…& On by Erykah Badu Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Depths of Neo-Soul Poetry
Lyrics
On and on and on and on
Wake the fuck up ’cause it’s been too long
Say wait a minute, Queen
What’s your name
I be that gypsy
Flippin’ life game from the right brain
Ascension maintained
Rolling through like a burning flame
Like a super nova star
She be the light
When they in the dark
Morning
The moon pass the sun
Four constellations start forming
Across up in the sky
But everybody wanna ask me why
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
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, melinated
I’m ’bout ta give birth to church
But everybody want to ask this earth
What’
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
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
‘Cause you did not do your math
My cipher keeps moving like a rolling stone
Mad props to God ja born
Things just ain’t the same for singers
Gotta sing on the beat the bring us
But that’s all I have ain’t got no mo
But still the people really wanna to know
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, the queen of Neo-Soul, has always marched to the beat of her own drum, blending rich musicality with layered lyrical content that often requires a deeper examination. Her track ‘…& On’ from the critically acclaimed album ‘Mama’s Gun’ is a testament to her unique blend of social commentary, personal introspection, and spiritual musings.
This song is not merely a sequence of verses but a complex tapestry woven with Badu’s personal experiences, her Afrocentric perspective, and a philosophical depth that transcends the apparent. Let’s dive into the enigmatic world of ‘…& On’ and unravel the layers that make this song a timeless piece of art.
The Cosmic Journey of Self-Discovery
At the heart of ‘…& On’ lies an enduring quest for identity and understanding. Badu describes herself as a ‘gypsy flipping life game from the right brain,’ a line dripping with symbolism. She positions herself as a nomadic sage, using intuition rather than logic to navigate the world—an approach that honors the right brain’s association with creativity and emotion.
The song’s chorus challenges listeners to find meaning in her words, an implicit reminder that wisdom often requires effort to comprehend. Badu refuses to dilute her message, even as she acknowledges the potential for disconnect: ‘What good do your words do if they can’t understand you.’ This rhetorical question is a bold statement on the nature of communication and the importance of seeking understanding beyond surface-level interactions.
A Voyage Through Time and Space
‘…& On’ transports us through a cosmic narrative where Badu aligns herself with celestial phenomena: ‘Like a super nova star, she be the light when they in the dark.’ The imagery of constellations forming in the sky suggests that her enlightenment is a guiding force, helping to illuminate the darkness that surrounds us.
The lyric ‘Morning, the moon pass the sun’ plays with the notion of time and the celestial dance, implying that change is a constant force. Badu’s words defy the linear constraints of time, reflecting a cyclical perspective on life and growth.
Analog Girl in a Digital World
Perhaps one of the most memorable lines of the song, ‘Analog girl in a digital world,’ serves as a poignant commentary on the tensions between tradition and modernity. Badu embraces the juxtaposition of her old-soul sensibilities against the backdrop of an increasingly digitalized society.
This line underscores a sense of alienation that comes from adhering to a set of values at odds with the prevailing culture. It’s a call to remain authentic and grounded, even when the world around us is rapidly changing.
The Hidden Meaning Behind the Zodiac Reference
Delving into astrological imagery, Badu reveals ‘Said I’m a Pisces, Zika deka del, well well I’m raising hell.’ The dual fish of the Pisces zodiac sign represent the artist’s multi-faceted nature. One fish swims upstream, searching for spiritual fulfillment, while the other swims downstream, grounded in the current reality.
The assertion that she’s ‘raising hell’ implies a disruption of expectations and norms. By invoking her Pisces nature, Badu is not only explaining her tendencies towards emotional depth and sensitivity but also showcasing her ability to navigate between the material and spiritual realms.
Reflections on Growth and the Power of Memories
Badu’s bridge ventures into the realm of personal history and growth. Her references to pivotal life moments — visiting the Washateria with her mom, getting her period, the realization of social inequalities — are all integral to her development.
The line ‘Remembering is good if you don’t let it be the fear in you’ suggests that while memories can inform and shape us, they should not be allowed to dictate our actions through fear. Through this reflection, Badu emphasizes the strength gained from embracing and learning from past experiences, rather than being ensnared by them.
