I'm on Fire
Nas Lyrics


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Uh
Woke up this morning on some white linen sheets
The bed almost caught ablaze
The temperature's on a hundred in the room
I'm like, "what's up?"

Still got the same flame behind me from the "Hate Me Now" video
It's continual
All I need is a beat and I'm stitchin' you
Like stitchin' these words together, how I'm still getting better
I'm finding more gold as I dig in the dirt with a shovel
I got the last laugh, don't get blown away by the backdraft

(I'm on fire) don't be scared now
(I'm on fire) don't be scared now
(I'm on fire) givin' em hell now
I'm startin' to see 'em sweat
(I'm on fire) don't be scared now
(I'm on fire) don't be scared now
(I'm on fire) I'm givin' 'em hell now

Tryin' to walk in my soles is like bare feet on hot coals
Soon as I start heatin' up, the whole block froze
I came in without an ordinary name
How many Nasirs? How many top tier?
How many not here?
There's something in the name that's different from theirs
Depicted in scripture holdin' two dragons blowin' flames
Sorry it ain't go the same for y'all
They say, "Allah, please explain, Allah"
You Godbody or do you praise Allah?
And still rock crosses all on your chain a lot
I'm scorchin' and I never forced it
Even when forces and powers that be went against me
Y'all use that as an excuse, you dudes cannot convince me
Or trick me out my spot, y'all want my shit like Sherman Hemsley
I'm debunking the black ball myth, the facts more or less
I might hurt your feelings but, yo, sometimes it actually is
Victimization, mix that with some entitlement
It's bound to explode
I make 'em stop, drop, and roll
Move to the side with it
There's no stoppin' it, I'm rap's arsonist

(I'm on fire) don't be scared now
(I'm on fire) don't be scared now
(I'm on fire) givin' 'em hell now
I'm startin' to see 'em sweat
(I'm on fire) don't be scared now
(I'm on fire) don't be scared now
(I'm on fire) I'm givin' 'em hell now

I must say I am what I am
(I'm on fire) they said I wouldn't survive, look at me, damn
(I'm on fire) like the tip of the barrel that's on a wham
(I'm on fire) he's on fire, NBA Jam
I was all, I was alone like, you know
I was making some moves, I need to like concentrate and chill, but




I was, I was just getting all these calls and everything
And it's telling me like, you on fire (you on fire, you on fire)

Overall Meaning

In Nas's song "I'm on Fire," the lyrics depict the rapper's confidence and passion for his craft. The opening lines suggest that Nas is waking up in a luxurious setting, possibly symbolizing his success and fame. The mention of the bed almost catching ablaze and the high temperature in the room convey the intensity and heat of his talent.


The lyric "Still got the same flame behind me from the 'Hate Me Now' video" refers to Nas's previous song and music video where he faced controversy and backlash. Despite that, he carries the same fire and determination to keep improving and delivering powerful verses. Nas compares his lyrical prowess to stitching words together, suggesting that he effortlessly combines his thoughts and experiences into impactful rhymes.


As the song progresses, Nas addresses the scrutiny he faces and the uniqueness of his name. He questions how many others share his name and level of talent, emphasizing his individuality and skill. Nas also references religious imagery, highlighting a juxtaposition between his faith and the adornment of crosses on chains. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the complexities of personal beliefs and societal expectations.


Throughout the song, Nas emphasizes that he can't be stopped or swayed by external forces. He challenges the idea of being blackballed, asserting that he is debunking the myth and facing the truth head-on. Nas tackles issues of victimization and entitlement, suggesting that they can lead to explosive tensions. Ultimately, he asserts his dominance in the rap game, likening himself to an arsonist who sets fire to the industry with his talent and impact.


Overall, "I'm on Fire" serves as a bold declaration of Nas's talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his craft.


