Leaders
Nas & Damian Marley Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world
This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world

Yeah!
Got out the six hundred
Blunted
Chicks hunt him
Neighborhood know he comin'
Jakes hate him
Snakes could not violate him
Pimps memorize his lines-verbatim
He reps N.Y. yo
Gives C-notes to winos
Not church
It's how he tithe though
He walks the tenement
Sleeps at his super fly condo
My kinda nigga
My icon, my idol
No certificate
For this misfit who handle business
The odds stacked against him
He fights back mackin' Benzes
Never puts cash or ass
Before friendship
He laughs last
As some die young
He is still existing
Somehow he got around the pitfalls of the system
When he walks we watch
When he talks we listen
Leaders

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world
This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world

Who do I follow?
Who do I copy?
Look in to the mirror
And it's you I see look at me
Everything new
Like it fresh from the factory
Everything you do?
It impact me
Your lifestyle attract me
Parents try distract me
When I grow up
I want to be like you exactly (exactly)
And as soon as I get over this acne
There's no way anybody coulda stop me

Me gravitate toward the aura
And all the mannerism
The sending out of orders
And man start moving busy
The locking of the corners?
The streets and all the buildings
Me love you like a father
Me ready and me willing
Anything what you a talk
Is law in my dominion
And me have similar thoughts
I share the same opinions
Me have it say you smart
With me best interest at heart
I'm following your path
Yow mine when you a walk

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world
This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world

They appeal to the conscious
The Paramount
The Cesar, the monsters
The grandiose, the martyrs
The hell on earth pompous
Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson's
The Harlemites the Garveyites
Black as the credit card we swipe
Poppin' Dom tonight
For all of mine
I can see myself back at the Autobahn
Malcolm on the podium
Shells drop to linoleum
Swipe those
Place 'em on display at the Smithsonian
Next to only gems
That were left behind
By holy men
Infectious
Charisma of those who gave us direction
The anti-sexes
Resistance against oppression
Progressive thinking
Ghetto speakers
Protesters against the colored
Only section to the Jena 6 and
The Frost Nixon
The contradiction
The cross the crucifixion
The loss we took for sinning
On Esau's back inscription
That it was written
That nothing is coincidence and
They took our leaders and they lynched them

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world
This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world
Change the world, change the world
Change the world




Change the world, change the world
You change the world

Overall Meaning

The song "Leaders" by Nas and Damian Marley is a tribute to influential leaders who have shaped history, particularly in the African American community. The lyrics incorporate references to various leaders such as Malcolm X, Bumpy Johnson, and Marcus Garvey, as well as alluding to broader themes of resistance, oppression, and progress.


The first verse of the song describes a figure who is admired for his entrepreneurial skills as well as his dedication to his community. He is a role model for the singer, and his success in the face of adversity is seen as an inspiration to others. The chorus emphasizes the idea that everyone has the potential to be a leader and make positive change in the world.


The second verse is a conversation between two individuals, one of whom is seeking guidance and direction from a person they look up to. The lyrics suggest that the leader in question has a great deal of influence over the singer's decisions and aspirations, with the latter expressing a desire to emulate the former's lifestyle and values. This reflects the idea that leaders are not only defined by their accomplishments, but also their ability to inspire others and shape their worldview.


The final verse of the song references a number of historical figures who are celebrated for their contributions to society, as well as the injustices they faced as a result of their activism. The lyrics make a connection between past struggles against discrimination and current issues faced by marginalized communities, encouraging listeners to continue the fight for equality and justice.


Line by Line Meaning

This one's for all the leaders
This song is dedicated to all the leaders.


Leader
A leader is someone who inspires change in the world.


Lets all change the world
Through leadership, we can all work towards changing the world for the better.


Got out the six hundred Blunted Chicks hunt him Neighborhood know he comin' Jakes hate him Snakes could not violate him Pimps memorize his lines-verbatim He reps N.Y. yo Gives C-notes to winos Not church It's how he tithe though He walks the tenement Sleeps at his super fly condo My kinda nigga My icon, my idol No certificate For this misfit who handle business The odds stacked against him He fights back mackin' Benzes Never puts cash or ass Before friendship He laughs last As some die young He is still existing Somehow he got around the pitfalls of the system When he walks we watch When he talks we listen
This verse describes a leader who is a misfit, but handles business with finesse. This leader is respected by the neighborhood and gives back to the community. He takes care of his own and does not put money or personal gain above friendship. Despite facing hardships and coming from less privileged circumstances, he prevails and is still existing. His words and actions demand attention and respect from those around him.


