I’ve been music-binging (or music-obsessing) on Janelle Monáe’s music the last two weeks. My Monáe-binge led me to start a Spotify Artist Radio Station off of her, which led me to today’s Song of the Day – “Bag Lady” by Erykah Badu. It had been ages since I listened to the Mama’s Gun album. It was a great reminder to revisit it – which I’ve been doing all morning-afternoon. It was a rough morning, and a busy day (so far). This song and album are definitely helping me get through it.

“Bag Lady” is the 12th track on Badu’s 2000 album, Mama’s Gun.

The song features Roy Ayres. It was the first single released from the album. The song is said to be about a woman who is trying to begin a new relationship but has brought too much emotional “baggage” along with her which is keeping her from getting close to anyone.

I like, and appreciate the sentiment of “packing light” in life. To leave the bad experiences, hurt, regret, and heartbreak in the past, let it all go and move forward. Hoping for a better future, while enjoying the now. Though we all bring along so much from our past, life is really too short to not enjoy right now. Especially if there are good things in the right now. Too much baggage can hurt a relationship and can hinder your own living and well-being.

“Bag Lady” peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for seven weeks. (from Wikipedia)

“Bag Lady” by Erykah Badu
from the album, Mama’s Gun (2000)
Song of the Day

“Bag lady you gone hurt your back.
Dragging all them bags like that.
I guess nobody ever told you,
all you must hold onto,
is you,
is you,
is you.”