Erykah Badu

checked

...& On

Erykah Badu

Lyrics

[Intro]
One-one-one-one, one-two, one-two

[Verse 1]
On & on & on & on
Wake the fuck up 'cause it's been too long
Say, wait a minute, Queen, what's your name?
See, I be that gypsy flippin' life game from the right brain (huh)
Ascension maintained
Rolling through like a burning flame
Like a supernova star
She be the light when they in the dark
Morning
The moon pass the sun
Four constellations start forming
A cross up in the sky
But everybody wanna ask me why

[Hook]
What good do your words do if they can't understand you?
Don't go talkin' that shit Badu, Badu
What good do your words do if they can't understand you?
Don't go talkin' that shit Badu, Badu

[Verse 2]
Said I'm a Pisces
Zika deka del
Well, well, I'm raising hell
People always tryin' to find the world I'm in
I'm the envy of the women and I rule the men
Two fish, one swimmin' up stream
One swimmin' down livin' in a dream
But when she loves she tends to cling
When incense burns, smoke unfurls
Analog girl in a digital world
The Rasta style flower child
Zip dip dow, zip dip dow
The gold tooth smile
Split them vowels
Bling bloom bling, melanated
I'm 'bout ta give birth to church
But everybody want to ask this Earth
What...
[Hook]
What good do your words do if they can't understand you?
Don't go talkin' that shit Badu, Badu
What good do your words do if they can't understand you?
Don't go talkin' that shit Badu, Badu

[Interlude]
Bridge!

[Bridge]
I remember when I went
With Momma to the Washateria
Remember how I felt the day
I first started my period
Remember there in school one day
I learned I was inferior
Water in my cereal
Badu in your stereo
Holla if you hear me though
Remembering is good if you don't
Let it be the fear in you
Wrap ya head with this material (Material)
Cause you did not do your math
My cypher keeps moving like a rolling stone
Mad props to the God JaBorn
[Verse 3]
Things just ain't the same for singers
Gotta sing on the beats they bring us
But that's all I have, ain't got no mo'
But still the people really wanna to know

[Hook]
What good do your words do if they can't understand you?
Don't go talkin' that shit Badu, Badu
What good do your words do if they can't understand you?
Don't go talkin' that shit Badu, Badu

Erykah Badu burst onto the music scene in 1997 with her hit single “On & On.” The track showcased her unique blend of soul, R&B, and hip-hop, and earned her a Best Female R&B Vocal Performance Grammy the following year. Two decades later, Badu revisited that same track with its spiritual successor “…& On.” This follow-up continues the themes of its predecessor, incorporating the guiding principles of the Five Percent Nation while also questioning the efficacy of delivering messages that go over people’s heads.

About ...& On

“…& On” is both a continuation of a classic and a standalone track. While its predecessor “On & On” was a critical and commercial breakthrough for Badu, “…& On” stands on its own as a powerful and personal work. The lyrics are introspective, with Badu exploring themes such as self-discovery, spirituality, and awareness. The beat is simple yet effective, featuring a hypnotic bassline and sparse drum hits that allow Badu’s voice and message to take center stage.

But it is the lyrics of “…& On” that truly stand out. Badu remains faithful to the Five Percent Nation, an offshoot of the Nation of Islam that believes that all black men and women are divine and possess the potential for greatness. She references the Nation throughout the song, incorporating its teachings on numerology, the meanings of names and the importance of self-awareness. The overarching message of the song is that it’s not enough to simply have knowledge, but that it must be applied to make a difference.

One of the most interesting aspects of “…& On” is the way in which Badu questions the effectiveness of delivering a message that goes over people’s heads. She likens it to throwing pearls before swine, indicating that if a message isn’t received or understood by its intended audience, it has little impact. This demonstrates a level of self-reflection on the part of Badu, acknowledging that even though she has important messages to share, she must be mindful of how she delivers them in order to reach the widest possible audience.

Despite being a spiritual sequel to “On & On,” “…& On” manages to carve out its own distinct niche. The track’s themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and awareness are communicated with Badu’s signature blend of soulful singing and introspective lyricism. The simple yet effective beat provides a perfect backdrop for Badu’s message, which emphasizes the importance of not just having knowledge but using it. The song shows that even more than 20 years after her breakthrough to the music scene, Badu remains a vital and relevant artist.

In an age where so much music is disposable and quickly forgotten, “…& On” stands out as a reminder of the power of music to communicate important messages and inspire change. Its themes of self-discovery, spirituality and awareness are timeless and universal, making it a song that will resonate with listeners long after the last notes have faded away.