Hey Young World...
Nas Lyrics

The world is yours is something is,
The phrase 'the world is yours' is an idea I learned from Slick Rick's music.

Um, something I got from Slick Rick
I got the idea of 'the world is yours' from Slick Rick's music.

Back in the days, hey young world, the world is yours
In the past, there was a popular song called 'Hey Young World' that used 'the world is yours' as a message for young people.

From the movie Scarface where, uh,
'The world is yours' was also prominently featured in the movie Scarface.

His whole thing was the world is yours
The character Tony Montana in Scarface believed that the world was his for the taking.

He sort of bluntly said the world is yours out there in the sky
Tony Montana famously declared 'the world is yours' while looking up at the sky.

He looked at it, uh,
Tony Montana was reflecting on his place in the world when he made the statement.

Something from god telling him, you know, the world is yours
Tony Montana believed that 'the world is yours' was a message from a higher power.

Hey young world... the world is yours
The chorus of the song repeats the message that 'the world is yours' for young people.

Young people are so special
The song acknowledges that young people have unique qualities and talents.

It's so good what god blessed you
The song highlights the idea that young people are blessed with potential by a higher power.

Death to unethical thoughts that surpress you
The song encourages young people to reject harmful thoughts and beliefs that hold them back.

Like diseases, they conjure up inside the test tubes
Negative thoughts can grow and spread like harmful diseases.

To stress you, beaurcratic genocide
The song criticizes oppressive systems that harm young people and limit their potential.

But maybe I'm a wreck loose
The artist acknowledges that some of his ideas may be seen as radical or extreme.

It's just my observation as a whole
The artist is sharing his perspective on the state of the world and young people's place in it.

Human extermination, population control
The artist suggests that there are powerful forces at work that seek to control or harm large groups of people.

Assuming my generation is young and out of control
The artist recognizes that some people may view his generation as reckless or unwise.

But y'all don't understand this
The artist believes that older generations don't fully understand the challenges and opportunities faced by young people today.

Y'all out of touch and y'all old
The artist believes that older generations are out of touch with modern youth culture and values.

I promise to stay in full, try to stay on course
The artist is committed to staying true to his values and goals.

And right the wrongs of my father with my baby boy
The artist hopes to learn from his own family history and be a better role model for his own child.

Life is full of problems, don't go away when ignored
The song acknowledges that life is difficult and that problems won't disappear if ignored.

Life is long it's important that it's played like a sport
The artist encourages young people to approach life with a spirit of competition and a focus on achieving their goals.

Every skyscraper you see started off as a thought
The song highlights the idea that all great achievements begin with an idea or vision.

And Ricky Walters told me that the world could be yours
The artist learned from another musician, Rakim, that 'the world is yours'.

You could have been arrested
The song warns young people of the risks and consequences of getting involved in illegal activities.

Locked down doing 10 on a fed bid
The song highlights the severe and long-lasting consequences of being incarcerated.

But you home so your know you blessed, kid
The song encourages young people to appreciate their freedom and the opportunities it provides.

But trust me, I know some people who are not as lucky
The artist acknowledges that many young people are not as fortunate as those who avoid incarceration.

Cause on the small drug beef
The song identifies drug-related offenses as a common reason for young people to become incarcerated.

Gone 15 years it must be
The artist reflects on the harsh and lengthy prison sentences that many young people face.

Conspiracy, a killer sees
The song suggests that young people may be unfairly targeted and punished by the justice system.

No liberty or justice
The song critiques the idea that the justice system is fair and equal for all people.

Congress talk nonsense
The song criticizes political leaders who don't take action to address social issues faced by young people.

It's consignment for us hustlers
The song suggests that young people who feel economically marginalized are often forced to engage in illegal activities to survive.

There's no 401k retirement for us hustlers
The song highlights the idea that young people who engage in illegal activities may not have access to traditional financial security options.

It's one way, until death
The song suggests that once young people find themselves caught up in illegal activities, they often feel trapped and may resort to violence or other extreme acts.

We die young, it's bum luck
The song laments the fact that many young people die before reaching their full potential due to violence or other tragedies.

Young bruh, tell me why you want war?
The song questions the motives behind violence and aggression among young people.

Tote a gun for, whoever to pump forth
The song suggests that young people often feel pressure to engage in violence or carry weapons to protect themselves or their communities.

With tough talk, get done off
The song highlights the idea that aggressive posturing or 'tough talk' can often lead to violence among young people.

New York City streets they carry the worst gun law
The song criticizes the prevalence of guns and gun violence in urban environments.

But still it's real, we do it with tools
The song reflects the idea that some young people feel like they must use violence or weapons to protect themselves or their communities.

It's ungod, under the code of hood, play your role
The song critiques the idea that violence or gang culture is a necessary or acceptable part of young people's lives.

And maybe you'll live to grow old
The artist encourages young people to focus on living a long and fulfilling life, rather than risking their lives through violence or other dangerous activities.

Kids and a wife and household
The song highlights the idea that family and personal relationships are important elements of a fulfilling life.

Slow your roll before your soul
The song encourages young people to take a step back and think carefully before acting on their impulses or emotions.

Eject from your body and you turn cold
The song suggests that violent or aggressive behavior can lead to emotional numbness or disconnection from others.

Take advice yo, take a higher road
The artist encourages young people to seek advice and guidance from positive role models, and to choose a path of nonviolence and positivity.

Hey young world, yeah, hey young world, yeah
The chorus repeats the message that 'the world is yours', encouraging young people to believe in themselves and their potential.