Friends
Nas & Damian Marley Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

These later days in Babylon
As I watch your children grow
And the years them carry on
And I miss you even more
Still I send them go to school
And tell them
What dem fi know
All of mi friend dem mi salute
Daddi gon and Lenny Screw
Another year has come and past
Man a drop like morning dew
Uncle Warrick sick and gone
When him couldn't catch a flew
Picka T you a mi don
Respect long and overdue
When nothing never did a gwan
You still have on somethin' new
Our friendship ever last
All when one minus from few
Yes we surely had a blast
We're like family me and you
I know every path you cross
Lead to somebody whe' true
Of the many that are called
Only chosen is a few

Of the real friends that serve you long
Your memories might fade
Your real friends will serve you long
Sunshine or rain
Your real friends will serve you long
Acquaintances will fade
Your real friends wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

Only talking with winners
A loser or two
Got my number
Still they think they real
But they just really awfully bitter
Salty niggas hate the smarter ones
These are the doubters
Who's our bout my run
I barely made it out the slums
My value high cause I do more than
Rap about a gun
I made money for niggas
Y'all never looking out for none
I helped millionaires get to that very position
Some real millionaires see that's ill
'Cause look at statistics
Real millionaires
And I ain't talking ghetto riches
Thorough business
You mistreating niggas
Heard your folks bleed in prison
You ain't a G
And if you was
I don't recall
Who would roll with y'all
Buncha fucking know it alls
Who's dough is small
Look what's it come to
Our rapport's good no more
We was good before
Till I saw what type a dude you took me for
We had a chance to take paper down
What I took was more
Because of hatred
Opportunity wasted

Your real friends will serve you long
Your car and clothes will fade
Your real friends wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

Hey
Your real friend won't run in war
Nuh care what the cost is
You real friends are in for all the wins and the losses
Fi Real!
No question at all
Them ready fi rise the tallest
Take to the enemies
All for one
And one for all this
Real friend will hear you out
No secret feelings
Real friends won't sell you out
No bargain pleading
For real!
Always looking out
A meal!
When outside a drought
Your real!
Friend won't hide you out
No

Your real friends will serve you long
When all else fails
Your real friend wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

May laughter
From backstabbers
Turn to tears faster
I wish for you
No snake shall slither past ya
You have to
Keep your vision clear
'Cause only a coward lives in fear
My surroundings
Got only real powerful niggas here
Real men we have a code of ethics
No question
No jealousies
No feminine tendencies
We expecting
No gossip
No phony logic
No counting your homie pocket
Spare no expense for legal defense
If your homey locked up
No keeping tabs
On who was the last who looked out
Selfishness
That's a character flaw
No holding out
Yo what happened to the honor?
You're dealing with
Sensitive pre-Madonna drama
Teflon love
For my dudes who solid

Your real friends will serve you long
Your memories might fade
Your real friends will serve you long
Sunshine or rain, eh
Your real friends will serve you long, woe ya woe
When all else fails
Your real friends wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change




Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Friends" by Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley talk about friendship and loyalty, and how important they are in life. The rapper touches on the fact that time passes, and people come and go, but genuine friends stay forever. The verse also gives a nod to those who have passed away and those who are sick, showing the importance of holding onto the memories and the relationships that they’ve built. The song then dives into the types of friends you cross paths with, the genuine and the fake ones, and how it’s important to be wary of who you surround yourself with. The chorus reiterates that a real friend does not change, and even when all else fails, they will be there for you.


The verses in "Friends" specifically mention a few individuals whom Nas has known personally, including Daddi Gon, Lenny Screw, Uncle Warrick, and Picka T. They were real friends and they’d gone through thick and thin together, no matter what was going on in their lives. Nas also talks about how some individuals are truly genuine while others are fake friends, only wanting to ride the wave while the going is good. By mentioning these types of people, the song emphasizes the importance of good friends and how their support can help people through any difficult times that they may face.


In summary, "Friends" by Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley speaks to the power of friendship and loyalty. The song acknowledges that time can change things but true friends will always stick around. The lyrics also highlight how important it is to surround oneself with people who are genuine and supportive, as opposed to those who are just along for the ride.


Line by Line Meaning

These later days in Babylon
In these modern times, society is often chaotic and there is a lot of unrest.


As I watch your children grow
I observe and take note of the growth and development of those close to me.


And the years them carry on
Time continues to move forward and life keeps going.


And I miss you even more
I feel a strong sense of longing and nostalgia for my loved ones.


Still I send them go to school
Despite my emotional attachment, I encourage my loved ones to pursue education and betterment.


And tell them What dem fi know
I impart upon them the knowledge and advice that I consider valuable.


All of mi friend dem mi salute
I proudly acknowledge and honor all of my dear friends.


Daddi gon and Lenny Screw
Two specific individuals are mentioned, both of whom must be respected greatly.


Another year has come and past
Time continues to fly by as another year has elapsed.


Man a drop like morning dew
People come and go in life, often suddenly and without warning.


Uncle Warrick sick and gone When him couldn't catch a flew
Someone important to me has passed on due to illness.


