Only the Strong Will Continue
Nas & Damian Marley Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

All I do is stay focused, looking straight forward at the world and beyond
I feel people pulling me down
I feel some pulling me up, I can't get stuck
I just keep moving forward
I got places to go, man, let's go

When the Armageddon's dark and dread
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Come, we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan
Only the strong will continue
I know you have it in you
I know you have it in you

Hey, the victory's found in truth
Like innocence found in youth
Self-defeat is your own dispute
And, man, you put yourself in your own shoes
Either you're winning or losing
Don't you get it confused
'Cause you're starring in your own movie
Playing of the role you choose, so
Stand up and fight if you know that you're right and know you will never fail
Tipping the scale and the wind shall prevail and the boat shall forever sail
Hey, there ain't no stopping or cruising
Even when you're battered and bruised
Hold down all the sprinklers on Mt. Olympus
My god's tougher than Zeus

When the Armageddon's dark and dread (I get up and make it happen)
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan (I get up and we get it cracking)
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Come, we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread (I get up and I get it going)
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan (We get up and we keep it flowing)
Only the strong will continue (yeah)
I know you have it in you (yeah, yeah)
I know you have it in you

As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
New York to Cali for the money, power, respect
It's a journey, some'll get left behind
'Cause in life you cannot press rewind
Get it right: you only have one first chance
To make one first impression that lasts a lifetime
Reputation supersedes itself
Do you believe in Hell? Babylon greed for wealth
Do you deceive yourself and let your ego swell
And disregard those who most need your help?
Thick-skinned, the dark won't take my soul
Survived spiritual wars, see my welts?
And the evil's felt, but the faith is stronger
I saw grown men fall when I was a youngster
But I clench my fists ready to go against whoever
Tie my Timbs and rise in the end

When the Armageddon's dark and dread (I get up and make it happen)
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan (I get up and we get it cracking)
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Come, we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread (I get up and I get it going)
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan (We get up and we keep it flowing)
Only the strong will continue (yeah)
I know you have it in you (yeah, yeah)
I know you have it in you

No man live forever, but never say never
Every good he want better, just be a go-getter
And always be clever in every endeavor
The drastic time call for drastic measure
Your girl tied to pleasure from your neighbor since ever
The land and the treasure work for whatever
Just don't be a beggar, the Alpha Omega
Will bless every soul no matter which name you prefer
The immortal stepper believe in every skin
No matter which color they are
Would never let, Him not care which kind of weather
You're destined to rise like the Son of Rebbecca
Don't stop for a second
Every man reckon it sure would be good to be there
Whether Zion or Mecca
When the gates are finally closed
And the saints go marching in

When the Armageddon's dark and dread (I get up and make it happen)
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan (I get up and we get it cracking)
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Come, we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread (I get up and I get it going)
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan (We get up and we keep it flowing)
Only the strong will continue (only the strong will continue)
I know you have it in you
I know you have it in you

I'm a street-lifer always harassed by the C ciphers
Chief like Geronimo with his peace pipe
I emerge from the street life
This for the homies who relate, know what it be like
My QB life takin' a turn to the Louis the Thirteenth life
Twisted and mangled sort of like Bruce Lee life
Cursed with his son Brandon, if that's you and me tonight
I pray our fate's greater
I speak life, I still matter as a rapper, not doubtin'
Even Toni Braxton signed a deal with Craig Cowman
How in the hell am I supposed to stay comfy
When I pay child-support, alimony monthly?
Got Maseratis and Ferraris
Only like a woman who's a rider, but only hos want me
Single life crazy, niggas wives on me
I say stay faithful, they say they man connin'
So I'm stuck with some married woman so fine
Cheatin' while they husband is rushin' on the forty-yard line
Wonder if this is what my ex did the whole time
Good niggas always seem to end up with some hard times
Hope not, if a pimp slippin' in a ho plot
Ain't nothin' to a G in a two-tone drop




Kid, and it don't stop
See a nigga disappearin' with the baddest honies in the whole spot, yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Strong Will Continue" by Nas and Damian Marley talk about the importance of perseverance, strength, and resilience even in the face of adversity. The song opens with Nas reflecting on his single-minded focus to move ahead despite people trying to hold him back. He reinforces the idea that only the strong can withstand the darkness and dread of Armageddon, while weaker souls weep and moan. This refrain serves to inspire people to test their own strength and reflect on whether they are prepared to face trying times with resilience and fortitude.


