On And On
Pete Rock CL Smooth Lyrics


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The nightcap was exiled steadily profiled
As the underachievin non believin' can't stand to reason
Where's your daddy boy to categorize the drinker
Misunderstood to make the ordeal linger

They label me a problem child who can't cope
Hangin' by a thread yes a very thin rope
Inevitably can never be the man can I tell ya
Visualize and memorize him in a cellar

Well tally ho, pip-pip, my fam's gonna catch a fit
My father lookin' like he want to bust my lip
But that was never good for my health
So I take the shovel out my pocket and dig myself

Now when I look at the man in the mirror
I see things much more clearer my Lord
I'm not that popular, less than a dollar
But the ? I pack can make you holla

I said, what you don't know could make a whole new world
Man... listen! I'm set to sabotage premonition
Your propaganda, crooked type of version
Some of the things I bring, you're babblin' non-person

Imbedded in my character, rebel nostalgia
Uncommon valor who'd rather
Have no man-made religion or sect
But try to believe what you conceive may be half correct

I shed light, to show the path in sight
'Cause a man who can't treat you right can't teach you right
In front of your eyes, what a surprise, and let the nature
Rise, just for the girls and the guys

A Phi-Slamma-Jamma when you wear a bandanna
Peace to Pop Dukes, and long live Nana
The formula's reality, Pete Rock's the storm
Together, forever, yes G we got it goin' on

Internal affairs, flippin Hollywood Squares
In search of the Mecca many travel in pairs
Walked the slave ship, ??the side of ningamora??
To support a short order when I freak it on a corner

Five-oh cruisin, decide to pull you over
Beefin, "Where's the Coke?" I said, "A six-pack of soda?"
The rookie's lookin thirsty, but everything's mental
A baseball bat, to smack Shirley in the Temple

Agreed to meet the maker so I yelled Hail Mary's
And flew that head, to hit The House on the Prairie
But the past can never choose my future correctly
I found a greater source directly

On and on, keep it on, you chant the
Boppin' simonized, pullin' you clockwise jammie
To quickly skip the minimal tip, I dap for the wise I dip
Can anyone see, phenomenally, to the last degree?

I capitalize subliminally, wreck for positivity
Yes my little chickadee, ready to flow with me
Nevertheless I bless, follow me and see
Predominantly, CL'll be, All in the Family

God bless Marky Black, know we go way back
The lyrics I pack is like a needle in the haystack




CL and Pete Rock, Smooth like Dom Perignon
Never torn, word is bond, we got it goin' on

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's "On and On" are a mix of introspective musings and social commentary. The first verse talks about being misunderstood and labeled a problem child, while the second verse speaks out against propaganda and organized religion. The chorus, "on and on, keep it on" is a call to continue persevering through life's challenges and to remain true to oneself.


The song's verses create a vivid picture of the struggles of growing up and navigating a complex world filled with societal pressures, racial inequalities, and personal demons. The use of references to historical events such as the slave ship and pop culture references like The House on the Prairie and Hollywood Squares adds another layer of depth to the lyrics.


Overall, "On and On" is a song that encourages perseverance in the face of obstacles, encourages listeners to think critically about the world around them and emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself.


Line by Line Meaning

The nightcap was exiled steadily profiled
The drink to end the night was continually poured and measured out


As the underachievin non believin' can't stand to reason
Those who lack ambition and faith cannot think logically


Where's your daddy boy to categorize the drinker
A father figure is needed to label and judge someone's drinking habits


Misunderstood to make the ordeal linger
Being misunderstood prolongs the painful situation


They label me a problem child who can't cope
People see me as a troublemaker incapable of handling things


Hangin' by a thread yes a very thin rope
My situation is precarious, barely holding on


Inevitably can never be the man can I tell ya
It seems I can never become the person I aspire to be


Visualize and memorize him in a cellar
I picture and remember someone confined, hidden away in a dark place


Well tally ho, pip-pip, my fam's gonna catch a fit
Uh oh, my family is going to be angry/upset with me


My father lookin' like he want to bust my lip
My dad is giving me a threatening look


But that was never good for my health
Being physically punished would be harmful to me


So I take the shovel out my pocket and dig myself
I take responsibility for my actions and try to fix the situation


Now when I look at the man in the mirror
When I self-reflect and examine myself


I see things much more clearer my Lord
I gain a clearer understanding of my life and purpose


I'm not that popular, less than a dollar
I'm not well-known or highly valued


But the ? I pack can make you holla
My skills are impressive and can elicit excitement or enthusiasm


I said, what you don't know could make a whole new world
Learning something new can open up new possibilities and perspectives


Man... listen! I'm set to sabotage premonition
Listen, I'm determined to disrupt/predict and change the future


Your propaganda, crooked type of version
Your biased/incorrect version of events


Some of the things I bring, you're babblin' non-person
You're talking nonsense and missing the important points I'm trying to make


