If I Ruled The World ft. Lauryn Hill
J.Period & Nas Lyrics

Life
This line sets the stage for the contemplation and reflection on life as the song begins.

I wonder
Expressing curiosity about the nature of life and its impact on the individual.

Will it take me under
Questioning whether life will overpower or overwhelm the singer.

I don't know
Admitting uncertainty and lack of knowledge regarding the outcome of life.

Imagine smoking weed in the streets without cops harassin'
Envisioning a world where marijuana consumption is not met with law enforcement harassment.

Imagine going to court with no trial
Imagining a justice system where individuals are not subjected to court proceedings without due process.

Lifestyle cruising blue behind my waters
Describing a life where the singer's wealth and success are evident from the luxurious lifestyle they lead.

No welfare supporters, more conscious of the way we raise our daughters
In a hypothetical world, there would be no need for government assistance programs, and people would be more attentive to raising their daughters with care and awareness.

Days are shorter, nights are colder
Symbolizing a sense of urgency and discomfort in life, where time passes quickly and hardship prevails.

Feeling like life is over, these snakes strike like a cobra
Expressing a feeling of hopelessness and vulnerability, with dangers lurking like unexpected snake strikes.

The world's hot my son got not
Highlighting a challenging world where the singer's child lacks advantages and opportunities.

Evidently, it's elementary, they want us all gone eventually
Asserting the belief that some forces within society aim for the extinction or marginalization of certain groups.

Troopin' out of state for a plate, knowledge
Acknowledging the importance of seeking knowledge and new experiences, even if it requires traveling far from home.

If coke was cooked without the garbage we'd all have the top dollars
Imagining a scenario where cocaine manufacturing is free from adulteration, resulting in higher value and wealth for all involved.

Imagine everybody flashin', fashion
Envisioning a world where everyone showcases their wealth and style confidently.

Designer clothes, lacing your click up with diamond vogues
Describing a lavish lifestyle where designer clothing and expensive accessories are the norm within the artist's social circle.

Your people holdin' dough, no parole
Painting a picture of a community where individuals have financial resources, freedom, and autonomy.

No rubbers, go in raw imagine, law with no undercovers
Imagining a scenario where sexual encounters do not require protection, and law enforcement does not engage in undercover operations to target specific individuals.

Just some thoughts for the mind
Acknowledging that the previous lines were fictional scenarios and suggesting that they are simply food for thought.

I take a glimpse into time
Delving into a momentary reflection on the passage of time and its impact on life.

Watch the blimp read, "The World Is Mine"
Symbolizing a sense of empowerment and control over one's own destiny, as represented by a blimp displaying a message asserting dominance.

If I ruled the world, imagine that
Contemplating a world where the artist holds authority and has the power to shape society.

I'd free all my sons, I love 'em love 'em baby
Expressing a desire to liberate and protect their loved ones, showing deep affection.

Black diamonds and pearls
Symbolizing wealth, power, and beauty, using the metaphor of black diamonds and pearls.

Could it be, if you could be mine we'd both shine
Questioning the potential for a mutual shining and success if the listener were to join the singer in their world of power and influence.

Still livin' for today, in these last days and times
Emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment, given the uncertain and potentially tumultuous nature of the current era.

The way to be, paradise like relaxin', Black, Latino and Anglo-Saxon
Describing an ideal society where people from diverse racial backgrounds coexist harmoniously in a state of relaxation and contentment.

Armani, exchange the reins
Symbolizing a shift in power and control, with the reins of authority being passed from one entity to another, potentially from high-end fashion (Armani) to the artist or their community.

Cash, Lost Tribe of Shabazz, free at last
Signifying liberation and freedom for marginalized communities, specifically referencing the Lost Tribe of Shabazz and their release from oppression.

Brand new whips to crash then we laugh in the ill'er path
Describing a carefree and luxurious lifestyle where expensive cars are crashed without consequence, resulting in laughter and enjoyment.

The Villa house is for the crew, how we do
Highlighting a lavish residence reserved for the singer's crew, emphasizing their extravagant lifestyle.

Trees for breakfast, dime sexes and Benz stretches
Illustrating indulgence and excess, where recreational drug use (trees), beautiful women (dime sexes), and luxury vehicles (Benz stretches) are readily available.

So many years of depression make me vision
Acknowledging the impact of past hardships and struggles on the artist's ability to envision a better future.

The better livin', type of place to raise kids in
Desiring an improved living environment for the upbringing of children, where they can flourish and thrive.

Open they eyes to the lies, history's told foul
Advocating for awakening to the truth behind historical narratives, which may have been manipulated or distorted.

But I'm as wise as the old owl, plus the Gold Child
Asserting the artist's wisdom, comparable to that of an old owl, and their special status as a Gold Child, signifying great potential and value.

Seeing things like I was controlling, click rollin'
Experiencing a sense of control and power, perceiving the world as though the singer possesses the ability to manipulate and influence events.

