If I Ruled The World
J Period and Nas Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Life
I wonder
Will it take me under
I don't know

Imagine smoking weed in the streets without cops harassin'
Imagine going to court with no trial
Lifestyle, cruising blue Bahama waters
No welfare supporters, more conscious of the way we raise our daughters
Days are shorter, nights are colder
Feeling like life is over, these snakes strike like a cobra
The world's hot, my son got knocked
Evidently, it's elementary, they want us all gone eventually
Troopin' out of state for a plate of knowledge
If coke was cooked without the garbage, we'd all have the top dollars
Imagine everybody flashin' fashion, designer clothes
Lacing your clique up with diamond Roles
Your people holdin' dough, no parole, no rubbers
Go in raw, imagine law with no undercovers
Just some thoughts for the mind
I take a glimpse into time
Watch the blimp read, "The World Is Mine"

If I ruled the world (imagine that)
I'd free all my sons, I love 'em, love 'em, baby
Black diamonds and pearls
(Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine)
If I ruled the world
(Still livin' for today, in these last days and times)

Yo, it'd be, paradise life, relaxin'
Black, Latino and Anglo-Saxon
Armani Exchange, the Range
Cash, Lost Tribe of Shabazz free at last
Brand new whips to crash, then we laugh in a iller path
The Villa house is for the crew, how we do
Trees for breakfast, dime sexes and Benz stretches
So many years of depression make me vision
The better livin', type of place to raise kids in
Open they eyes to the lies, history's told foul
But I'm as wise as the old owl, plus the Gold Child
Seeing things like I was controlling, clique rollin'
Trickin' six digits on kicks and still holdin'
Trips to Paris, I'd civilize every savage
Give one shot, I turn trife life to lavish
Political prisoners set free, stress free
No work release, purple M3's and jet skis
Feel the wind breeze in West Indies
I'd let Coretta Scott-King mayor the cities and reverse fiends to Willies
It sounds foul, but every girl I meet'd go downtown
I'd open every cell in Attica, send 'em to Africa

If I ruled the world (imagine that)
I'd free all my sons, I love 'em, love 'em, baby
Black diamonds and pearls
(Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine)
If I ruled the world
(Still livin' for today, in these last days and times)

And then we'll walk right up to the sun, hand in hand
We'll walk right up to the sun, we won't land
We'll walk right up to the sun, hand in hand
We'll walk right up to the sun, we won't land

You love to hear the story how the thugs live in worry
Duck down in car seats, heat's mandatory
Runnin' from Jake, gettin' chased, hunger for papes
These are the breaks, many mistakes go down out of state
Wait, I had to let it marinate, we carry weight
Tryna get laced, flip the ace, stack the safe
Millionaire plan to keep the gat with the cocked hammer
Makin' moves in Atlanta, back and forth scrambler
'Cause you could have all the chips, be poor or rich
Still nobody want a nigga havin' shit
If I ruled the world and everything in it, sky's the limit
I push the Q-45 Infinit'
It wouldn't be no such thing as jealousies, or B felony
Strictly living longevity to the destiny
I thought I'd never see, but reality struck
Better find out before your time's out, what the fuck

If I ruled the world (imagine that)
I'd free all my sons, I love 'em, love 'em, baby
Black diamonds and pearls
(Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine)
If I ruled the world
(Still livin' for today, in these last days and times)
If I ruled the world, if I ruled, if I ruled (imagine that)
I'd free all my sons, if I ruled, if I ruled
I love 'em, love 'em, baby
Black diamonds and pearls, black diamonds, black diamonds
(Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine)
If I ruled the world
(Still livin' for today, in these last days and times)

If I ruled the world, if I ruled, if I ruled
I'd free all my sons, black diamonds
I love 'em, love 'em, baby
Black diamonds and pearls, if I ruled
If I ruled the world




If I ruled the world
I love 'em, love 'em, baby

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of J Period and Nas's "If I Ruled the World" talk about a world where people live in freedom and luxury. The opening lines question life and its ability to bring someone down. The next lines paint a picture of a world free from oppression, where one can smoke weed without the fear of the police, and justice is swift and fair. The verse goes on to describe a world where people are more mindful of raising their daughters, no one depends on welfare, and everyone is dressed in designer clothes.


The second verse continues with a description of a paradise-like place where people of all races coexist in harmony. The themes of freedom and luxury continue as the lyrics describe brand new cars, luxury houses, and trips to exotic locations. The verse then goes on to address social issues such as depression, racism, and political prisoner release. The outro repeats the chorus, reinforcing the idea of a utopia where all people are free.


