Can
Nas Lyrics


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I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

Be, B-Boys and girls, listen up
You can be anything in the world, in God we trust
An architect, doctor, maybe an actress
But nothing comes easy it takes much practice
Like, I met a woman who's becoming a star
She was very beautiful, leaving people in awe
Singing songs, Lina Horn, but the younger version
Hung with the wrong person
Gotta astrung when I heard when
Cocaine, sniffing up drugs, all in her nose
Coulda died, so young, no looks ugly and old
No fun cause when she reaches for hugs people hold they breath
Cause she smells of corrosion and death
Watch the company you keep and the crowd you bring
Cause they came to do drugs and you came to sing
So if you gonna be the best, I'ma tell you how

I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

Be, B-Boys and girls, listen again
This is for grown looking girls who's only ten
The ones who watch videos and do what they see
As cute as can be, up in the club with fake ID
Careful, 'fore you meet a man with HIV
You can host the TV like Oprah Winfrey
Whatever you decide, be careful, some men be
Rapists, so act your age, don't pretend to be
Older than you are, give yourself time to grow
You thinking he can give you wealth, but so
Young boys, you can use a lot of help, you know
You thinkin life's all about smokin weed and ice
You don't wanna be my age and can't read and right
Begging different women for a place to sleep at night
Smart boys turn to men and do whatever they wish
If you believe you can achieve, then say it like this

I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

Be, be, 'fore we came to this country
We were kings and queens, never porch monkeys
It was empires in Africa called Kush
Timbuktu, where every race came to get books
To learn from black teachers who taught Greeks and Romans
Asian Arabs and gave them gold when
Gold was converted to money it all changed
Money then became empowerment for Europeans
The Persian military invaded
They learned about the gold, the teachings and everything sacred
Africa was almost robbed naked
Slavery was money, so they began making slave ships
Egypt was the place that Alexander the Great went
He was so shocked at the mountains with black faces
Shot up they nose to impose what basically
Still goes on today, you see?
If the truth is told, the youth can grow
They learn to survive until they gain control
Nobody says you have to be gangstas, hoes
Read more learn more, change the globe
Ghetto children, do your thing
Hold your head up, little man, you're a king
Young Prince that's when you get your wedding ring
Your man is saying "She's my queen"

I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

Save the music y'all, save the music y'all




Save the music y'all, save the music y'all
Save the music

Overall Meaning

The song "I Can" by Nas featuring 2Pac and Rakim is a motivational song that encourages listeners, particularly children and teenagers, to strive for their dreams and work hard to achieve them. The song touches on several important themes, including the importance of education, making wise choices and being mindful of the company one keeps, historical and cultural pride, and overcoming adversity.


Throughout the song, Nas uses a variety of examples to illustrate his message. He mentions a woman who has talent but falls into drug use, cautioning listeners about the dangers of making the wrong choices. He also addresses young girls who may be watching videos and trying to emulate adult behavior, warning them about the risks of interacting with strangers and the importance of staying true to themselves.


In the latter half of the song, Nas delves into the history of Africa and the impact of colonization and slavery on its people. He sheds light on the great civilizations and contributions of the African continent, and encourages listeners to be proud of their heritage and to work together to effect positive change.


Overall, "I Can" is a powerful and inspiring song that seeks to uplift its listeners and encourage them to reach their full potential.


Line by Line Meaning

I know I can (I know I can)
I have the confidence and ability to achieve my goals


Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be)
I can pursue any career or passion I desire


If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
Success requires dedication and effort


I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)
I will reach my desired destination


You can be anything in the world, in God we trust
There is no limit to what you can achieve with faith in yourself and a higher power


But nothing comes easy it takes much practice
Success requires hard work and perseverance


Gotta astrung when I heard when Cocaine, sniffing up drugs, all in her nose
I was saddened to hear about a friend who ruined her life with drugs


No fun cause when she reaches for hugs people hold they breath
The consequences of poor choices can have negative effects on personal relationships


Watch the company you keep and the crowd you bring
Be mindful of the people you associate with, as they can influence your actions


This is for grown looking girls who's only ten
Addressing young girls who may be prematurely exposed to adult situations


Young boys, you can use a lot of help, you know
Encouraging young men to seek guidance and support in their personal growth


If you believe you can achieve, then say it like this
Having a positive attitude and mindset can lead to achieving success


We were kings and queens, never porch monkeys
Highlighting the erasure of African history and achievement


It was empires in Africa called Kush
Referencing the powerful empires of ancient Africa


Read more learn more, change the globe
Education is a key tool in creating positive change in the world


Hold your head up, little man, you're a king
Encouraging young boys to have confidence and pride in their identity


Save the music y'all, save the music y'all
Urging the importance of preserving and appreciating music as an art form




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: NASIR JONES, ROY C. HAMMOND, SALAAM REMI

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@user-qh9jw8oq4n

Born raised Philadelphia Brooklyn NY City!!!!

Straight from the slavery slumms you see....

Graduated high school 🏫 with assets for finances!!!

Architecture for infrastructure!!!

Clean energy for the skies!!!

Precious metals!!! Minerals!! Oils for capital growth!!!!

I love potassium bananas like the Congo I'm from!!!

I'll be where i wanna be!!!!!!



All comments from YouTube:

@shays.3104

“If the truth is told, the youth can grow.”
-Nas.

@felicianavile2566

If the truth is told, the youth can grow

@leighm

GROW and HEAL

@vidhanjain6511

Ral had a meaning back then

@kidddrunk

This year's mid terms in 2022 the Gen Z voters outvoted old white voters for the first time

@lc-ip7gh

If the truth is told, the youth can grow

6 More Replies...

@willienobody4156

Nas deserved the Nobel peace prize for this song

@facelessnas6499

Facts!

@priyanujbora1642

Facts (2)

@kinkane5566

Hell yea, considering Obama got it for taking the country INTO Lybia, wtf. Nas earned it on this one f'realz.

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