If I Ruled The World
Nas Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Life
I wonder
Will it take me under
I don't know

Imagine smoking weed in the streets without cops harassin'
Imagine going to court with no trial
Lifestyle, cruising blue Bahama waters
No welfare supporters, more conscious of the way we raise our daughters
Days are shorter, nights are colder
Feeling like life is over, these snakes strike like a cobra
The world's hot, my son got knocked
Evidently, it's elementary, they want us all gone eventually
Troopin' out of state for a plate of knowledge
If coke was cooked without the garbage, we'd all have the top dollars
Imagine everybody flashin' fashion, designer clothes
Lacing your clique up with diamond Roles
Your people holdin' dough, no parole, no rubbers
Go in raw, imagine law with no undercovers
Just some thoughts for the mind
I take a glimpse into time
Watch the blimp read, "The World Is Mine"

If I ruled the world (imagine that)
I'd free all my sons, I love 'em, love 'em, baby
Black diamonds and pearls
(Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine)
If I ruled the world
(Still livin' for today, in these last days and times)

Yo, it'd be, paradise life, relaxin'
Black, Latino and Anglo-Saxon
Armani Exchange, the Range
Cash, Lost Tribe of Shabazz free at last
Brand new whips to crash, then we laugh in a iller path
The Villa house is for the crew, how we do
Trees for breakfast, dime sexes and Benz stretches
So many years of depression make me vision
The better livin', type of place to raise kids in
Open they eyes to the lies, history's told foul
But I'm as wise as the old owl, plus the Gold Child
Seeing things like I was controlling, clique rollin'
Trickin' six digits on kicks and still holdin'
Trips to Paris, I'd civilize every savage
Give one shot, I turn trife life to lavish
Political prisoners set free, stress free
No work release, purple M3's and jet skis
Feel the wind breeze in West Indies
I'd let Coretta Scott-King mayor the cities and reverse fiends to Willies
It sounds foul, but every girl I meet'd go downtown
I'd open every cell in Attica, send 'em to Africa

If I ruled the world (imagine that)
I'd free all my sons, I love 'em, love 'em, baby
Black diamonds and pearls
(Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine)
If I ruled the world
(Still livin' for today, in these last days and times)

And then we'll walk right up to the sun, hand in hand
We'll walk right up to the sun, we won't land
We'll walk right up to the sun, hand in hand
We'll walk right up to the sun, we won't land

You love to hear the story how the thugs live in worry
Duck down in car seats, heat's mandatory
Runnin' from Jake, gettin' chased, hunger for papes
These are the breaks, many mistakes go down out of state
Wait, I had to let it marinate, we carry weight
Tryna get laced, flip the ace, stack the safe
Millionaire plan to keep the gat with the cocked hammer
Makin' moves in Atlanta, back and forth scrambler
'Cause you could have all the chips, be poor or rich
Still nobody want a nigga havin' shit
If I ruled the world and everything in it, sky's the limit
I push the Q-45 Infinit'
It wouldn't be no such thing as jealousies, or B felony
Strictly living longevity to the destiny
I thought I'd never see, but reality struck
Better find out before your time's out, what the fuck

If I ruled the world (imagine that)
I'd free all my sons, I love 'em, love 'em, baby
Black diamonds and pearls
(Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine)
If I ruled the world
(Still livin' for today, in these last days and times)
If I ruled the world, if I ruled, if I ruled (imagine that)
I'd free all my sons, if I ruled, if I ruled
I love 'em, love 'em, baby
Black diamonds and pearls, black diamonds, black diamonds
(Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine)
If I ruled the world
(Still livin' for today, in these last days and times)

If I ruled the world, if I ruled, if I ruled
I'd free all my sons, black diamonds
I love 'em, love 'em, baby
Black diamonds and pearls, if I ruled
If I ruled the world




