Erykah Badu’s “On & On” is more than just a song. It’s a journey through spirituality, identity, and resilience. Badu isn’t just singing; she’s teaching. She explores the importance of self-knowledge and staying true to oneself in a constantly changing world. This is about everyone who’s searching for meaning in life. Badu wrote this to inspire, and encourage listeners to look inside themselves for wealth and wisdom.
There’s a deep ocean of wisdom in these lyrics waiting to be explored. Stay with us, and let’s uncover the treasures together.
“On & On” Lyrics Meaning
Erykah starts with a simple confession: feeling high, yet acknowledging the emptiness of material wealth (“My money’s gone”). This sets the tone for a song that’s not just about the highs and lows of life, but about finding depth and meaning beyond the surface.
The line “Peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned” is powerful. Badu suggests that our true wealth is knowledge and growth, not material riches. She challenges the listener to rethink what it means to be wealthy. The reference to being made in God’s image, and the emphasis on our true names, speaks to a search for identity and authenticity in a world that often ignores our true selves.
The chorus, with its mantra-like repetition of “on and on,” symbolizes the relentless march of time and life’s continuous journey. Badu implies that amidst life’s cycles, we must keep moving, evolving, and growing.
The intriguing lines about being born “underwater with three dollars and six dimes” could be interpreted as a reference to spiritual rebirth and the mystical significance of numbers in various spiritual traditions. It’s a call to delve deeper into our spiritual and mental selves.
Badu also touches upon the idea that true wisdom comes from realizing how little we actually know. This humility in knowledge is contrasted with those who, despite not believing in a higher power, still live in fear. This could be a critique of the materialistic worldview that neglects spiritual understanding.
As the song progresses, Badu addresses themes of resilience (“The world keeps turning”), self-sufficiency (“Don’t feed me yours ’cause your food does not endure”), and the danger of losing oneself (“You rush into destruction ’cause you don’t have nothin’ left”).
The Story Behind “On & On”
When Erykah Badu wrote “On & On,” she was in a unique state of mind. Badu has always been known for her spiritual, introspective approach to life and music. This song is a reflection of her journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
“On & On” was born from a period when Badu deeply explored her identity and place in the world. She was seeking to understand the deeper truths of existence, far beyond the materialistic view that often dominates our society.
This exploration is evident in the lyrics. The song doesn’t just reflect her personal journey; it invites listeners to join her in this quest for understanding and self-realization. The references to spirituality, the critique of material wealth, and the search for authentic identity all stem from Badu’s own experiences and her desire to find something more meaningful in life.
Badu’s state of mind during the creation of this song was one of questioning and seeking. She was not content with surface-level answers. This is why the song resonates so deeply with many. It’s a mirror of her quest for deeper understanding, a quest that she shares with her listeners.