Who do I follow? Who do I copy? Look in to the mirror And it's you I see look at me Everything new Like it fresh from the factory Everything you do? It impact me Your lifestyle attract me Parents try distract me When I grow up I want to be like you exactly (exactly) And as soon as I get over this acne There's no way anybody coulda stop me
The second verse talks about a young person who is inspired by a leader and looks up to them as a role model. This leader's lifestyle and actions impact them greatly and they want to emulate everything about them. Despite distractions from parents and personal setbacks, the young person is determined to follow their role model's path.


They appeal to the conscious The Paramount The Cesar, the monsters The grandiose, the martyrs The hell on earth pompous Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson's The Harlemites the Garveyites Black as the credit card we swipe Poppin' Dom tonight For all of mine I can see myself back at the Autobahn Malcolm on the podium Shells drop to linoleum Swipe those Place 'em on display at the Smithsonian Next to only gems That were left behind By holy men Infectious Charisma of those who gave us direction The anti-sexes Resistance against oppression Progressive thinking Ghetto speakers Protesters against the colored Only section to the Jena 6 and The Frost Nixon The contradiction The cross the crucifixion The loss we took for sinning On Esau's back inscription That it was written That nothing is coincidence and They took our leaders and they lynched them
The final verse talks about various leaders throughout history who have made an impact on the world. They have appealed to the conscious and the oppressed through their charismatic speeches and inspiring ideas. These leaders have brought about change and progress through resistance against oppression and progressive thinking. However, many of these leaders have faced resistance and have been unfairly punished for their actions. Despite this, they continue to inspire us and their legacy lives on today.


Change the world, change the world
The chorus reiterates the message of the song - that we all have the power to change the world, and should work together to do so.


You change the world
The final line of the song reminds us that change starts with ourselves - if we want to change the world, we must first change ourselves.




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

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

@levinyilmazkaya4944

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world
This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world

Yeah!
Got out the six hundred
Blunted
Chicks hunt him
Neighborhood know he comin'
Jakes hate him
Snakes could not violate him
Pimps memorize his lines-verbatim
He reps N.Y. yo
Gives C-notes to winos
Not church
It's how he tithe though
He walks the tenement
Sleeps at his super fly condo
My kinda nigga
My icon, my idol
No certificate
For this misfit who handle business
The odds stacked against him
He fights back mackin' Benzes
Never puts cash or ass
Before friendship
He laughs last?
As some die young
He is still existing
Somehow he got around the pitfalls of the system
When he walks we watch
When he talks we listen
Leaders

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world
This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world

Who do I follow?
Who do I copy?
Look in to the mirror
And it's you I see look at me
Everything new
Like it fresh from the factory
Everything you do?
It impact me
Your lifestyle attract me
Parents try distract me
When I grow up
I want to be like you exactly (exactly)
And as soon as I get over this acne
There's no way anybody coulda stop me

Me gravitate toward the aura
And all the mannerism
The sending out of orders
And man start moving busy
The locking of the corners?
The streets and all the buildings
Me love you like a father
Me ready and me willing
Anything what you a talk
Is law in my dominion
And me have similar thoughts
I share the same opinions
Me have it say you smart
With me best interest at heart
I'm following your path
Yow mine when you a walk

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world
This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world

They appeal to the conscious
The Paramount
The Cesar, the monsters
The grandiose, the matters
The hell on earth pompous
Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson's
The Harlemites the Garveyites
Black as the credit card we swipe
Poppin' Dom tonight
For all of mine
I can see myself back at the Autobahn
Malcolm on the podium
Shells drop to linoleum
Swipe those
Place 'em on display at the Smithsonian
Next to only gems
That were left behind
By holy men
Infectious
Charisma of those who gave us direction
The anti-sexes
Resistance against oppression
Progressive thinking
Ghetto speakers
Protesters against the colored
Only section to the Jena 6 and
The Frost Nixon
The contradiction
The cross the crucifixion
The loss we took for sinning
On Esau's back inscription
That it was written
That nothing is coincidence'n
They took our leaders and they lynched them

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world
This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world
Change the world, change the world
Change the world
Change the world, change the world
You change the world



@t.amabuthabean3189

Fave song on the album. Retraining my entirety for sure. I am not a leader but following and sharpening my skills.

I was a kind man. That made about three bad decisions. No forgiving me or allowing me the second round to do his thing well. I gotta strike out from comfort and self rely and sustain my being.