If I ruled the world
I love 'em, love 'em, baby

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Nas's "If I Ruled the World" is a reflection of a vivid and ambitious imagination. The song is a hypothetical scenario where Nas imagines himself as a leader who creates a world free of oppression, social injustice, and racial discrimination. The opening line "Life, I wonder, will it take me under" speaks to the uncertainty of life and the struggle to make it in the world. Nas then dives into a world where people are free to smoke weed and live their lives without persecution from law enforcement. The lines "No welfare supporters, more conscious of the way we raise our daughters" refers to Nas's desire for a society where people are self-sufficient and take care of their own, and where women are treated with respect and given equal opportunities. The line "Days are shorter, nights are colder, feeling like life is over" shows the dark reality of living in a world of poverty and oppression.


The chorus of the song "If I ruled the world, imagine that, I'd free all my sons, I love 'em love 'em baby, black diamonds and pearls, could it be, if you could be mine we'd both shine, if I ruled the world, still livin' for today, in these last days and times," conveys a sense of longing for a better world, a world free of poverty, hatred, and social injustice. Nas's rap verses also express his yearning for a world where people are free and can live their lives without fear or persecution. He dreams of a place where people of different races and cultures can coexist peacefully, where everyone has access to the best education and healthcare, and where he can create opportunities for African Americans to succeed and thrive.


Overall, "If I Ruled the World" is a powerful and poetic song that captures the imagination and desires of a generation that seeks a better world. The lyrics are brilliantly executed, and the production is atmospheric, making the song a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.


Line by Line Meaning

Life
The overall nature of existence.


I wonder
A statement of curiosity or contemplation.


Will it take me under
A fear of succumbing to the struggles and hardships of life.


I don't know
An acknowledgement of uncertainty.


Imagine smoking weed in the streets without cops harassin'
Envisioning a world where drug laws and enforcement are more lenient.


Imagine going to court with no trial
A desire for justice to be more fair and equal.


Lifestyle, cruising blue Bahama waters
A luxurious and carefree way of living.


No welfare supporters, more conscious of the way we raise our daughters
A focus on personal responsibility and education, rather than government support.


Days are shorter, nights are colder
A feeling of despair and hopelessness.


Feeling like life is over, these snakes strike like a cobra
A sense of danger and betrayal from others.


The world's hot, my son got knocked
A world in turmoil, where even family can be negatively affected.


Evidently, it's elementary, they want us all gone eventually
A belief in a systemic effort to oppress and eliminate certain groups of people.


Troopin' out of state for a plate of knowledge
A willingness to travel and seek out education.


If coke was cooked without the garbage, we'd all have the top dollars
A desire for purity and quality in all aspects of life.


Imagine everybody flashin' fashion, designer clothes
A world where material possessions and appearances are highly valued.


Lacing your clique up with diamond Roles
Providing one's social circle with high-end jewelry.


Your people holdin' dough, no parole, no rubbers
A world of financial success and sexual freedom.


Go in raw, imagine law with no undercovers
A world where law enforcement is transparent and not undercover.


Just some thoughts for the mind
A reflective statement about the lyrics.


I take a glimpse into time
A desire to look back on history.


Watch the blimp read, "The World Is Mine"
A sense of empowerment and ownership.


Yo, it'd be, paradise life, relaxin'
A description of a utopian lifestyle.


Black, Latino and Anglo-Saxon
A vision of a racially diverse society.


Armani Exchange, the Range
Specific brands associated with luxury and wealth.


Cash, Lost Tribe of Shabazz free at last
A reference to the Black Power movement and Black Nationalism.


Brand new whips to crash, then we laugh in a iller path
A carefree attitude towards material possessions and a desire for adventure.


The Villa house is for the crew, how we do
A shared living space for one's social circle.


Trees for breakfast, dime sexes and Benz stretches
A hedonistic way of living.


So many years of depression make me vision
A history of being held back and oppressed.


The better livin', type of place to raise kids in
A desire for a safe and healthy environment for children.


Open they eyes to the lies, history's told foul
An acknowledgment of the distorted and inaccurate portrayal of history.