Line by Line Meaning

Woke up this morning on some white linen sheets
I woke up feeling comfortable and luxurious


The bed almost caught ablaze
I am filled with intense energy and passion


The temperature's on a hundred in the room
The atmosphere is intense and exciting


I'm like, 'what's up?'
I am inquisitive and ready for whatever comes my way


Still got the same flame behind me from the 'Hate Me Now' video
I am still fueled by the success and impact of my past work


It's continual
My progress and growth as an artist never stops


All I need is a beat and I'm stitchin' you
I have the ability to captivate and connect with my audience through my music


Like stitchin' these words together, how I'm still getting better
I continue to improve and refine my lyrical skills


I'm finding more gold as I dig in the dirt with a shovel
I am discovering hidden treasures and truths in the midst of struggle


I got the last laugh, don't get blown away by the backdraft
I have overcome obstacles and setbacks, ensuring my success


(I'm on fire) don't be scared now
I am at the peak of my artistry and should not be underestimated


(I'm on fire) givin' em hell now
I am unleashing my talent and causing a major impact


I'm startin' to see 'em sweat
My competitors are feeling the pressure and becoming anxious


Tryin' to walk in my soles is like bare feet on hot coals
Emulating my success and journey is difficult and painful


Soon as I start heatin' up, the whole block froze
My rise to prominence has caused others to pause and take notice


How many Nasirs? How many top tier?
There are few artists as skilled and respected as me


How many not here?
Only a select few can withstand the challenges of fame and success


There's something in the name that's different from theirs
My name carries a unique essence and distinction


Depicted in scripture holdin' two dragons blowin' flames
I am portrayed in a powerful and legendary manner


Sorry it ain't go the same for y'all
I acknowledge that not everyone can achieve the same level of success


They say, 'Allah, please explain, Allah'
People question and seek understanding of my spiritual beliefs


You Godbody or do you praise Allah?
They wonder if I follow a religious path or have a specific belief system


And still rock crosses all on your chain a lot
I incorporate religious symbolism into my style, despite contradictions


I'm scorchin' and I never forced it
I am blazing a trail and achieving success naturally


Even when forces and powers that be went against me
I have faced adversity and opposition from influential figures


Y'all use that as an excuse, you dudes cannot convince me
Others try to justify their failures by blaming external factors, but I remain unconvinced


Or trick me out my spot, y'all want my shit like Sherman Hemsley
They attempt to manipulate or take away my position and success, just like Sherman Hemsley's character in 'The Jeffersons'


I'm debunking the black ball myth, the facts more or less
I am dispelling the notion of being blackballed in the industry and presenting the truth


I might hurt your feelings but, yo, sometimes it actually is
I may speak harshly, but sometimes the truth can be hard to accept


Victimization, mix that with some entitlement
Combining feelings of being victimized and entitled creates a volatile situation


It's bound to explode
The tension and conflict will inevitably escalate


I make 'em stop, drop, and roll
My music and presence cause people to pause and take notice


Move to the side with it
Step aside and make way for my greatness


There's no stoppin' it, I'm rap's arsonist
Nothing can hinder my progress, I am a destructive force in the rap game


I must say I am what I am
I confidently embrace and acknowledge my true self


They said I wouldn't survive, look at me, damn
Despite doubters and naysayers, I have not only survived but thrived


Like the tip of the barrel that's on a wham
I am like the explosive and impactful part of a gun


He's on fire, NBA Jam
I am on a remarkable streak of success, just like in the video game NBA Jam


I was all, I was alone like, you know
I used to feel isolated and on my own in my journey


I was making some moves, I need to like concentrate and chill, but
I was busy and focused on making progress, but I needed to find peace and calm


I was, I was just getting all these calls and everything
I was receiving numerous opportunities and requests


And it's telling me like, you on fire (you on fire, you on fire)
Everyone was recognizing and acknowledging my incredible talent and impact




Lyrics Β© Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chauncey Hollis Jr., Nasir Jones

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Worn out Testicles

I love reading all the comments from my fellow Hip Hop lovers who all feel that indescribable overwhelming euphoria at hearing this man still releasing impeccable music in 2022.

Shawn Davis

This song is on constant replay in my head and on my iPhone. This beat is straight fire and his flow make it even that much sweeter! Nas can't be touched straight up.

Fred Flintstone

Hip hop is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!

NuGGetZ

Well said

jamel johnson

This is Nas' Victory lap song

Daniel Lewis

Nas will live forever.

1 More Replies...

Tariq Martin

I can't stop playing this One beautiful track! Motivational as hell😫πŸ”₯

gbforest

Facts bro

stoany oany

Nas is back really, it's been a long time since I put a Nas album from the first to the last song and I put repeat. Of all the king's deseases this is my favorite.. I really love this album!

Udi Nelumbu

I'm so glad we live in a world where Nas survived the 90s.

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