Further along, the song delves into the importance of maintaining one's self-belief, the need to be mindful of one's actions, and the consequences of our choices. The lyrics urge the listener to uphold their principles and never compromise on what they believe in. The song draws parallels with the tales of Geronimo, Bruce Lee, and other iconic figures known for their strength. The final verse touches upon Nas's personal struggles, hinting that despite challenges, he continues to be a street-lifer on a journey of self-discovery.


Overall, the song aims to inspire people to stay focused, maintain their integrity, and find the strength to continue even when things seem insurmountable.


Line by Line Meaning

All I do is stay focused, looking straight forward at the world and beyond
I maintain my concentration and direct my attention towards the future and the larger world.


I feel people pulling me down
I sense individuals attempting to bring me down or hinder my progress.


I feel some pulling me up, I can't get stuck
Similarly, I feel others motivating and supporting me, and I must not allow myself to become stagnant.


I just keep moving forward
Despite the challenges and distractions, I continue to make progress.


I got places to go, man, let's go
I have destinations to reach, so let us embark on the journey together.


When the Armageddon's dark and dread
When the world faces chaos and destruction


A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan
Many individuals who lack resilience or determination will express sadness and complain


Only the strong will continue
Only those who possess strength of character will persist and survive


Do you have it in you?
Do you possess the necessary qualities to endure and thrive?


Come, we've got a journey to go
Let us proceed together on a challenging yet fulfilling journey


And when the battle get sour and dread
And when the conflict becomes intense and dreadful


A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan
Many individuals who lack resilience or determination will weaken and complain


I know you have it in you
I believe that you possess the inner strength to overcome obstacles


Hey, the victory's found in truth
Success and triumph are discovered by embracing honesty and authenticity


Like innocence found in youth
Similar to the purity and naivety of youth, victory is often attained through innocence


Self-defeat is your own dispute
Defeating yourself is a conflict that arises within your own mind


And, man, you put yourself in your own shoes
You are responsible for the choices and actions that shape your own life


Either you're winning or losing
You are either succeeding or failing in your endeavors


Don't you get it confused
Do not mistake one outcome for the other


'Cause you're starring in your own movie
Because you are the main character in your own life's story


Playing of the role you choose, so
Portraying the character you have chosen to be


Stand up and fight if you know that you're right and know you will never fail
If you are confident in your beliefs and know you will never be defeated, then stand up and defend them


Tipping the scale and the wind shall prevail and the boat shall forever sail
By tipping the balance in your favor, the winds of success will propel you forward, and your journey will continue indefinitely


There ain't no stopping or cruising
There are no breaks or moments of ease in this journey


Even when you're battered and bruised
Even when you are physically and emotionally wounded


Hold down all the sprinklers on Mt. Olympus
Exercise control over the obstacles and challenges that arise in your path


My god's tougher than Zeus
My faith and belief system is stronger and more powerful than the Greek god Zeus


As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Metaphorically, as I navigate through the most difficult and dangerous situations


New York to Cali for the money, power, respect
Travelling from New York to California in pursuit of wealth, influence, and admiration


It's a journey, some'll get left behind
This is an ongoing journey, and not everyone will be able to keep up or succeed


'Cause in life you cannot press rewind
Because it is impossible to go back and change the past in life


Get it right: you only have one first chance
Understand this clearly: you only have a single opportunity to make a good first impression or decision


To make one first impression that lasts a lifetime
To create an initial impact that will have a lasting impact throughout your life


Reputation supersedes itself
One's reputation is more important than anything else


Do you believe in Hell? Babylon greed for wealth
Do you have faith in the concept of Hell? The insatiable desire for riches in Babylonian society


Do you deceive yourself and let your ego swell
Do you delude yourself and allow your ego to become inflated


And disregard those who most need your help?
And ignore those who are most in need of your assistance?