Imbedded in my character, rebel nostalgia
My rebellious nature is a deeply ingrained part of who I am


Uncommon valor who'd rather
I have extraordinary courage but prefer to avoid conflict


Have no man-made religion or sect
I don't adhere to a specific religious ideology or group


But try to believe what you conceive may be half correct
I strive to have an open mind and consider that even a partial understanding could be true


I shed light, to show the path in sight
I bring clarity and guidance to help others find their way


'Cause a man who can't treat you right can't teach you right
Someone who doesn't treat you well can't offer valuable life lessons


In front of your eyes, what a surprise, and let the nature
Observe the beauty in the natural world, it's a pleasant surprise


Rise, just for the girls and the guys
Enjoy the moment, for everyone


A Phi-Slamma-Jamma when you wear a bandanna
A cool and confident feeling when you wear a bandanna


Peace to Pop Dukes, and long live Nana
Sending good thoughts and memories to those who have passed away


The formula's reality, Pete Rock's the storm
The key to success is to face reality, and Pete Rock is the driving force behind it


Together, forever, yes G we got it goin' on
We are united and will always have success, my friend


Internal affairs, flippin Hollywood Squares
Our personal internal problems, dealing with the superficial and fake nature of Hollywood


In search of the Mecca many travel in pairs
People seek out a spiritual destination, often with a partner


Walked the slave ship, ??the side of ningamora??
Referencing the journey of slaves during the Transatlantic slave trade


To support a short order when I freak it on a corner
To rebel and break social norms when the opportunity presents itself


Five-oh cruisin, decide to pull you over
The police are driving around and choose to stop and question you


Beefin, "Where's the Coke?" I said, "A six-pack of soda?"
The police suspect you of having cocaine, but you actually have soda


The rookie's lookin thirsty, but everything's mental
The inexperienced police officer is eager to make a bust, but it's all in his head


A baseball bat, to smack Shirley in the Temple
Violent thoughts or actions toward someone named Shirley


Agreed to meet the maker so I yelled Hail Mary's
Preparing to die/accepting one's fate, invoking religious prayer


And flew that head, to hit The House on the Prairie
Throwing a severed head toward a house or location for dramatic effect


But the past can never choose my future correctly
My past experiences can't dictate or control my future


I found a greater source directly
I've discovered a more powerful and meaningful source of guidance or inspiration


On and on, keep it on, you chant the
Persist and continue with your efforts or routine


Boppin' simonized, pullin' you clockwise jammie
A fun and lively dance move, spinning in circles


To quickly skip the minimal tip, I dap for the wise I dip
To avoid small talk, I give a quick handshake and leave


Can anyone see, phenomenally, to the last degree?
Is anyone capable of seeing something extraordinary or amazing?


I capitalize subliminally, wreck for positivity
I use subconscious messages to encourage and motivate


Yes my little chickadee, ready to flow with me
Supporting and encouraging someone to join in and follow my lead


Nevertheless I bless, follow me and see
Regardless, I'll lead and guide you to success, watch and see


Predominantly, CL'll be, All in the Family
Mainly, CL will be in charge and leading the group or family


God bless Marky Black, know we go way back
Bless Marky Black, we have a long history together


The lyrics I pack is like a needle in the haystack
My lyrics are impressive and stand out from the rest


CL and Pete Rock, Smooth like Dom Perignon
CL and Pete Rock work well together, like a high quality champagne


Never torn, word is bond, we got it goin' on
We will never break apart or go back on our promises, we have continued success




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jeffreyhowerton1320

Masterpiece... Pete Rock also wasn't no slouch on the lyrical tip and CL needed no intro or definition cuz he was the real deal call him anything but wack and he wasn't ahead of his time he was right on time something different brothers were definitely conscious and they touched everything from politics to relationships brotherhood the streets family or just plain old fun this is where I'm from albums like this are rare when every trak is dope. Thank you fellas y'all are forever in the book of hip hop.

@project0077

Arguably, this is one the best hip-hop albums ever

@jamesdavid6895

AHHHH when rap was good enough to play it back NOT cause you cant understand what the hell they said but because what they said was so damn slick lol

@OMC720

CL criminally under rated

@christopherwilliams5800

This song is banging, wish it started with out having to sit through that freestyle.

@WillRobinsonDanger

Oh yes!!!!!! Da 90's, where it all makes sense. And yes, this gem relates to the events of today. We need the essence of this. We will do much better than we're heading, but it's not too late!!!!

@anusharma1631

💋ma words

@erwinrogers9470

Classic🔥

@kendalljones5211

HIP HOP at best 🎤🎤👑💯💯🎵🎹📀💪classic 💎 gem omg Pete Rock amazing n cl smooth to

@TheSamuraistyle

Real hip hop with a good feel vibe which you just don’t get nowadays

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