Picka T you a mi don Respect long and overdue
A friend is mentioned and I express my deep respect for him which has been long overdue.


When nothing never did a gwan You still have on somethin' new
Even when there were no major successes in life, my friend managed to continue shining and moving forward.


Our friendship ever last All when one minus from few
Our friendship will endure even as the number of people we keep in touch with dwindles.


Yes we surely had a blast We're like family me and you
We've had many enjoyable times together and our bond is as strong as kinship.


I know every path you cross Lead to somebody whe' true
I am aware that anywhere you go, you will encounter people who are genuine and authentic.


Of the many that are called Only chosen is a few
There are many people in life, but only a select few are truly worth keeping as friends.


Of the real friends that serve you long Your memories might fade
While memories can fade, real friends who stick with you through thick and thin will remain by your side.


Your real friends will serve you long Sunshine or rain
True friends will remain loyal and supportive no matter what life brings, whether it's good times or bad.


Acquaintances will fade Your real friends wont do you wrong
People who are just acquaintances will eventually disappear, but true friends will always remain trustworthy and reliable.


Real friend don't change Only talking with winners
Real friends are consistent and do not change depending on the situation. Additionally, they surround themselves with successful people.


A loser or two Got my number Still they think they real But they just really awfully bitter
I have some acquaintances who think they are real friends, but they are just unhappy and resentful.


Salty niggas hate the smarter ones These are the doubters Who's our bout my run
There are people who are jealous of my success and abilities and doubt my capacity to accomplish more.


I barely made it out the slums My value high cause I do more than Rap about a gun
I come from a difficult background but my worth as a person extends beyond just rapping about guns in music.


I made money for niggas Y'all never looking out for none
I have helped others make money, but they have not returned the favor or looked out for me.


I helped millionaires get to that very position Some real millionaires see that's ill 'Cause look at statistics Real millionaires
I have played a part in elevating some individuals to millionaire status, and some truly wealthy people may be bothered by the fact that someone like me was able to help them achieve that.


And I ain't talking ghetto riches Thorough business
These are real, legitimate business achievements and not just some kind of 'ghetto' success story.


You mistreating niggas Heard your folks bleed in prison You ain't a G And if you was I don't recall Who would roll with y'all
You are treating people badly and your family members may have been hurt in the prison system. You are not a real G, and if you were, I wouldn't remember who supports you.


Buncha fucking know it alls Who's dough is small
You are surrounded by a group of people who are arrogant and think they know everything, but in reality, they don't have much money or status.


Look what's it come to Our rapport's good no more
Our relationship has deteriorated and our bond is no longer as strong.


We was good before Till I saw what type a dude you took me for
We had a good connection until I realized what kind of person you truly are.


We had a chance to take paper down What I took was more
We had an opportunity to earn some money, but I ended up taking the majority of it.


Because of hatred Opportunity wasted Your car and clothes will fade Real friend don't change
Our hatred for each other resulted in a lost opportunity. While material possessions like cars and clothes may fade, real friends will remain steadfast.


Hey Your real friend won't run in war Nuh care what the cost is You real friends are in for all the wins and the losses Fi Real!
Your true friends will stand by your side during difficult times, regardless of the cost or hardship.


No question at all Them ready fi rise the tallest Take to the enemies All for one And one for all this
There is no doubt that my true friends are always ready to stand tall and fight together when it comes to our enemies.


Real friend will hear you out No secret feelings Real friends won't sell you out No bargain pleading
Real friends will always listen when you need to talk and they won't keep secrets. They also won't betray you or try to negotiate with you.


Always looking out A meal! When outside a drought Your real! Friend won't hide you out No
True friends will always be there for you, even during hard times when you have nothing. They won't secretly keep food for themselves or abandon you.


When all else fails Your real friend wont do you wrong May laughter From backstabbers Turn to tears faster I wish for you
Even when everything seems hopeless, a real friend will remain dedicated and true. Those who betray you will eventually feel regret and I extend a wish for that.


No snake shall slither past ya You have to Keep your vision clear 'Cause only a coward lives in fear
Don't let anyone wrong you or try to deceive you. Hold on to your values and stay true to yourself, because living in fear is the sign of a weak and cowardly person.


My surroundings Got only real powerful niggas here Real men we have a code of ethics No question
I am surrounded by people who are genuinely powerful and respectable, and we have a strict code of honor that we all abide by.


No jealousies No feminine tendencies We expecting No gossip No phony logic No counting your homie pocket
We don't allow certain unproductive behaviors like jealousy and gossip in our circle. Rather, we expect everyone to act in an honorable and productive way.


