3. Philosophical Analysis: "On & On" - Erykah Badu

This thread is the third installment of the series:

1. Philosophical Analysis: "Schism" - Tool

2. Philosophical Analysis: "One" - Metallica





3. Philosophical Analysis: "On & On" - Erykah Badu

In my opinion, this song is one of the most articulate and artistic examples of Nation of Gods and Earths (N.G.E.) encrypted ciphering ever presented. The N.G.E., originally splintering from the Nation of Islam, is an Afrocentric belief-system that utilizes incremental degrees of learning and a deeply esoteric oral tradition. The N.G.E. is a system that promotes education, morals, ethics, self-empowerment, and self-realization through the awakening and illumination of the inner and divine Light. They have often been designated as no more than a common street gang, but all of the N.G.E. members that I have ever met are far from gangsters or criminals.

Erykah Badu's poetry contains multi-layered depths of meanings, which are philosophical, intellectual, and spiritual. Although there are a plethora of meanings that may be worked out, and other renderings that I am unaware of, I will attempt to decipher and build-upon some of the hidden messages and meanings ciphered within the lyrics of this esoteric song. The working tools of this thread are the N.G.E. Supreme Mathematics, Supreme Alphabet, and the Jewels.

As a picture is worth a thousand words, so to does every song have a different meaning to different people. Although I do not know the motives or intentions of the artist's work, I will give my personal interpretation to the lyrics.

I hope you enjoy this analysis, and please share your thoughts also.

Peace.





Link

"On And On"
- Erykah Badu

"Oh my my my
I'm feeling high
My moneys gone
I'm all alone
to much oooh
The world is turnin'
Oh what a day
What a day what a day

Peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned.
If your knowledge were your wealth then it would be well earned.

If we were made in his image then call us by our names.
Most intellects do not believe in God but they fear us just the same.

Oh on and on and on and on (my cypher keeps moving like a rollin stone)
Whew on and on and on and on (all night till the break of dawn)
I go on and on and on and on (my cypher keeps moving like a rollin stone)
Ohh on and on and on and on (godamnit imma sing my song)

I was born under water with 3 dollars and 6 dimes.
Yeah you may laugh 'cause you did not do your math.

Like 1.. 2..3.
Damn, y'all feel that? Oh...
1.. 2..3.
The world keeps turning.
Oh what a day what a day what a day.

The man that knows something knows that he knows nothing at all.
Does it seem colder in your summer time and hotter in your fall?

If we were made in his image then call us by our names.
Most intellects do not believe in God but they fear us just the same.

Oh on and on and on and on (my cypher keeps moving like a rollin stone)
Whew on and on and on and on (all night till the break of dawn)
I go on and on and on and on (my cypher keeps moving like a rollin stone)
Ohh on and on and on and on (mad props to the guy ja bone)

I am feeling kinda hungry 'cause my high is coming down.
Don't feed me yours 'cause your food does not endure.
I think I need a cup of tea, the world keeps burnin'.
Oh what a day, what a day what a day.

You're rushing to destruction 'cause you don't have nothin' left.
The mothership can't save you so your ass is gonna' get left.
If we were made in his image then call us by our names.
Most intellects do not believe in God but they fear us just the same.

Oh on and on and on and on (my cypher keeps moving like a rollin stone)
On and on and on and on (u cant fuk with me so jus leave me alone)
Ooh ooh wee on and on and on and on (my cypher keeps moving like a rollin stone)
On and on and on and on (.. and on n on)"

ANALYSIS CONTINUED BELOW

Common Terms Used in this Thread

Allah
"Allah" is not referencing the Mystery God of Islam. Rather, it is referring to the fully awakened and self-realized Divine Man.
Allah = Arm-Leg-Leg-Arm-Head

Knowledge
Knowledge is the foundation of all things in existence. Knowledge is the science of facts. Knowledge is to know why, and why is why. Knowledge was made to manifest in three parts; looking, listening, and observing. It is broken down into two words, know and Ledge.  Once you master the Ledge you mastered knowledge itself.  Knowledge means to know the ledge and not to fall of the edge into the pits of ignorance.  Ignorance means to ignore the facts.  Knowledge is the foundation of all intelligence, all experience and all thought. 

