The Light Lyrics

[Produced by J Dilla]

[Intro]
Yeah, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-d-doo, diggy-doo, yo

[Verse 1]
I never knew a luh-luh-luh, a love like this
Gotta be somethin' for me to write this
Queen, I ain't seen you in a minute
Wrote this letter, and finally decide to send it
Signed, sealed, delivered, for us to grow together
Love has no limit, let's spend it slow forever
I know your heart is weathered by what studs did to you
I ain't gon' assault them, ‘cause I probably did it too
Because of you, feelings I handle with care
Some niggas recognize the light, but they can't handle the glare
You know I ain't the type to walk around with matchin' shirts
If relationship is effort, I will match your work
I want to be the one to make you happiest and hurt you the most
They say the end is near, it's important that we close.. to the Most High
Regardless of what happen, on Him let's rely

[Hook]
There are times
When you'll need someone
I will be by your side
There is a light that shines
Special for you and me

[Verse 2]
It's important we communicate
And tune the fate of this union to the right pitch
I never call you my bitch, or even my boo
There's so much in a name, and so much more in you

Few understand the union of woman and man
And sex and a tingle is where they assume that it land
But that's fly by night, for you in the sky I write
For in these cold Chi night's moon, you my light
If Heaven had a height, you would be that tall
Ghetto to coffee shop, through you I see that all
Let's stick to understandin' and we won't fall
For better or worse times, I hope to me you call
So I pray every day more than anythin'
Friends we'll stay as we begin to lay
This foundation for a family, love ain't simple
Why can't it be anythin' worth havin' you work at annually?
Granted we known each other for some time
It don't take a whole day to recognize sunshine


[Hook]
There are times
When you'll need someone
I will be by your side, oh, darling
There is a light that shines
Special for you and me

[Verse 3]
It's kind of fresh you listen to more than hip-hop
And I can catch you in the mix from beauty to thrift shop
Plus you shit pop when it's time to
Thinkin' you fresh, suggestin' beats I should rhyme to
At times when I'm lost I try to find you
You know to give me space when it's time to
My heart's dictionary defines you, it's love and happiness
Truthfully it's hard tryin' to practice abstinence
The time we committed love, it was real good
Had to be for me to arrive and it still feel good
I know the sex ain't gon' keep you
But as my equal, it's how I must treat you
As my reflection in light I'ma lead you
And whatever's right I'ma feed you
Digga-da, digga-da, digga-da, digga-digga-da-da
Yo, I tell you the rest when I see you; peace!

[Hook]
There are times
When you'll need someone
I will be by your side
There is a light that shines
Special for you and me


[Outro]
I'll take my chances
Before they pass
Pass me by, oh, darling
You need to look at the other side
You'll agree

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About

Genius Annotation

“The Light” is the second single from Common’s 2000 album Like Water For Chocolate. The song is a love letter devoted to his then-girlfriend Erykah Badu, whom he parted ways with in 2002.

The song has been one of Common’s most successful songs, as it is a rare instance in hip hop that deviates from a misogynistic depiction of women— the other significant example being Method Man’s “You’re All I Need”. It is also acclaimed for J Dilla’s production, widely considered one of his greatest works. For Complex, Andrew Barber writes:

At the turn of the century, Dilla had mastered his warm and fuzzy boom-bap style of production, and by the time the “The Light” hit he’d reached his peak. The next phase of Jay Dee’s production style was more digital, but this was a welcome goodbye to that era, which also gave Common the biggest hit of his career.

The song was also Common’s second Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance. Check out some of his verified annotations below.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Credits
Produced By
Copyright ©
Phonographic Copyright ℗
Performance Rights
Keyboards
Mixing Engineer
Mastering Engineer
Recorded At
Studio A (Dearborn Heights, Michigan)
Release Date
July 18, 2000
The Light Interpolations
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