Spare no expense for legal defense If your homey locked up No keeping tabs On who was the last who looked out Selfishness That's a character flaw No holding out Yo what happened to the honor?
We stand by our friends even when they are in trouble and we don't keep track of who has helped who. Being selfish is a negative trait and we don't tolerate it. We believe in honor and loyalty above all else.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Damian Robert Nesta Marley, Nasir Jones, David Ze

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

643Y M4M3U

Mu kukulu kimemene kiango ma putu (early in the morning in settlers' time)
Mu kukulu kimemene kiango ma putu (early in the morning in settlers' time)
Muxi mukanu dilola kumaku (with mouthwash and hoop in hand)
Wawe mu ndenge, wawe mu ndenge wami (O, babyhood of mine)
wawe mu ndenge (O, babyhood of mine)
wawa mu ndenge wame (O, babyhood of mine)

These later days in Babylon
As I watch your children grow
And the years them carry on
And I miss you even more
Still I send them go to school
And tell them
What dem fi know
All of mi friend dem mi salute
Daddi gon and Lenny Screw
Another year has come and past
Man a drop like morning dew
Uncle Warrick sick and gone
When him couldn't catch a flew
Picka T you a mi don
Respect long and overdue
When nothing never did a gwan
You still have on somethin' new
Our friendship ever last
All when one minus from few
Yes we surely had a blast
We're like family Me and you
A nuh every path you cross
Lead to somebody whe true
Of the many that are called
Only chosen is a few

[Chorus 2 - JR. Gong]
Of the real friends that serve you long
Your memories might fade
Your real friends will serve you long
Sunshine or rain
Your real friends will serve you long
Acquaintances will fade
Your real friends wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

[Verse 2 - Nas]
Only talking with winners
A loser or two
Got my number
Still they think they real
But they just really awfully bitter
Salty niggaz Hate the smarter ones
These are the doubters
Who's our 'bout my run
I barely made it out the slums
My value high Cause I do more than
Rap about a gun
I made money for niggaz
Ya'll never looking out for none
I helped millionaires get to that very position
Some real millionaires see that's ill
Cause look at statistics
Real millionaires
And I ain't talking ghetto riches
Thorough business
You mistreating niggaz
Heard your folks bleed in prison
You ain't a G
And if you was
I don't recall
Who would roll with ya'll
Bunch a fucking know it alls
Who's dough is small
Look what's it come to
Our rapport's good no more
We was good before
Till I saw what type a dude you took me for
We had a chance to take paper down
What I took was more
Because of hatred
Opportunity wasted

[Chorus 3 - JR. Gong]
Your real friends will serve you long
Your car and clothes will fade
Your real friend wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change Eh

[Verse 3 - JR. Gong]
Your real friend won't run in war
Nuh care what the cost is
You real friends are in for all the wins and the losses
Fi Real!
No question at all
Them ready fi rise the tallest
Take to the enemies
All for one
And one for all this
Real friend will hear you out
No secret feelings
Real friends won't sell you out
No bargain pleading
For real!
Always looking out
A meal!
When outside a drought
Your real!
Friend won't hide you out
No

[Chorus 4 - JR. Gong]
Your real friends will serve you long
When all else fails
Your real friend wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

[Verse 4 - Nas]
May laughter
From backstabbers
Turn to tears faster
I wish for you
No snake shall slither past ya
You have to
Keep your vision clear
Cause only a coward lives in fear
My surroundings
Got only real powerful niggaz here
Real men we have a code of ethics
No question
No jealousies
No feminine tendencies
We expecting
No gossip
No phony logic
No counting your homey pocket
Spare no expense for legal defense
If your homey locked up
No keeping tabs
On who was the last who looked out
Selfishness
That's a character flaw
No holding out
Yo what happened to the honor?
You're dealing with
Sensitive Pre-Madonna drama
Teflon love
For my dudes who solid

[Chorus 5 - JR. Gong]
Your real friends will serve you long
Your memories might fade
Your real friends will serve you long
Sunshine or rain, eh
Your real friends will serve you long, woe ya woe
When all else fails
Your real friends wont do you wrong
Real friend don't change

[Bridge - JR. Gong]
Now plentiful
Or scantily
My cup be full
Or emptily
With arm in arms
We'll all trod on
Through destiny
A friend that's true
Is there for me
Respect is due
They care for me
Should I be down
Or even out
They're next to me
Hey

[Chorus Out - JR. Gong]
Your real friends will serve you long
Your memories might fade
Your real friends will serve you long
Sunshine or rain, hey
Your real friends will serve you long, woe ya woe
When all else fails
Real friends won't do you wrong
Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change
Real friend don't change



All comments from YouTube:

indangasi edwin

can't get enough of this song...its lyrics are off the hook..real friends don't change..

Geri Attric

Every African, whether in the continent, diaspora or descendants, should listen to this whole album at least once. Inspiring positive wise messages and vibes. Truly a magical piece of art. Black spirituality and counsciousness.

ThegooberMan

Should be required listening 💯

John Marshal

Why only African?

Gigi Warner

Luvvvvvv alll of it!!

2 More Replies...

Stephie L

Perfection. Reggae and Rap is the magic combination. 🔥🔥🔥

Made Mane

This one of the few albums that keeps getting better with time. Top 5 rap album of all time

num

What are the other 4

Guy JL

Same. Been top 3 for me since I heard it the first time

Sony Etila

Real songz won't do you wrong,
Real songz just keep you in peace
Real songz make you dream
Real songz Inspire you
Real songz don't change

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