No Tears
Nas Lyrics


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A little gun case
You was younger then
Another violent crime around album number ten, uh
Since a baby, baby, baby
Baby, ghetto, baby
You a ghetto, ghetto baby
You a ghetto baby, the QB crazy
You a ghetto baby, you had the records playin'
You's a ghetto baby, fallin' while you skatin'
Sneakers hangin', just a life of a ghetto baby

Shhh
Dear older me
You grown to be
The one to coach the team, uh
You still be on your fly shit
Part spiritually psychic
You walk through the Hayes like Isaac
And maybe this gen will see what you and Hit done
If they don't call it how it is, that's a big dub, uh
That big age you rap
You did your big one
My favorite ever from you gotta be this one

Got through the scars, every one
Cops drew down on you with guns
Close friends, you lost some
No tears on your face, none
You missed time seeing your son
It's hard to find genuine love
Family members in them cuffs
No tears on your face, none
Everything is just what you made it out to be
The world of entertainment got some lessons from your pops
Held it down alone, moms on heavenly watch
The tears on my face just stop

Uh
Dear older me
You became everything you chose to be, huh
Took the wheel and you drove the speed
Out on the road, it took you higher than coca leaves, huh
You at the age you say what it is
You call every girl in your phone like, "Come to the crib"
Ain't gotta hide nothin', what you gotta lie for?
One come through the front, one leavin' out the side door, potential
But what's potential if all amiss in the mental?
And what you been through could mess up now what you into
Got the essentials to murder an instrumental
Made it to Gen Z, deservin' what they extend to you
Talkin' to the younger you
Every stage problems'll still run to you
That big age you rap
You did your big one
My favorite ever from you, I can't even pick one

Got through the scars, every one
Cops drew down on you with guns
Close friends, you lost some
No tears on your face, none
You missed time seeing your son
It's hard to find genuine love
Family members in them cuffs
No tears on your face, none
Everything is just what you made it out to be
The world of entertainment got some lessons from your pops
Held it down alone, moms on heavenly watch
The tears on my face just stop

Talkin' to my younger self
They say in the big 50's
That's when you get rich, rich, rich, rich
In every aspect




You got nothin' to worry about
No tears

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Nas's song "No Tears" explore different stages of his life, reflecting on his past experiences and offering advice to his younger self. In the first verse, he describes growing up in the ghetto, surrounded by violence and hardship. The line "You a ghetto baby, fallin' while you skatin' / Sneakers hangin', just a life of a ghetto baby" portrays the struggles and challenges he faced while trying to navigate life in a tough neighborhood.


In the second verse, Nas addresses his older self, highlighting the growth and success he has achieved. He references his ability to transcend his circumstances and become a mentor figure, coaching others and staying true to his style. The line "You still be on your fly shit / Part spiritually psychic / You walk through the Hayes like Isaac" suggests that he has maintained his authenticity and maintained a strong intuition throughout his journey.


The chorus speaks to the resilience Nas has developed, as he reflects on the difficulties he has faced. He mentions being confronted by police, losing close friends, and experiencing familial struggles, yet he shows no tears on his face. This resilience is further emphasized with the lines "Got through the scars, every one / Cops drew down on you with guns / Close friends, you lost some / No tears on your face, none."


In the final verse, Nas continues to address his older self and offers insights and advice. He embraces his success and acknowledges his ability to overcome obstacles. He references his fame and the freedom to live without hiding anything. However, he questions the concept of potential and acknowledges that his past experiences may have influenced his current mindset. He also mentions the younger generation and their reliance on him as a source of guidance and wisdom.


Overall, the lyrics of "No Tears" convey a sense of resilience, growth, and self-reflection. Nas reflects on his journey, recognizing the struggles and challenges he faced while highlighting his ability to overcome them. The song serves as a reminder to himself and his listeners to stay true to their roots, embrace their experiences, and learn from them.