Wisdom
Wisdom is the vehicle in which a wise man lets his knowledge known. Wisdom is an expression of knowledge while the understanding brings about a dear picture of both through the eye of understanding. Wisdom is the wise words spoken by the wise person, to show and prove the knowledge of Self. Wisdom is broken down into two words Wise and Dome. Once you wise your dome you can wise the dome of the Blind, deaf and Dumb, to make them see, hear and speak.  It is the supreme manifestation of thought which releases the dumb from the confinement of darkness which is the black from the Devil’s Society and way of living.

Understanding
Understanding is to see things as they clearly are and not as they appear to be. Understanding is the clear picture one draws up in the mind of knowledge and wisdom which is perfectly understood by the all seeing eye, which is the Mind or the Third eye.  It takes knowledge and Wisdom to bring forth the Understanding.  It is comprehension (the ability to understand truth or facts) to come to know about things you deal with each and everyday in each and every way. it is the ability to think and learn.  It is the interpretation of known facts possessing or showing intelligence.

Culture
Culture is the way of life that you live. The culture is the Divine Culture of Islam. Islam broken down in its true nature is I Self Lord And Master or simply I-God.

Freedom
Freedom is the ability to choose what you want for yourself and your family without interference from the devil and his wicked civilization. Freedom is to free your dome from the Devil’s civilization.  It is to leave from a state of mental death and power, and into a state of righteousness, love, peace and happiness which is the culture the Divine culture of Islam.  Islam guides you from that mental state of unawareness to that mental state of awareness and consciousness.  Freedom is the very nature of the divine culture of Islam.  The truth of Islam will set you free from all impurities and unrighteousness because the Divine nature of Islam is Righteousness.  Freedom is to free the dome of the wickedness which lies within.  It is liberty, independence and unrestrictive ness.  To be able to choose without being told how, when or what.

Equality
Equality is to want for your brother and a-alike as you would want for yourself. Equality is to be equal in everything (knowledge, wisdom, and understanding) with your righteous brothers and sisters. Equality is to be equal in all things in existence such as knowledge, wisdom and understanding. When you share your knowledge through wisdom, and bring forth an understanding It only shows and proves equality. Knowledge (1), Wisdom (2) and Understanding (3) is all being born to equality.

Refinement
To be free from all impurities and unrighteousness is refinement. Refinement is to purify yourself both physically and mentally thought the Culture of Islam.  it is to be purified in other words Holy, and Holy is something that is not mixed, tampered or diluted with in any form.

Power
Power is the truth and the truth is the power square, the square of pure righteousness.  It is the truth which is the light that brings one out of the triple stages of darkness into their true way of life which is Islam. It gives the wise man the ability to control and refine all that comes within his circumference. Power is the manifestation of wisdom which is , Reflecting the living light of Allah’s mathematics shined by the knowledge to bring forth the power of the understanding which light is given to those who are mentally dead, or blind, deaf and dumb to the reality of life.

Cipher
Cipher is a circle, a completion of 360 degrees, consisting of 120 degrees Knowledge, 120 degrees Wisdom, and 120 degrees Understanding. The cipher has no beginning or ending point so that we may rid our cipher of all negativity. Cipher is any place, person or thing complete within itself. Cipher is a 360 degree circle. The, woman is also a cipher because cipher means C-I-Power—HER, and surely god powers her by mastering her with his mind. Her powers you must see in order to master her equality. Cipher is dealing with the knowledge, wisdom and understanding. 120 degrees of each, boring 360 degrees to be born to born which is saying, things are being born in the cipher.

My Lyrical Analysis:

• "Peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned."
The more we learn, the more we gain in Wisdom and Understand, which will naturally bring forth more Peace and Blessings. Peace is the absence of confusion, and Blessings are Divine gifts that promote Happiness.

"Peace" may be rendered as, "Positive Energy Always Creates Elevation",
or as "Power Equality Allah See Equality" (Power & Equality within the Divine Man to See the Truth Equally in all things).

"Bless" may be rendered as, "Be Love & Equality 2 Save Self".

When there is Peace and Blessings, "Many will Celebrate" (Many-Fest).

The "lessons learned" is also a reference to the Lessons of the N.G.E., with the mastery of each lesson bringing about positive fruits.

• "If your knowledge were your wealth then it would be well earned."
Many seek out material wealth in the darkness of ignorance, while neglecting the importance of the Light of Knowledge. Truly, Knowledge is worth more than diamonds and gold.