Trickin' six digits on kicks and still holdin'
Indulging in expensive footwear without financial worry, maintaining wealth and financial stability.

Trips to Paris, I civilized every savage
Travelling to sophisticated destinations like Paris, influencing and improving the behavior and outlook of individuals typically characterized as savages.

Gimme one shot I turn trife life to lavish
Requesting an opportunity to transform a life filled with struggle and hardship into one of luxury and abundance.

Political prisoner set free, stress free
Imagining the release of political prisoners from captivity, resulting in a stress-free existence.

No work release purple M3's and jet skis
Portraying a world where individuals enjoy luxurious possessions like purple M3 cars and jet skis without the constraints of work obligations or limitations.

Feel the wind breeze in West Indies
Savoring the experience of the refreshing wind in the West Indies, a tropical paradise.

I'd make Coretta Scott-King mayor o'the cities
Empowering Coretta Scott King, the wife of Martin Luther King Jr., by appointing her the mayor of cities, acknowledging her influence and honoring her legacy.

and reverse themes to Willies
Changing societal expectations and stereotypes about people from impoverished backgrounds (Willies), allowing them to thrive and succeed.

It sounds foul but every girl I meet to go downtown
Expressing a controversial perspective, suggesting that every woman the artist encounters is willing to engage in promiscuous behavior.

I'd open every cell in Attica send em to Africa
Releasing all prisoners held in Attica prison and providing them the opportunity to start anew in Africa, suggesting a fresh start in a different continent.

And then we'll walk right up to the sun
Symbolizing an audacious and fearless approach to life, where the artist and their allies would confidently reach for the unreachable.

Hand in hand
Implicitly suggesting unity and solidarity among the singer and their companions as they face challenges.

We'll walk right up to the sun
Portraying the audacity to conquer seemingly impossible or dangerous feats without fear of repercussions.

We won't land
Signifying the singer's refusal to be limited or grounded by societal constraints and expectations.

You'd love to hear the story how the thugs live in worry
Assuming the audience's interest in the experiences and concerns of individuals living a rebellious, dangerous lifestyle.

Duck down in car seats, heat's mandatory
Describing a reality where individuals hide and stay low, ready for conflict, in cars equipped with mandatory firearms.

Runnin' from Jake, gettin' chased, hunger for papes
Escaping from the police (Jake) and engaging in high-speed chases, driven by a relentless desire to acquire wealth.

These are the breaks, many mistakes go down out of state
Acknowledging that setbacks and errors are a common occurrence, often happening when operating outside familiar territory.

Wait, I had to let it marinate we carry weight
Pausing to reflect and consider the significance of the previous statement, emphasizing the burdens and responsibilities carried by the artist and their community.

Tryin' to get laced, flip the ace stack, the safe
Striving to attain material wealth and financial security, through illegal activities such as gambling and controlling a stash of money or valuables.

Millionaire plan to keep the gat with the cock hammer
Formulating a strategy to maintain personal safety and security as a millionaire, ensuring readiness to use a firearm if necessary.

Makin' moves in Atlanta, back and forth scrambler
Engaging in strategic and lucrative activities in Atlanta, while constantly moving back and forth in a covert manner.

'Cause you could have all the chips, be poor or rich
Reflecting on the fact that possessing wealth or lacking it does not guarantee fulfillment or happiness.

Still nobody want a nigga havin' shit
Acknowledging that there is a societal resistance to seeing an individual of the singer's racial background achieving success or accumulating wealth.

If I ruled the world and everything in it, sky's the limit
Asserting confidence in one's ability to achieve limitless success and possess complete control over the world and all its elements if given the chance to rule.

I push a Q-4-5 infinite
Expressing dominance and power by referencing the possession and use of a powerful firearm, possibly a .45 caliber handgun.

It wouldn't be no such thing as jealousies or be felony
Envisioning a world devoid of envy and criminal activities, suggesting a utopian society under the artist's rule.

Strictly living longevity to the destiny
Embracing a path focused on long-term success and fulfillment, as dictated by fate or one's purpose in life.

I thought I'd never see, but reality struck
Surprisingly encountering a reality that the singer never thought they would witness or experience.

Better find out before your time's out, what the fuck
Urging individuals to obtain knowledge and awareness of their circumstances and surroundings before it's too late, expressing frustration or urgency regarding this realization.

If I ruled the world
Reiterating the desire and intention to assume control and shape the world according to the artist's vision.

Imagine that
Inviting the listener to imagine and consider the possibilities if the artist were to rule the world.

I love 'em love 'em baby
Expressing deep affection and care for others, using the term 'baby' as a term of endearment.

Black diamonds and pearls
Symbolizing both wealth and cultural pride, black diamonds and pearls represent both material and intangible value.

Still livin' for today, in these last days and times
Despite the anticipation of a challenging future, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment and making the most of the current era.