Cleva
Embracing Authentic Beauty: Erykah Badu's Empowering Message in "Cleva
Lyrics
This is how I look without makeup
This is a candid representation of the singer without makeup.
And with no bra my ninny's sag down low
The singer acknowledges the natural effects of gravity on her breasts without wearing a bra.
My hair ain't never hung down to my shoulders
The singer describes her hair's length, emphasizing it has never reached her shoulders.
And it might not grow
Expresses uncertainty about the potential growth of her hair.
Ya' never know
Conveys unpredictability in life and appearances.
But I'm clever when I bust a rhyme
Boasts about her cleverness when delivering rhymes, suggesting artistic intelligence.
I'm cleva always on ya' mind
Reiterates her cleverness and her constant presence in the listener's thoughts.
She's cleva and I really want to grow
Expresses a desire for personal growth.
But why come you're the last to know?
Questions why someone else seems unaware of her aspirations.
I got a little pot in my belly
Reveals the presence of a potbelly, possibly referencing pregnancy.
So now a days my figure ain't so fly
Describes a change in the singer's figure due to the mentioned potbelly.
My dress ain't cost nothin' but seven dollars
States the low cost of her dress but emphasizes her ability to make it stylish.
But I made it fly
Highlights the singer's creativity and resourcefulness in making the inexpensive dress fashionable.
And I'll tell ya why
Offers an explanation for her ingenuity in making things 'fly.'
But I'm clever when I bust a rhyme
Reiterates her cleverness in rhyme delivery.
I'm cleva always on ya' mind
Restates her constant presence in the listener's thoughts through her cleverness.
She's cleva and I really want to grow
Reaffirms her desire for personal growth.
But why come I'm the last to know?
Questions why the singer seems to be the last to know about her growth.
Alright, alright, alright
Repetition of "Alright" suggests an affirmation or acceptance of self.
Alright, alright, alright
-Alright, alright, alright
-Alright, alright, alright yeah
-Alright with me
Repeated affirmations of being "alright with me," indicating self-acceptance.
Said that I'm alright with me
-Said that I'm alright with me
-Said that I'm alright with me
-Said that I'm alright with me
-Said that I'm alright with me
Final affirmation of self-acceptance.
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