Hated by many loved by self. My soon to be ex-wife mind fucked me and bout had me jumping off the bridge to death. I didn't though. They plotting like a mofo.
Fuck it though bring my death, the can, and success. I have to get me stable or die trying.

I think my 8 yr fake marriage was set up and family orchestrated to allow my downfall.

I'll never know but I do know life is awesome and if simplified correctly with great focus many can and will reach their goals and obtain that generational wealth of they chose to.



@supadoja

the beautifulest thing ever is that it seems that Damian is talking to Bob 
"Anything what you a talk
Is law in my dominion
And mi have similar thoughts
I share the same opinions
Mi have it say you smart
With mi best interest at heart
I'm following your path
Yow mine whe you a walk"



@musicistheweapon123

Chorus: Stephen Marley]

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change The world

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world

[Verse 1: Nas]

Yeah!
Got out the 600, blunted
Chicks hunt him
Neighborhood know he comin'
Jake hate him, snakes could not violate him

Pimps memorize his lines verbatim
He reps N.Y., yo Gives C-notes to winos
Not church, it's how he tithe though

He walks the tenement
Sleeps at his super fly condo
My kinda nigga, my Icon, my idol

No certificate for this misfit who handle business
The odds stacked against him
He fights back mackin' Benzes

Never puts cash or ass before friendship
He laughs last?
As some die young, he is still existin'

Somehow he got around the pitfalls of the system
When he walks, we watch
When he talks, we listen
Leaders

[Chorus: Stephen Marley]

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world

[Verse 2: Damian Marley]

Who do I follow?
Who do I copy?
Look in to the mirror, and it's you I see look at me

Everything new like it fresh from the factory
Everything you do? It impact me
Your lifestyle attract me
Parents try distract me
When I grow up, I want to be like you exactly

And as soon as I get over this acne
There's no way anybody coulda stop me

Me gravitate toward the aura
And all the mannerism
The sendin' out of orders
And man start movin' busy

The lockin' of the corners?
The streets and all the buildings
Mi love you like a father
Mi ready and mi willin'

Anything what you a talk is law in my dominion
And mi have similar thoughts
I share the same opinions

Mi have it say you smart
With mi best interest at heart
I'm followin' your path
Yow mine whe you a walk

[Chorus: Stephen Marley]

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change
the world
Change the world

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world

[Verse 3: Nas]

They appeal to the conscious
The Paramount, the Caesar, the monsters
The grandiose, the martyrs
The hell on earth pompous

Ellsworth Bumpy Johnsons
The Harlemites, the Garveyites
Black as the credit card we swipe
Poppin' Dom tonight

For all of mine
I can see myself back at the Autobahn
Malcolm on the podium, shells drop to linoleum

Swipe those, place 'em on display at the Smithsonian
Next to only gems that were left behind by holy men

Infectious charisma of those who gave us direction
The anti-sexists
Resistance against oppression

Progressive thinkin'
Ghetto speakers
Protestors against the colored
Only section to the Jena 6 and

The Frost Nixon
The contradiction
The cross, the crucifixion
The loss we took for sinnin'
On Esau's back inscription

That it was written
That nothing is coincidence'n
They took our leaders and they lynched them

[Chorus: Stephen Marley]

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world

This one's for all the leaders
Leader
Lets all change the world
Change the world

Change the world, change the world
Change the world
Change the world, change the world
You change the world



All comments from YouTube:

@TheHippocrocapig

GOAT album. Untouchable. Apparently Damian went in the booth and spat most these lyrics off the top. Seen an interview with Nas, he said it was insane!

@choiceda5920

Link?

@stillirize_

Damn fr??? That's modness...

@WeThePeepHole333

This is one of thee all time all time tops best bow down worthy albums from the first record to the last record! Positive, Educational, Spiritual, & Dim Sum...

@shortie9103

Just dog walking Nas🥺

@H-BOBB-TV

@@shortie9103 stop smoking crack

3 More Replies...

@tonidavis1

Nas is in a class of his own.

@Matty80822

one honorably below Damian. seriously, there's a reason proud nas was humble here. Damian is unreal.

@seahawks5725

Mr. Marley is no chopped liver as well! 👊

@seahawks5725

@@Matty80822 this album was/is.so moving to me! I think I got hop to it during 2011 and mad AF that I could have been having it cause it was release during 2010! Every tracks bangs and says positive and educational things! MUCH IMFORMATION! Many people do albums together however RARELY SHALL WE THE PEOPLE be able to receive something so spiritually centered, educational, positive, and of course great to listen to! 👊

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