Keep On
Nas\x01Common Lyrics
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So if I seem (right, yeah)
Broken and blue (check it out)
Walk on by
Now I won't turn the other cheek, or walk away any time it's beef
If it's that, it'll be your last shovel
I guarantee, I tuck a forty 'cause of casualties, I'm war-ready
It's .223s through your cavities, they'll exit out the back of your mullet
Should I happen to pull this trigger, so how you figure, nigga?
I rid the evidence and wash my sins off in the same river
Possessed by Marcus Garvey, the vessel, the body
Ancestors inside me, I'm startin' the insurrection
The pope's blessings upon me couldn't even calm me, protection
Come from prayers, my question, why they try to play us? I'm guessin'
It's 'cause I call fundamentals, they might offend you
And when I wore my fatigues, what I got into
On the corner, had power, was a trappin' shorty
Makin' plays every hour (yeah), I did it for the glory
Just another nigga from the streets
Tryna find himself a lil' piece of the pie
Know it's a bigger picture than the one that meet the eye, so
Might have to walk away from this life for my survival
I got dreams and visions, it's all gettin' colossal
Like movin' mama to a castle
'Cause it's a hassle gettin' caught up in the Devil's lasso
And that's what a wise man once told me
I got a lot of love and respect for my OGs
Lot of us turn out to predicate felons, not I
My brethren's addicted to sellin', slipped and turned to somebody's seller
I wish that somebody would tell us then (tell us then)
Tell us chances are slim when you dancin' with sin (dancin' with sin, uh)
It all start from within
Suede Pumas back when I was chargin' 'em ten (ten)
Who woulda knew I would rock them events?
I rock with my young Gs, that's just common sense (sense)
Statik Selektah, yeah (keep it movin', yeah)
Joey Bada$$ (keep it movin', yeah yeah)
Nasir, Mass Appeal, real, brrat (movin', yeah, keep it movin', yeah yeah)
Life is a balancin' act for real (movin', yeah, keep it movin')
We'll get through it (I'm not being broken no more)
Just gotta keep it movin' (movin', yeah, keep it movin', yeah yeah)
(Movin', yeah, keep it movin')
(I'm not being broken no more)
(Movin', movin')
(Move, movin')
(I'm not being broken no more, movin')
In the first verse of the song "Keep On" by Nas and Common, the lyrics express a sense of heartache and pain over losing someone significant. The artist acknowledges feeling broken and blue, unable to move past this loss. The mention of Statik Selektah indicates the producer behind the track. By stating "Walk on by," the artist conveys a sense of resignation or acceptance towards this emotional turmoil.
The second verse delves into a more intense and combative tone, with references to not turning the other cheek in the face of conflict or beef. The lyrics depict a readiness for war, with a mention of studying the "33 Strategies" for combat. The violent imagery of tucking a forty and using bullets emphasizes a willingness to defend oneself aggressively. The artist contemplates the consequences of his actions and the need to rid himself of evidence and sins, showcasing a gritty and survivalist mindset.
The following verse delves into themes of ancestral heritage and resistance against oppression. The artist mentions being possessed by the spirit of Marcus Garvey and feeling a call to rebellion. Despite seeking protection and blessings, the artist remains defiant against those who try to undermine him. The lyrics touch on societal issues, questioning why certain fundamental beliefs offend others and highlighting the struggles faced by individuals in marginalized communities.
The final verse reflects on personal growth and the pursuit of a better life. The artist narrates a journey of self-discovery and ambition, aiming for a brighter future beyond the confines of the streets. References to dreams, visions, and moving loved ones to safety symbolize a desire for a more prosperous and secure existence. The lyrics emphasize the importance of learning from past experiences and embracing wisdom from older generations, illustrating a commitment to breaking free from destructive cycles and striving for a more fulfilling life.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gary Clark, Jan Richard Branicki, Jo-Vaughn Virginie, Nasir Jones, Patrick Baril
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BTKYG
We're gonna' take this little brief intermission & get to some real shit as only I could,
Big gorillathon,
Coney Island,
Yo my real life is nothin' like this rap shit,
Grew up in the projects little fat kid,
I had every single CD that came out & knew every verse on every song even the wack shit,
Personality fractured student of the game,
I speak my truth because I refuse to be ashamed,
While all my friends was outside playin' games I was in the hospital watchin' my father die from AIDS,
Became the man of the house so I could save mine,
Had to wear my game face when it was game time,
Hate crimes struggle made me a great mind,
I've learned you can't save your ass & your face at the same time,
Uhh,
Startin' to understand my fate,
If you knew my story than you wouldn't have a chance to hate,
All the hardships made me who I am,
& Moms did the best she could raisin' a man,
& she tried (she tried.)