Proverbs 3:13-15; "Blessed are those who find Wisdom, those who gain Understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her."

• "If we were made in His image then call us by our names."
God's name is honored, and as Man was made in the image of God, likewise should the names of all of Mankind be honored. This is a direct objection to any and all derogatory, disrespectful, and condescending slurs, monikers, nicknames, or epithets.

• "Most intellects do not believe in God but they fear us just the same."
Even in the rejection of any God, a man shall be fearful of another Man who is empowered, uplifted, and awakened to the indwelling of God. The wicked and corrupt are fearful of those who are awakened with Truth and Light.

ANALYSIS CONTINUED BELOW

• "Oh on and on and on and on."
Erykah sings the word "on" 4 times per bar, which may be deciphered in many ways:

O = Cipher (See-I-Power-Her) / Complete
N = Now / End

"See, I Power Her Now"

"Cipher-Now and Cipher-End and Complete-Now and Complete-End"

O = 14
Knowledge (1) Freedom (4)
Knowledge (1) Culture (4)
1+4=5 Power & Refinement (5)

N = 15
Knowledge (1) Power (5)
Knowledge (1) Refinement (5)
1+5=6 Equality (6)

- Knowledge is Freedom and Knowledge is Power.
- Knowledge is Culture and Knowledge is Refinement.
- Power & Equality.

• "My cipher keeps moving like a rollin' stone."
Her "cipher" refers to her song as a complete creation, and also to her use of encryption. Her cipher progresses naturally and without pause.

Here, "Stone" may refer to "Self-Truth-Complete-Now-Equality"

• "I was born under water with 3 dollars and 6 dimes. Yeah you may laugh 'cause you did not do your math."
Taking the lyrics at superficial face-value, one may disregard the words as nonsense ("laugh"), due to a failure to properly decode and unveil the hidden meanings ("do your math"). The math alluded to, is that of the Supreme Mathematics, which is needed to unveil the deeper meanings.

The statement, "I was born under water," has several interpretations. Most outwardly, it is a reference to one's birth from the waters of a womb. In a cryptic sense, she is saying that she has successfully completed the all of the Teachings and Degrees of the N.G.E.. In a more esoteric sense, she is alluding to her, "Innate Mastery of Self-Realization achieved through Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Freedom, Culture, Power, Refinement, Equality, God, Building, and Destruction." In a spiritual/metaphysical sense, Erykah is saying that her, "True Self Exists in Wisdom".

"3 dollars and six dimes," is written as $3.60 which we see is 360. 360-Degrees is representative of a complete circle, thereby representing Completion. She was born complete through birth, and has also completed 120-Degrees of Knowledge, 120-Degrees of Wisdom, and 120-Degrees of Understanding. By the number 3, 6, and 0, Erykah Badu is also saying that she was born with Understanding, Equality, and Wholeness/Completion.

"Born" can also mean, "Be See-I-Power-Her Rule Now".

• "Like 1.. 2..3. Damn, y'all feel that?"
Knowledge (1), Wisdom (2), and Understanding (3). To share your Knowledge (1) through Wisdom (2), and bring forth an Understanding (3), it only shows and proves Equality (6): 1+2+3=6

To "feel" is to "Father (Fat-Her) Equality Equality Love," which is to say, "Increase education to deal with the devil and wisdom with Right Love".

• "The man that knows something knows that he knows nothing at all
Socratic Paradox: "I know that I know nothing."
The more knowledge we obtain, the more unknowns become apparent. Each individual thing learned reveals multiple paths to multiple unknowns. Gaining knowledge for each unknown leads to exponentially greater unknowns. Who can learn all or know all? Our ignorance greatly exceeds the things that we presume to know.

Metaphysically, the knowing of "Some-Thing", and "No-Thing", brings one's consideration ever closer to the All, the Absolute.

Furthermore, the Eastern concepts of "Nothingness" and "Emptiness" (Sunyata) bring about awakening and illumination. Comparatively, this is similar to carnal ego death and the mystic and holy communion with God (Come-You-And-I-One) (Commune-Unity) ("Com" [together], "Mei" [exchange], and "Unus" [oneness, union]).

• "Does it seem colder in your summer time and hotter in your fall?"
Without Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding,... one's equilibrium in all things is out of balance.

