The meaning of On & On by Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu, the queen of Neo-Soul weaves a spellbinding tale of life, reincarnation, and spiritual journey in her Grammy-winning track "On & On”. This song was not only her debut single, but it also carved Erykah's place in the music industry as a soulful storyteller.

Penned and performed by Badu, "On & On" is a part of her 1997 album, "Baduizm". The song is marked with jazzy, sultry vocals, and it flawlessly encapsulates the singer’s unique amalgamation of soul, jazz, and hints of hip-hop. However, the allure of the song doesn't merely lie in its vibrant aesthetics but in its profound and evocative lyrics.

"On & On" presents an interpretation of the universe's cycle, a grand scheme where death is not the end but merely a transition into a new life form. A key line from the song, "I was born underwater, with three dollars and six dimes. Yeah, you may laugh, 'cause you did not do your math", is a perfect example of Badu's spirituality-infused songwriting style. Here, Erykah references the nine months (three dollars making 300 cents and six dimes making 60 cents to total 360— a full circle; the gestational period of a human) in the womb. This further points towards the theme of continuous life cycles.

One can also sense the influence of the Five Percent Nation's teachings reflected in Badu's work. A sect of Islam prominent during the 1960s and 70s, the members believed in the notion that each individual is God of their own universe, a belief strongly reflected in the song.

The extended metaphor of the "tree," as mentioned in the-on-and-on-repeat chorus "My cypher keeps moving like a rolling stone...", represents the tree of life. In this context, a "cypher" is a gathering for collective growth or improvement. Thus, Badu might be explaining how life grows and evolves like a rolling stone or flowing water.

Lastly, Erykah Badu addresses poverty ("Most intellects do not believe in God, but they fear us just the same") and societal issues, critical themes that are omnipresent in much of her discography, without interrupting the flow of her spiritual contemplations.

In conclusion, "On & On" is a mesmerizing blend of soulful rhythms and deep, philosophical poetry that encourages all to dig deeper into their spiritual selves and ponder the cyclical nature of life and the universe. Considering the depth she explores, it is no surprise that Erykah continues to be unbeatable in her stylistic fusion of intellect, social commentary, and spiritual enlightenment.