turned me on
Watching the movie "La Dolce Vita" was a source of inspiration for the artist.
Marcello Mastroianni Italian Mac comin' on strong
The singer admires the actor Marcello Mastroianni's charm and charisma.
He had all the honies, the kind from the magazines
Marcello Mastroianni had many attractive women surrounding him, similar to those found in magazines.
Small waist, big - right!... biggest ones you've ever seen
Marcello Mastroianni's women had small waists and large chests.
Mama worked all night, went 2 school by day
The singer's mother worked hard to earn her Master's degree while also raising her family.
Set examples 4 her babies that we'll never forget
The singer's mother provided positive examples for her children to remember.
Oh, the good life (good life), one day that's what I'll be livin'
The artist continues to dream about leading a good life someday.
Peace 2 the mother that knows
A message of peace is sent to a mother who understands the importance of raising children well.
The babies are the key 2 the world, key 2 the world
Children are the key to the future of the world.
By those who teach those baby boys and girls
Those who educate and teach children are responsible for shaping the future of the world.
This is our plea 2 the brothers
A request is made to men to take charge of their future.
Who are tired of the barely gettin' by, instead you should try
Men who struggle financially should change their mindsets and try harder.
2 see your future map out your steps
Plan steps to reach your goals in the future.
And make sure no one dies
Make sure that your plans do not risk anyone's lives.
"One drop of blood ain't worth forsaking your dreams"
Don't give up on your dreams, even if they cause minor injuries or inconveniences.
Music, sports, fashion, whatever
Pursue any passion or interest that brings you closer to the good life.
Consolidate, think ahead, and cream, cream
Organize your resources, plan ahead, and work towards achieving your dreams.
New Power Generation (Good life)
The musical group New Power Generation also aspires to live the good life.
Tryin' 2 lead the Good Life (One day we'll know)
New Power Generation is trying to achieve and live the good life.
Good life {x2}
The good life is still the goal.
The good life
Living well and happily.
Good life (Good life)
The good life is reiterated again.
One day we'll know
Someday, everyone will understand what it means to live the good life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LLOYD SONNY THOMPSON, MICHAEL A. BLAND, MORRIS K. HAYES, PRINCE ROGERS NELSON, TOMMY ELM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DollFunk
The good life, one day that's what I'll be livin'
Fantasy never hurt nobody, whatever chills the illin'
When the every day gets on your last one
Give it up and go
2 the place in everyone's future
The good life - one day we'll know (Good life)
Everyday after school, U know where 2 find this brother
Uptown at every movie show, outta my life 2 another
That was the only thing that I wanted 2 do, that was my drug of choice
Left all the funny smellin' cigarettes 2 the American boys
"La Dolce Vita" was the knob that turned me on
Marcello Mastroianni Italian Mac comin' on strong
He had all the honies, the kind from the magazines
Small waist, big - right!... biggest ones U've ever seen
The good life (good life), one day that's what I'll be livin'
Fantasy never hurt nobody, whatever chills the illin'
When the every day gets on your last one
Give it up and go
2 the place in everyone's future
The good life - one day we'll know, one day we'll know
(Good life) {x2}
Mama worked all night, went 2 school by day
Wanted 2 get her Master Degree so she could make a better way
Set examples 4 her babies that we'll never forget
That's where I guess my spirit comes from, eternally never met
Oh, the good life (good life), one day that's what I'll be livin'
Fantasy never hurt nobody, whatever chills the illin' (Ooh, good life)
When the every day gets on your last one
Give it up and go
2 the place in everyone's future (The good life)
The good life - one day we'll know
(Good life)
Good life {x2}
Good life (Good life)
Hey, hey, hey!
Peace 2 the mother that knows
That the babies are the key 2 the world, key 2 the world
The battles of the future will be won
By those who teach those baby boys and girls
This is our plea 2 the brothers
Who are tired of the barely gettin' by, instead U should try
2 see your future map out your steps
And make sure no one dies
The good life (good), one day that's what I'll be livin'
Fantasy never hurt nobody, whatever chills the illin'
(One drop of blood ain't worth forsaking your dreams)
When the everyday gets on your last one, give it up and go
(Music, sports, fashion, whatever)
2 the place in everyone's future, the good life - one day we'll know
(Consolidate, think ahead, and cream, cream)
The good life (good life), one day that's what I'll be livin'
Fantasy never hurt nobody, whatever chills the illin' (Hey yeah, good life)
When the every day gets on your last one
Give it up and go (Good life, oh)
2 the place in everyone's future
The good life - one day we'll know
New Power Generation (Good life)
Tryin' 2 lead the Good Life (One day we'll know)
Oh yeah, oh Lord
Good life (Good life)
The good life
Good life (Good life)
The good life (Good life)
Good life (good life), one day that's what I'll be livin'
Fantasy never hurt nobody, whatever chills the illin'
When the every day gets on your last one
Give it up and go
2 the place in everyone's future
The good life - one day we'll know
Good Life {repeated}
Good life (Good life)
The good life (Good life) {x3}
One day we'll know
@a0b0
here i am in 2023 still in awe of the genius that was prince.
@ryanspeed4671
Sonny vocals were tight, obviously his bass playing skills on point.
@BIGMAN7917
I miss Prince...I miss the 90s
@tellemartin6663
Wow Prince had on the wig with his face covered and that black outfit on was hilarious. Prince always liked to play dress up and be a little jokester.Rip my favorite artist. R.i.P Gone too soon
@nancypatricia511
May look funny but he wasn't doing it to get laughs. It was a persona that he was playing which was meant to obscure his identity. I love that hat but this is the first time I see him veiling his face with it.
@chippy7745
Maybe he is covering up his identity in order to give the spotlight to Sonny. He obscures himself because his presence is overpowering....it’s actually an act of generosity on his part.
@ROCKNROLLFAN
Man, do I miss Prince....Rest in Heaven my HERO.....
@kaloiano1
Just to keep the tradition going... Anyone here from VS Imaginator part 2? Bless Kadono-sensei for showing me so much good music
@SuperGoomba19
Hell yeah!
@makkusuunfilwin1852
Just finished the book now and came here looking for a comment like this. Couldn’t agree more. Bless Kadono-sensei indeed.