But I'm as wise as the old owl, plus the Gold Child
A sense of personal confidence and pride.


Seeing things like I was controlling, clique rollin'
A sense of control and power in one's social circle.


Trickin' six digits on kicks and still holdin'
A reference to financial success and the ability to maintain wealth.


Trips to Paris, I'd civilize every savage
An intention to spread one's values and lifestyle to other cultures.


Give one shot, I turn trife life to lavish
Believing in the power of opportunity and second chances.


Political prisoners set free, stress free
A desire for justice and freedom for those wrongly accused.


No work release, purple M3's and jet skis
A lack of need for traditional jobs and a desire for luxurious possessions.


Feel the wind breeze in West Indies
A desire for tropical leisure.


I'd let Coretta Scott-King mayor the cities and reverse fiends to Willies
A desire for strong and principled leadership.


It sounds foul, but every girl I meet'd go downtown
An explicit sexual desire.


I'd open every cell in Attica, send 'em to Africa
A desire for universal liberation.


And then we'll walk right up to the sun, hand in hand
A metaphorical representation of overcoming challenges and achieving greatness.


You love to hear the story how the thugs live in worry
A fascination with and glorification of criminal lifestyles.


Duck down in car seats, heat's mandatory
A culture of violence and necessity for weapon protection.


Runnin' from Jake, gettin' chased, hunger for papes
The daily struggles and desperation of those living in low-income areas.


These are the breaks, many mistakes go down out of state
A recognition of the systemic barriers and difficulties faced by certain communities.


Wait, I had to let it marinate, we carry weight
A moment of reflection and acknowledgement of personal responsibility.


Tryna get laced, flip the ace, stack the safe
Working hard to achieve financial success and safety.


Millionaire plan to keep the gat with the cocked hammer
A desire for protection and security.


Makin' moves in Atlanta, back and forth scrambler
A lifestyle of mobility and success.


'Cause you could have all the chips, be poor or rich
An acknowledgment that wealth is not the only measure of success and happiness.


Still nobody want a nigga havin' shit
The continued social and cultural barriers faced by Black individuals.


If I ruled the world and everything in it, sky's the limit
The belief in limitless potential and opportunity with personal power.


I push the Q-45 Infinit'
A reference to Nas's preference for luxury and success.


It wouldn't be no such thing as jealousies, or B felony
A desire for a world free from crime and conflict.


Strictly living longevity to the destiny
A focus on living a long and meaningful life.


I thought I'd never see, but reality struck
A realization that the world can be harsh and unforgiving.


Better find out before your time's out, what the fuck
A sense of urgency to take control of one's life.


I'd free all my sons, if I ruled, if I ruled
A desire to provide freedom and success for one's community.


Black diamonds and pearls, black diamonds, black diamonds
A reference to jewelry and luxury possessions.


If I ruled the world
A reflection on personal power and potential.


I'd free all my sons, black diamonds
A specific commitment to the success and freedom of Black individuals.




Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Cloud9, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Norman Harris, Nasir Jones, Lawrence Smith, Jalil Hutchins, David Reeves, Kurt Walker, Samuel Barnes, Jean Olivier, Aaron O'bryant, Allan Felder

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@spike6985

I wish we could go back to this era of Hip Hop

@Matt_and_stuff

D4RK what is hip hop

@kellympinda4723

FACTS

@sirflooowsn4941

Go back to this erea of time... 90‘ best century to life 👍👌 ... said a german 😉

@Rapmaneasteregg

It was the best

@mr.e695

WOrd!!
✌️

509 More Replies...

@vladtheinhaler8754

Lauryn Hill is honestly one of the most remarkable artists to have set foot on this planet, she just goes so well with any beat and any rapper. Nas is easily one if the best rappers from this era no doubt.

@patriciasmith8756

This was the best of the best. NAS was on point

@vonbee22

Real talk !!!!

@deneenreed2019

Facts!!!

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