Daughters
Nas Lyrics

For my brothers with daughters, I call this
This song is dedicated to all the fathers who have daughters, to warn them about the dangers of teenage love and the responsibility of raising girls in today's society.

I saw my daughter send a letter to some boy her age
Nas witnessed his daughter showing romantic interest in a boy her age, causing him to go through a range of emotions.

Who locked up, first I regretted it then caught my rage, like
The boy was in jail, shocking Nas and making him feel angry and protective of his daughter.

How could I not protect her from this awful phase
As a father, Nas feels responsible for protecting his daughter from making poor choices in her teenage years.

Never tried to hide who I was, she was taught and raised like
Nas has always been transparent with his daughter about who he is and where he comes from, hoping to instill good values in her.

A princess, but while I'm on stage I can't leave her defenseless
Nas wants to protect his daughter from any harm or danger, especially when he's not around to keep an eye on her.

Plus she's seen me switching women, pops was on some pimp shit
Nas acknowledges his past mistakes and lifestyle choices, realizing that it may have an impact on his daughter's own views on healthy relationships.

She heard stories of her daddy thuggin'
Nas recognizes that his daughter has heard stories about his past gangster lifestyle, hoping that she won't take after him in that regard.

So if her husband is a gangster can't be mad, I'll love him
Nas accepts that his daughter may fall in love with someone who is involved in a dangerous lifestyle, but he will still love and accept her choices.

Never, for her I want better, homie in jail dead that
Nas wants his daughter to aim for a better life and avoid potentially harmful choices or relationships.

Wait till he come home, you can see where his head's at
Nas suggests that his daughter should wait to find out more about the boy after he's out of jail, to see if he has any serious intentions with her.

Niggas got game, they be tryna live
Nas warns his daughter that some boys may try to play games with her heart, leading her on for their own entertainment or gain.

He seen your mama crib, plus I'm sure he know who your father is
Nas acknowledges that the boy might be interested in his daughter because of her privileged upbringing and connections to Nas and her mother.

Although you real, plus a honest kid
Nas affirms his daughter's good character and honesty, but acknowledges that even the best intentions can lead to heartbreak at a young age.

Don't think I'm slow, I know you probably had that chronic lit
Nas recognizes that his daughter may have experimented with drugs or alcohol, even if she tries to hide it from him.

You 17, I got a problem with it
Nas feels uncomfortable with the idea of his teenage daughter indulging in risky behavior or illegal activities.

She looked at me like I'm not the cleanest
Nas acknowledges that his past lifestyle and personal flaws may make it harder for his daughter to trust his guidance and advice.

Father figure but she rocking with it
Despite reservations or doubts, Nas still wants to be a positive influence and mentor for his daughter, hoping that she'll listen to his wisdom.

This morning I got a call, nearly split my wig
Nas received a shocking phone call that made him feel like he was losing control over his daughter's actions and choices.

This social network said "Nas go and get ya kid"
Nas found out through social media that his daughter was sharing provocative pictures or content, causing him to feel embarrassed and concerned.

She's on Twitter, I know she ain't gon post no pic
Nas doesn't fully trust his daughter's judgment when it comes to social media, knowing that she may be tempted to post inappropriate pictures or content.

Of herself under dressed, no inappropriate shit, right
Nas explicitly tells his daughter to avoid sharing any suggestive or inappropriate pictures online, to protect her reputation and safety.

Her mother cried when she answered
Nas's daughter's mother was distraught and emotional when they talked about the situation, feeling overwhelmed and powerless to stop it.

Said she don't know what got inside this child's mind, she planted
The mother realizes that despite their efforts to raise their daughter to be responsible and respectful, she still has her own thoughts and ideas that they may not fully understand or agree with.

A box of condoms on her dresser then she Instagrammed it
Nas's daughter took a provocative photo of a box of condoms on her dresser and shared it on Instagram, causing concern and confusion for her parents.

At this point I realized I ain't the strictest parent
Nas recognizes that he may have been too loose or permissive with his daughter's upbringing, and needs to be more diligent in monitoring her choices and actions.

I'm too loose, I'm too cool with her
Nas acknowledges that he may have been too lenient and friendly with his daughter, and needs to establish more strict boundaries and rules.

Shoulda drove on time to school with her
Nas regrets not spending more time with his daughter and being more involved in her daily life, such as driving her to and from school.

I thought I dropped enough jewels on her
Nas believed that he had shared enough wisdom and life lessons with his daughter to help guide her through her teenage years.

Took her from private school, so she can get a balance
Nas wanted to expose his daughter to different environments and people, by transferring her from a private school to a public school.

To public school, they too nurture teen talents
Nas believes that public schools can offer more opportunities for young people to find their passions and succeed in life.

They grow fast, one day she's ya little princess
Nas reflects on the rapid pace of childhood and how quickly his daughter has grown up into a young woman, despite his efforts to keep her safe and innocent.

Next day she talking boy business, what is this
Nas is surprised and concerned by his daughter's newfound interest in dating and relationships, feeling like he's losing control over her life.

They say the coolest playas and foulest heart breakers in the world
Nas references a common saying that the most charismatic and popular men can also be the most deceitful and hurtful to women.

God gets us back, he makes us have precious little girls
Nas believes that having daughters is a blessing and a challenge, allowing men to experience the joys and pains of fatherhood and to learn from their mistakes.

And I ain't tryna mess ya thing up
Nas wants to offer advice and guidance to his daughter, without trying to control or micromanage her life.

But I just wanna see you dream up
Nas encourages his daughter to aim high and dream big, despite the challenges and obstacles that may come her way.

I finally understand
Nas has come to a deeper realization and appreciation for the challenges of raising a daughter, and the unique bond that fathers and daughters share.

It ain't easy to raise a girl as a single man
Nas acknowledges that raising a daughter on his own is a daunting task, requiring patience, strength, and humility.

Nah, the way mothers feel for they sons
Nas recognizes the strong bond between mothers and sons, but believes that fathers and daughters share a unique and complex relationship.

How fathers feel for they daughters
Nas believes that fathers have a special love and protectiveness towards their daughters, and vice versa, that cannot be replicated in any other relationship.

When he date, he straight, chip off his own papa
Nas suggests that boys often inherit their father's behaviors and attitudes towards women, including how they treat and interact with them in romantic relationships.

When she date, we wait behind the door with the sawed off
Nas jokes about the stereotype of fathers waiting at the door with a shotgun when their daughters go on dates or have romantic interests, to intimidate and scare off potential suitors.

Cause we think no one is good enough for our daughters
Nas reveals the underlying fear and insecurity that fathers have when it comes to protecting their daughters from heartbreak or harm, often being overly protective or critical of their partners.

Love
The final line of the song encapsulates the message that love is the most important factor in any relationship or situation, and that all fathers should strive to love and support their daughters unconditionally.