It’s odd to think of Common as a socialist, but after taking some time to look closer at his lyrics for “The People” it’s hard not to think of him as such. Throughout the song his lyrics reflect that of a deeper unsettling feeling, describing his motive in life as one to uplift those around him. Talking to a friend yesterday I realized that I’ve been following Common for almost ten years and throughout that time he has consistently been the voice of power and strength in a sometimes fickle genre. “Sick and tired of bunchin it, I look on the bus at them, when I see them struggling, I think how I’m touchin them.” Going by the thought that you can’t do everything for everyone Common nonetheless continues to offer his words as a pillar for people to lean on, not cash, money or hos for his people to dream on (sorry, it’s the best I’ve got). Socialism may not necessarily be at the core of Common’s message however the idea is far from absent within his lyrics.

video via Nah Right

This is street radio, for unsung heroes
Ridin in they regal, tryin to stay legal
My daughter found Nemo, I found the new primo
Yeah you know how we do, we do it for the people
And the struggles of the brothas and the folks
With lovers under dope, experiment to discover hopes
Scuffle for notes, the rougher I wrote, times were harder
Went from rocky starter to a voice of a martyr
Why white folks focus on dogs and yoga
While people on the low end tryin to ball and get over
Lyrics are like liquor for the fallen soldiers
From the bounce to the ounce, its all our culture
Everyday we hustlin, tryna get them custom rims
Law we ain’t trustin them, thick broads we lust in them
Sick and tired of bunchin it, I look on the bus at them
When I see them struggling, I think how I’m touchin them
The People

The day, has come
Now we, are one
Just take, your time
And then, you’ll find

This is street radio, for unsung heroes
Ridin in they regal, tryin to stay legal
My daughter found Nemo, I found the new primo
Yeah you know how we do, we do it for the people
The people said that I was sharp on TV
At the Grammy’s, though they tried to India.Arie me
Got back stage, and I bumped into Stevie
He said no matter what, the people gone see me
Can’t leave rap alone the streets need me
Hunger in they eyes, is what seems to feed me
Inside peace mixed with beast seem to breed me
Nobody believe, until I believe me
Now I’m on the rise doin business with my guys
Visions realize, music affected lives
A gift from the skies, to be recognize
I’m keeping my eyes on the people, that’s the prize

The day, has come
Now we, are one
Just take, your time
And then, you’ll find

This is street radio, for unsung heroes
Ridin in they regal, tryin to stay legal
My daughter found Nemo, I found the new primo
Yeah you know how we do, we do it for the people
From Englewood to a single hood in Botswana
I see the I in We my nigga, yours is my drama
Standin in front of the judge with no honor
Barack stick, knight the people like Obama
The karma of the streets is needs and takes
Sometimes we find peace in beats and breaks
Put the bang in the back so the seats can shake
Rebel Cadillac music for the people sake
The People

The day, has come
Now we, are one
Just take, your time
And then, you’ll find

Common “The People”

Additional Common Audio Here

Common - Official Site
Common - MySpace Site

previously - Guru & Common “State of Clarity” Video
previously - Common Feat. DJ Premier “The Game” Video

This entry was posted on Monday, June 25th, 2007 at 11:55 am and is filed under Audio, Video. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.