Line by Line Meaning

Life
The essence of existence


I wonder
Contemplating the unknown


Will it take me under
Will it overcome and overpower me


I don't know
Uncertainty about what lies ahead


Imagine smoking weed in the streets without cops harassin'
Envision a world where individuals can freely indulge in marijuana without fear of police interference


Imagine going to court with no trial
Visualize a system where individuals are not subjected to lengthy legal proceedings before being judged


Lifestyle, cruising blue Bahama waters
The luxurious way of living, sailing through the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas


No welfare supporters, more conscious of the way we raise our daughters
A society where there is no reliance on government assistance, and we prioritize raising our daughters with greater awareness


Days are shorter, nights are colder
The passing of time feels faster, and the darkness of night is more chilling


Feeling like life is over, these snakes strike like a cobra
Experiencing despair and sensing that one's life is nearing its end, while also facing unexpected and venomous attacks from deceitful individuals


The world's hot, my son got knocked
The world is intense and unforgiving, and my son has been arrested


Evidently, it's elementary, they want us all gone eventually
It is clear and obvious that they intend to eliminate all of us eventually


Troopin' out of state for a plate of knowledge
Traveling to different places in search of wisdom and understanding


If coke was cooked without the garbage, we'd all have the top dollars
If drugs were produced without impurities, we would all have significant wealth


Imagine everybody flashin' fashion, designer clothes
Picture a world where everyone is proudly displaying high-end fashion and designer garments


Lacing your clique up with diamond Roles
Providing your group of friends with luxury watches adorned with diamonds


Your people holdin' dough, no parole, no rubbers
Your community having substantial wealth, with no need for parole or protection during intimate encounters


Go in raw, imagine law with no undercovers
Engaging in sexual activity without protection, in a society where there are no undercover law enforcement agents


Just some thoughts for the mind
Merely contemplations to stimulate the intellect


I take a glimpse into time
I briefly peer into the past


Watch the blimp read, 'The World Is Mine'
Observing the blimp displaying the message that the world belongs to me


If I ruled the world (imagine that)
In a hypothetical scenario where I possess ultimate power and control


I'd free all my sons, I love 'em, love 'em, baby
I would liberate and protect all my loved ones


Black diamonds and pearls
Symbolic representation of wealth and beauty within the Black community


(Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine)
Suggesting that if you were to join me, we would both radiate excellence and success


Still livin' for today, in these last days and times
Continuing to embrace and enjoy the present moment, considering the uncertain state of the world


Yo, it'd be, paradise life, relaxin'
It would be a life of pure bliss and serenity


Black, Latino and Anglo-Saxon
People of Black, Latino, and Anglo-Saxon descent


Armani Exchange, the Range
Engaging in luxury shopping experiences and driving expensive Range Rover vehicles


Cash, Lost Tribe of Shabazz free at last
Prosperity and financial freedom for the marginalized Lost Tribe of Shabazz


Brand new whips to crash, then we laugh in a iller path
Acquiring new luxury cars to drive recklessly and finding humor in taking risks


The Villa house is for the crew, how we do
The extravagant Villa residence is designated for our group of friends as we indulge in a lavish lifestyle


Trees for breakfast, dime sexes and Benz stretches
Starting the day by smoking marijuana, engaging in sexual encounters with attractive partners, and driving luxurious Mercedes-Benz cars


So many years of depression make me vision
Extensive periods of sadness have led me to envision


The better livin', type of place to raise kids in
An improved way of life and environment to raise children


Open they eyes to the lies, history's told foul
Opening their eyes to the deceitful narratives and distorted versions of history


But I'm as wise as the old owl, plus the Gold Child
Possessing wisdom comparable to an ancient owl, in addition to being highly regarded and valuable


Seeing things like I was controlling, clique rollin'
Perceiving situations as if I have complete control, with my group of friends moving together


Trickin' six digits on kicks and still holdin'
Spending exorbitant amounts of money on expensive sneakers and still maintaining one's wealth


Trips to Paris, I'd civilize every savage
Traveling to Paris and bringing sophistication and refinement to every uncultured individual


Give one shot, I turn trife life to lavish
Providing a single opportunity to those living a rough and risky lifestyle, transforming it into one of luxury


Political prisoners set free, stress free
Freeing incarcerated individuals with political motivations, allowing them to live without stress


No work release, purple M3's and jet skis
No need for employment programs for prisoners, instead enjoying luxury cars and engaging in recreational activities such as jet skiing


Feel the wind breeze in West Indies
Experiencing the soothing wind currents while relaxing in the tropical region of the West Indies


I'd let Coretta Scott-King mayor the cities and reverse fiends to Willies
Appointing Coretta Scott-King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr., as mayor of cities and converting individuals addicted to drugs into respectable individuals