• "I am feeling kinda hungry 'cause my high is coming down. Don't feed me yours 'cause your food does not endure."
At first glance, this appears to be a reference to hunger-pains resulting from intoxication. However, the words, "your food does not endure," hints toward the deeper meaning. "Food" is the 7th Jewel, teaching that; "Food" is the proper nourishment one needs to sustain & to exist mentally. The number 7 is also the number of God (God-Complete-Divine). Erykah Badu is saying that she hungers after more Spiritual Food, which is complete, divine, everlasting and uplifting.

Matthew 4:4 further illustrates this point: "Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

• "I think I need a cup of tea."
"Cup" may be rendered as; "See-You-Power", or "See-up", and "Tea" can be rendered as; "Truth-Equality-Allah", or "T", as in "Square Truth". Erykah is saying that she needs to "Look up to the Truth and Equality of Allah", or "See, within one's self, the Power, Truth, and Equality of inner Divinity".

• "You're rushing to destruction 'cause you don't have nothin' left"
Without the proper tools of which to build with, one is faced with destruction, corruption, and darkness through ignorance.

• "The Mothership can't save you so your ass is gonna' get left"
The "Mothership" is an allusion to Divine Intervention. When one is in a state of self-subjected destruction, even Divine Intervention is of little avail.

"Ass" may be rendered as; "Allah-Self-Savior".

"Left" does not only mean "Abandoned", but serves as the opposite of "Right". As "Right" is a homonym additionally meaning, "Correct", we can then take "Left" as meaning, "Incorrect" or "Wrong".

Thusly, we can take this as meaning that, "Wrongdoings corrupt the Divinity within Man, preventing a wrong-doer from Saving his/her Self".

Whats NGE stance on the appearance of "white folks"?

Is it the same as NOI?

Yakub and Yashmal?

Considering it has splintered off from NOI, with afro-centric ideas, surely they retained the lore of the Isle of Patmos?

Phenomenal album... nice analyses of the lyrics.

a reply to: Lysergic

Hello there Lysergic. Yes, the mythos is similar and the same in many instances.

I left out the racial undertones, because this song is about Self-Realization, Awakening, Illumination, and Ascension. This song is completely void of racism.

a reply to: Sahabi

So they believe white people came about through a system of breeding , and degeneration through what was deemed "grafting" and white people taught themselves Tricknology 120° to enslave the non-albinos.

Cool, just wanted to know.

a reply to: Sahabi

Slightly off-topic.

Jill Scott nailed it on The Roots You Got Me.

a reply to: Lysergic

Many mainstream religions teach either a racial or religious superiority. I quote versus of Wisdom and Inspiration from the Old Testament even though I do not believe that the Hebrew Israelites are God's chosen people above all others. I often quote Jesus, even though I do not believe in the doctrines and dogma of the churches. I refer to Vedic and Hindu concepts even though I do not agree with their caste system.

Racial and religious superiority is not the subject of this thread. Please, let us discuss the song lyrics, their deciphered meanings, or the encryption methods of the N.G.E.

a reply to: Sahabi

Well you say that but she uses terms from NOI.

Yet interpret them the way you wish to.

The Motherplane/ship is known.

It's an actual object, a human-built planet.

To me, the outsider, you are pulling meaning where you wish it.

I'll grant your wish and leave you to it.

I used to know a lot of 5%ers...like any other social group; some were cool, some not so cool. As a positive I will say it instilled a love of learning that many of my friends would have not had if they'd only ever been exposed to the education system.

I respect it as the first step for many as a path to evolving as a human being but as an end in itself it's too rigid, short sighted and restrictive. If you're in your 40s and haven't grown beyond it you've stagnated.

originally posted by: Lysergic
a reply to: Sahabi

Well you say that but she uses terms from NOI.

Yet interpret them the way you wish to.

The Motherplane/ship is known.

It's an actual object, a human-built planet.

To me, the outsider, you are pulling meaning where you wish it.

I'll grant your wish and leave you to it.

Although I am not a member of the N.G.E. or the N.O.I., I learned how to Cipher and Build directly from a few dear Brothers who are members. I am not pulling meaning where I wish,.... just in case you didn't know,... the literal readings of their teachings are the exoteric, and those same exoteric readings have essential esoteric interpretations.