Line by Line Meaning

A little gun case
A small incident involving a gun


You was younger then
You were much younger at that time


Another violent crime around album number ten, uh
There was another criminal act around the release of your tenth album


Since a baby, baby, baby
From a very young age


Baby, ghetto, baby
Growing up in poverty and rough neighborhoods


You a ghetto, ghetto baby
You are a product of the ghetto


You a ghetto baby, the QB crazy
You come from the ghetto, Queensbridge, and it shaped your mind


You a ghetto baby, you had the records playin'
Even as a child from the ghetto, you were involved in playing records


You's a ghetto baby, fallin' while you skatin'
Growing up in the ghetto, you had your ups and downs


Sneakers hangin', just a life of a ghetto baby
Symbolic representation of the struggles and experiences of a child from the ghetto


Shhh
Silence


Dear older me
Addressing your future self


You grown to be
You have become


The one to coach the team, uh
You are now the leader who guides others


You still be on your fly shit
You continue to be stylish and confident


Part spiritually psychic
Connected to your spiritual side, having intuitive abilities


You walk through the Hayes like Isaac
You move with confidence and grace, like Isaac Hayes


And maybe this gen will see what you and Hit done
Perhaps this generation will appreciate and recognize your accomplishments with your partner, Hit


If they don't call it how it is, that's a big dub, uh
If they don't acknowledge the truth, it's a significant loss


That big age you rap
The mature age at which you rap


You did your big one
You achieved a significant milestone in your career


My favorite ever from you gotta be this one
This song is the personal favorite of someone


Got through the scars, every one
Overcame all the emotional wounds and scars


Cops drew down on you with guns
Police officers threatened you with firearms


Close friends, you lost some
You experienced the loss of close friends


No tears on your face, none
There are no tears visible on your face


You missed time seeing your son
You were unable to spend time with your son


It's hard to find genuine love
Finding true love is difficult


Family members in them cuffs
Your family members ended up in handcuffs, arrested


Everything is just what you made it out to be
Your current situation is a result of your own actions and choices


The world of entertainment got some lessons from your pops
The entertainment industry learned from your father's experiences and teachings


Held it down alone, moms on heavenly watch
You managed to handle everything on your own, with your mother watching over you from heaven


The tears on my face just stop
I no longer shed tears


You became everything you chose to be, huh
You achieved everything you set out to become


Took the wheel and you drove the speed
You took control and moved forward at your own pace


Out on the road, it took you higher than coca leaves, huh
Your journey on the road brought you to greater heights than any drug


You at the age you say what it is
At your current age, you speak the truth


You call every girl in your phone like, 'Come to the crib'
You invite every girl you know to come to your place


Ain't gotta hide nothin', what you gotta lie for?
There's no need to hide or lie about anything


One come through the front, one leavin' out the side door, potential
One girl enters through the front while another leaves through the side, representing possibilities


But what's potential if all amiss in the mental?
However, potential means nothing if there are issues in the mind


And what you been through could mess up now what you into
The experiences you have had can impact your current situation


Got the essentials to murder an instrumental
You have the necessary skills to excel in music


Made it to Gen Z, deservin' what they extend to you
You have reached the generation of Gen Z and are deserving of their recognition


Talkin' to the younger you
Having a conversation with your younger self


Every stage problems'll still run to you
At every stage of life, problems will always come your way


That big age you rap
The mature age at which you rap


You did your big one
You achieved a significant milestone in your career


My favorite ever from you, I can't even pick one
I can't choose a favorite song from your extensive catalogue


Everything is just what you made it out to be
Your current situation is a result of your own actions and choices


The world of entertainment got some lessons from your pops
The entertainment industry learned from your father's experiences and teachings


Held it down alone, moms on heavenly watch
You managed to handle everything on your own, with your mother watching over you from heaven


The tears on my face just stop
I no longer shed tears


They say in the big 50's
They say in your later years


That's when you get rich, rich, rich, rich
That's when you achieve great wealth


In every aspect
In all areas of your life


You got nothin' to worry about
You have no reason to worry


No tears
There are no tears




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Nasir Jones, Chauncey Hollis Jr.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Soundboy817

Nas we real hiphop fans appreciate you don 👊🏾 💯

@brzaproductions2393

100 percent......KING

@isaachoward89

This is good

@ryanscarphone4672

Peace god

@waterwet2305

🤓

@davidblankinship6705

The Buddha Bomb Crystal Chron Don! ❤

6 More Replies...

@damienhurt39

Nas is the goat. This album is already a masterpiece. It's fire

@The__Chosen___1

Instant vintage. Nas's album's are literally food for the soul. Lyrical nourishment for the masses. Earth salutes you brethren # 🐐

@shanna3000

Said well. I can relate and I’m a female but…It’s Facts All Love 🎵✨

@dianevrules

This song and album are noise to may ears. BS beats. Weak af raps. Nas hasnt made a good album since President Clinton was in office. Bahahahahahaha.@@shanna3000

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