It sounds foul, but every girl I meet'd go downtown
Although it may sound inappropriate, every woman I encounter would engage in intimate activities


I'd open every cell in Attica, send 'em to Africa
Releasing every prisoner held at Attica Correctional Facility and sending them to Africa for a fresh start


And then we'll walk right up to the sun, hand in hand
Metaphorically ascending to the pinnacle of success and happiness together, without any obstacles


We'll walk right up to the sun, we won't land
Continuing to reach new heights and never returning to a state of hardship


You love to hear the story how the thugs live in worry
You enjoy listening to tales about the anxieties and concerns of individuals living a criminal lifestyle


Duck down in car seats, heat's mandatory
Taking cover in low-profile car seats, while being armed is essential for survival


Runnin' from Jake, gettin' chased, hunger for papes
Fleeing from the police and engaging in pursuits, driven by a desperate desire for money


These are the breaks, many mistakes go down out of state
These unfortunate circumstances and errors often occur when operating outside of one's usual territory


Wait, I had to let it marinate, we carry weight
Pausing to reflect and contemplate, while also acknowledging the heavy burdens we bear


Tryna get laced, flip the ace, stack the safe
Striving to acquire valuable possessions, secure financial success, and accumulate wealth


Millionaire plan to keep the gat with the cocked hammer
Developing a strategy to maintain a high net worth while also carrying a loaded firearm for protection


Makin' moves in Atlanta, back and forth scrambler
Engaging in business ventures and constantly moving between locations in Atlanta, showcasing resourcefulness and adaptability


'Cause you could have all the chips, be poor or rich
Clearly understanding that possessing wealth does not determine one's overall happiness or quality of life


Still nobody want a nigga havin' shit
Despite this realization, people still harbor resentment towards an African American achieving success


If I ruled the world and everything in it, sky's the limit
If I had ultimate authority and control over the entire world, endless possibilities become attainable


I push the Q-45 Infinit'
I confidently drive and navigate through life with a luxurious Q-45 Infiniti car


It wouldn't be no such thing as jealousies, or B felony
Jealousy and serious criminal offenses would cease to exist


Strictly living longevity to the destiny
Devoting oneself to living a long and purposeful life, fulfilling one's predetermined fate


I thought I'd never see, but reality struck
It seemed unlikely and beyond imagination, but eventually, truth and reality set in


Better find out before your time's out, what the fuck
It is crucial to discover and understand the truth before it's too late, expressing a sense of urgency


And then we'll walk right up to the sun, hand in hand
Metaphorically ascending to the pinnacle of success and happiness together, without any obstacles


We'll walk right up to the sun, we won't land
Continuing to reach new heights and never returning to a state of hardship


If I ruled the world (imagine that)
In a hypothetical scenario where I possess ultimate power and control


I'd free all my sons, I love 'em, love 'em, baby
I would liberate and protect all my loved ones


Black diamonds and pearls
Symbolic representation of wealth and beauty within the Black community


(Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine)
Suggesting that if you were to join me, we would both radiate excellence and success


If I ruled the world
If I had ultimate authority and control over the entire world


(Still livin' for today, in these last days and times)
Continuing to embrace and enjoy the present moment, considering the uncertain state of the world


If I ruled the world, if I ruled, if I ruled (imagine that)
In a hypothetical scenario where I possess ultimate power and control


I'd free all my sons, if I ruled, if I ruled
I would liberate and protect all my loved ones


I love 'em, love 'em, baby
Expressing deep affection for and attachment to my loved ones


Black diamonds and pearls, black diamonds, black diamonds
Symbolic representation of wealth and beauty within the Black community


(Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine)
Suggesting that if you were to join me, we would both radiate excellence and success


If I ruled the world
If I had ultimate authority and control over the entire world


(Still livin' for today, in these last days and times)
Continuing to embrace and enjoy the present moment, considering the uncertain state of the world


If I ruled the world, if I ruled, if I ruled
In a hypothetical scenario where I possess ultimate power and control


I'd free all my sons, black diamonds
I would liberate and protect all my loved ones, prioritizing their wealth and success


I love 'em, love 'em, baby
Expressing deep affection for and attachment to my loved ones


Black diamonds and pearls, if I ruled
Symbolic representation of wealth and beauty within the Black community, under my governance


If I ruled the world
If I had ultimate authority and control over the entire world


If I ruled the world
If I had ultimate authority and control over the entire world


I love 'em, love 'em, baby
Expressing deep affection for and attachment to my loved ones




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Cloud9, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Samuel J. Barnes, Allan Wayne Felder, Norman Ray Harris, Jalil Hutchins, Nasir Jones, Aaron O'Bryant, Jean Claude Olivier, David Franklin Reeves, Lawrence Smith, Kurtis Walker

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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