The method of ciphering is clever, and Badu's lyrics to this song are filled with multi-layered insights. How about we focus on that, and we will discuss racial concepts in the appropriately themed threads.

a reply to: Sahabi

I said I'd leave you to it.

originally posted by: Lysergic
a reply to: Sahabi

I said I'd leave you to it.

Yes you did, in addition to accusing me of creating fabricated meanings and ignoring the premise of the thread. If a thread pops up with a mere reference to the Bible, Judaism, or Christianity,... regardless of the thread concept, do you ignore the premise and crash all of those with instigations of Hebrew-Israelite superiority, Canaanite genocide, Crusader wars, or witch hunts?

This thread lacks the divisive concepts that you are trying to highlight as the focal point of the thread.

a reply to: Sahabi

They all sound like a load of bs if you really want to know but please continue your erudite charade.

originally posted by: Edumakated
Phenomenal album... nice analyses of the lyrics.

Thank you very much! I am a huge fan of Erykah Badu. She creates smooth and relaxing songs filled with jewels of wisdom and insight.



a reply to: MagnaCarta2015

Thanks for giving your opinion. I agree with your assessment. These teachings can help stimulate the intellect,... but if the deeper meanings become manifest within one's consciousness, it actually lays out a self-awakening structure similar to many of the mystical, esoteric, and initiatory systems.

But in-and-of itself as an end-all,.... some of the teachings are in need of a modern and more inclusive revision.

a reply to: Lysergic

According to my memory, I've never been blatantly disrespectful to you, and we've even shared in some insightful discussion in the past. What is causing you to launch character attacks against me? You now accuse me of faux-intellectualism, but my method of Ciphering, Building, and Dropping Science in this thread is completely aligned with the N.G.E. methodology. Research a bit of the 5-Percenters (5% Nation of Gods and Earths) and you will plainly see that this thread is illustrative of their teachings.

I actually fully agree with the objections to the N.G.E./N.O.I. racial issues that you are stuck on. I reject all teachings that promote division and separation. But I enjoy searching all of the religions, mythologies, and belief-systems for kernels of wisdom and shimmering pearls, even when mixed-in with the rubbish of an ideology that I do not find agreeable.

a reply to: Kandinsky

I love that song too! Hip-Hop classic. I've never done the math on that song. I'll let you know if I discover anything. Thanks for the link.

Sahabi good that you are bringing out the esoteric wisdom here. The wheat from the chaff sort off speak... I respect your universalist approach.

Unfortunately some can't even for a second get above the chaff. That's all right they have a right to that feeling in that basically the racialism in this form of mysticism is problematic imo.

Though while I do decry the doctrines of extreme racial superiority as you have, you do correctly bring out the fact that some mainstream religions do express some degree of ethnocentric leanings that often leads to racism.

In this instance I am well aware on the controversial lineage of these groups.

People should be aware that all of the NOI, NGO and similar groups are spiritual decedents of Noble Drew Ali, who although did try to rescue the AA race through a mystical racially tinged philosophy; that philosophy was originally devoid of the anti-white theories that formed through these groups which came after him. Noble Drew Ali was co-opted by Elijah Muhammad and Fard Muhammad who are the two primarily responsible for creating the poisonous racial theories that exists today in those offshoot cults...

Its unfortunate when people mix the good with too much bad then they turn people off. They pollute the good

I hope the same people who castigate you will rend the same attitude towards the new president.

a reply to: Willtell

May Peace be with you Brother.

Thank you for the supportive words, and I appreciate you helping to build upon the op.

Although I am familiar with some aspects of the culture and legacy of the Moorish Science Temple, I haven't studied the teachings of Noble Drew Ali. Your reply has given me some motivation to finally look into the Circle 7 Koran. Through a brief skim-through, the 101's and 102's present a common theme of examination questions. Such questions are a great discipline to focus one's intellect, while serving as a means to distinguish members.

A couple years ago, I stumbled upon another common lineage of these groups. A common thread of Light can be perceived, and sparks and fragments of esoteric (inner) and occult (hidden) knowledge and wisdom was seeded, in my opinion, by the direct and/or indirect influence of Prince Hall Freemasonry on African-Americans and their communities. It seems that with time, some off-shoot and splintered recipients of that legacy allowed the weeds of separation and hate to cultivate within their belief-systems. This is a very precise writing on the subject: "The Craft and the Crescent"