& she cried (she cried.)
Uhh,
God I grew up hatin' you,
But now I understand that our bond is unbreakable,
We ride (we ride.)
We survived (we survived.)
Uhh,
Sometimes I just look up & smile,
The boy became a man Mama look at me now,
Uhh,
& I'ma keep on keepin' on,
Thatโs all that I-I can do,
Ohh-oh-oh-oh-oh,
& I'ma keep on hustlin'
That's all that I-I can do,
Ohh-oh-oh-oh-oh,-
Sometimes I feel like this dream will never come true,
But I'm not willin' to give it up so fuck you,
I wake up everyday at 4 am go to work from 6 to 2,
Leave there hustle hats then hit the stu'
I've sacrificed the normal life's on hold,
No kids no wife so I can pick up & go,
& I don't care what nobody say I'm gonna' hustle hard & push my motherfuckin' dreams until I reach my goals,
Uhh,
Man my social life's weak as fuck,
Sometimes I'd rather stay home to sleep than fuck,
Chicks all up in my DMs but really I don't wanna chat,
These 2 hours is reserved for a power nap,
I put in work go the extra mile,
So much pain you'd think I'd never smile,
But I'm just tryin' to buy a big ass crib to have my family over for Christmas,
Everybody that's arguin' can reconcile,
I've learned life was too short,
My father passed when I was 4,
Left me a bastard,
& I've learned all the resentments you got with your people go away the moment you're standin' over their casket,
Real shit,
Don't let the devil lie to you people,
Sometimes your biggest enemie's your pride & your ego,
Uhh,
The essence of life's to love someone else,
A real man is one who humbles himself.
& I'ma keep on keepin' on,
Thatโs and all that I-I can do,
Ohh-oh-oh-oh-oh,
& I'ma keep on hustlin'
That's all that I-I can do,
Ohh-oh-oh-oh-oh,
I'm so sick of survivin' yeah,
But I know that pressure makes diamonds yeah-eah-eah-eah,
That pressure makes diamonds,
It's all about timin'
Gotta' keep climbin'
& I'ma keep on keepin' on,
That's all that I-I can do,
Ohh-oh-oh-oh-oh,
& I'ma keep on hustlin'
That's all that I-I can do,
Ohh-oh-oh-oh-oh.
@lukastyronematthewsalmon3664
Youโre one of the realist left. You have an essence and energy that I thought had been taken out of hip hop. WE NEED U KING. Keep it coming.
Love from the Uk ๐ฌ๐ง๐๐พ๐
@Pelatonkilldme
UK brother ere FYL Salute ๐ดโโ ๏ธโ๐โ๐ถ๏ธ๐ฏ
@user-qq5ph1xs6e
Dope track, Nems is an example of a well rounded entertainer.
@johnathoncastro
Yea yet he's broke
@user-qq5ph1xs6e
did you check his financial statements?, you are nothing but a hater. If you disagree, is your own insecurities playing tricks on you.@@johnathoncastro
@ripcardz3511
โ@@johnathoncastroyea yet, you're here?
@ACPeer
Congratulations man, more than delivered on this and the record. Scram, Tish and Frankie too. Beautiful track & story, the whole thing great to see & hear; salute to all. Shout out Busy and Van and Buddha's quick smile at 0:13
@ESKARAP
A real man is one who humbles himself. ๐๐๐
@Enkils
Yo you spilled your heart on the beat and it came out ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ซก๐ฏ
@MyNamesHopper
Now this is something you can feel. Run it up! ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