Testify

Common

About Testify

"Testify" is the fourth single from rapper Common's 2005 album Be. Clocking in at just above two and a half minutes, it is the second shortest track on Be (after the album's intro). It is produced by Kanye West, whose beat heavily utilizes vocal samples from "Innocent Til Proven Guilty" by Honey Cone. Spence D. of IGN.com comments on this saying: "'Testify' [...] features an intricate layering of vocals which provide such an hypnotic backdrop that you almost forget to listen to Common's compelling storytelling. " The song's story is about a woman who manipulates a judge and jury to find her partner guilty of a crime she committed. After the case is settled, she starts laughing that she is the criminal. Sean Malcolm of AllHipHop.com considers Common to have "paint[ed] pictures of extravagant court trials" on "Testify." The song was a critical hit garnering a nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 48th Grammy Awards. A remix featuring soul singer Darien Brockington and a different beat was recorded. 


Year:
2005
2:37
36 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

She walk into the court her knees buckle
Saying for a man to survive he need hustle
Seen and been through struggle her whole life
Made a transition from being his ho to his wife
Stifling, the night upend the ATF bust in
Her daddy was a hustler so she love them
Looked at the jury how can they judge him, she screamed

Before you lock my love away, before you lock my love away
Before you lock my love away, before you lock my love away
Please let me testify

Fear in her chest her face in tears, had her mans back he was facing years
In her name though the place was his
They trying to take everything except the kids
But years she been through scuffles and fights
While he trying to hustle that white
Up all night wondering if he's alive
Seeing him tried she bubbled inside and screamed

Before you lock my love away, before you lock my love away
Before you lock my love away, before you lock my love away
Please let me testify

The judge yelled for order court reporter makin' her words shorter
His lawyer sat next to him, she could see how the trial was affecting him
It hurt for her eyes to connect with him, using her lies for protecting him
They arrested him for murder, and gun possession
As they read back her confession she screamed

Before you lock my love away, before you lock my love away
Before you lock my love away, before you lock my love away
Please let me testify

The court awaited as the foreman got the verdict from the bailiff
Emotional outbursts tears and smeared makeup
He stated, he was guilty on all charges
She's shaking looking like she took it the hardest
A spin artist, she brought her face up laughing
That's when the prosecutor realized what happened
All that speaking her mind testifying and crying
When this bitch did the crime
The queenpin

Before you lock my love away, before you lock my love away
Before you lock my love away, before you lock my love away
Please let me testify

You accuse me of a, you accuse me of a, you accuse
Please let me testify, you accuse me of a

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Common

Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. (born March 13, 1972), better known by his stage name Common (formerly Common Sense), is an American rapper and actor. more »

0 fans

Written by: ANGELO BOND, GENERAL NORMAN JOHNSON, LONNIE RASHID LYNN, GREGORY S PERRY, KANYE WEST, KANYE OMARI WEST

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

General Information
"Testify" is a song by American rapper, Common, from his 2005 album called "Be" - The music video for "Testify" was directed by popular film director Anthony Mandler.
Performance and Popularity
The song peaked at number 27 in the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 2005. - It was nominated for the Best Rap Solo Performance Grammy Award in 2006.
Music Composition
"Testify" was produced by popular music producer, Kanye West. - The song incorporates samples from the song "Innocent Til Proven Guilty", a 1978 track by vocalist Honey Cone.
Themes and Story
The lyrics of "Testify" tell a courtroom drama story about a woman who manipulates a jury. - The narrative structure of the song and the storyline is a key characteristic of Common's songwriting style.
Music Video
In the music video for "Testify", actress Taraji P. Henson and actor Steve Harris, play the main characters. - The video is notable for its twist ending where the woman in the story is revealed as the actual criminal.
Influence
"Testify" is significant in that it highlighted Common's lyrical creativity and storytelling abilities, helping to further establish his reputation in the industry.
Live Performances
Common has performed "Testify" live at numerous concerts and award shows, often receiving positive feedback for his dynamic performances. He performed it at the 2006 Grammy Awards ceremony.
Critical Reception
Critical response to "Testify" was generally positive with many praising the song's intricate storytelling and compelling narrative. - The song has been praised for its cinematic quality, with some critics noting that it plays out like a short film.

Discuss the Testify Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Testify Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27171073/Common/Testify>.

    Missing lyrics by Common?

    Know any other songs by Common? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Testify

    8.1M
    79,389     0

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Hey, teacher! _____________".
    A Leave them kids alone!
    B Eat some more melon!
    C Don't be hard like stone!
    D Leave those kids alone!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Common's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Common tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Testify

    »
    • Fair Game
    • The Simpsons Testify