Thick-skinned, the dark won't take my soul
With a resilient demeanor, I will not allow negative forces to consume my spirit


Survived spiritual wars, see my welts?
Having endured battles within my soul, my emotional scars are evident


And the evil's felt, but the faith is stronger
While the presence of malevolence is acknowledged, my unwavering faith prevails


I saw grown men fall when I was a youngster
During my youth, I witnessed grown men succumbing to their weaknesses


But I clench my fists ready to go against whoever
However, I firmly grasp my determination and am prepared to confront anyone who opposes me


Tie my Timbs and rise in the end
I secure my boots and prepare to ultimately emerge victorious


No man live forever, but never say never
No individual lives eternally, but it is important to never affirm that something is impossible


Every good he want better, just be a go-getter
It is natural for individuals to desire improvement, so become someone who actively pursues their goals


And always be clever in every endeavor
Exercise wisdom and intelligence in every undertaking


The drastic time call for drastic measure
During challenging times, it is necessary to employ bold and unconventional methods


Your girl tied to pleasure from your neighbor since ever
Your romantic partner has been seeking pleasure from someone else for a long time


The land and the treasure work for whatever
The earthly possessions and wealth are obtained through any means necessary


Just don't be a beggar, the Alpha Omega
However, avoid being someone who relies on others for handouts, be self-sufficient


Will bless every soul no matter which name you prefer
The divine entity will bestow blessings upon all, regardless of the name they choose to identify with


The immortal stepper believe in every skin
An eternal traveler believes in the intrinsic worth of every individual


No matter which color they are
Irrespective of their race or ethnicity


Would never let, Him not care which kind of weather
God would never neglect or disregard anyone, regardless of the circumstances


You're destined to rise like the Son of Rebbecca
You are fated to ascend and succeed, similar to the biblical figure of Rebbecca's son


Don't stop for a second
Do not pause or hesitate even for a moment


Every man reckon it sure would be good to be there
Every individual imagines it would be beneficial to be in that position


Whether Zion or Mecca
Regardless of whether it is in the city of Zion or Mecca, both of which hold religious significance


When the gates are finally closed
When the opportune moments come to an end


And the saints go marching in
And the virtuous individuals proceed triumphantly


I'm a street-lifer always harassed by the C ciphers
As an individual who is deeply connected to the street life, I am constantly plagued by police officers


Chief like Geronimo with his peace pipe
Holding a position of leadership and authority, similar to the Native American leader Geronimo with his symbolic peace pipe


I emerge from the street life
I have risen and escaped from the hardships and temptations of the street lifestyle


This for the homies who relate, know what it be like
This is dedicated to the friends who understand and have experienced the same struggles


My QB life takin' a turn to the Louis the Thirteenth life
My life in Queensbridge is transforming into a more luxurious and extravagant existence


Twisted and mangled sort of like Bruce Lee life
Complicated and chaotic, reminiscent of the challenges faced by martial artist Bruce Lee


Cursed with his son Brandon, if that's you and me tonight
Plagued by the tragic fate of his son Brandon, as if we too face a similar predicament tonight


I pray our fate's greater
I hope that our fortunes and destinies are more positive and favorable


I speak life, I still matter as a rapper, not doubtin'
I speak words of vitality, asserting my significance as a rapper and refusing to question my relevance


Even Toni Braxton signed a deal with Craig Cowman
Even the successful singer Toni Braxton entered into a contract with Craig Cowman


How in the hell am I supposed to stay comfy
How am I expected to feel at ease and content under these circumstances


When I pay child-support, alimony monthly?
When I am obligated to make regular payments for child support and alimony?


Got Maseratis and Ferraris
Despite my financial obligations, I possess luxury cars such as Maseratis and Ferraris


Only like a woman who's a rider, but only hos want me
I am attracted to women who are loyal and supportive, but it seems that only promiscuous individuals are interested in me


Single life crazy, niggas wives on me
The single lifestyle is chaotic, as married men's wives show interest in me


I say stay faithful, they say they man connin'
I encourage them to remain loyal to their partners, but they claim that their spouses are being dishonest


So I'm stuck with some married woman so fine
As a result, I am entangled with a married woman who is incredibly attractive


Cheatin' while they husband is rushin' on the forty-yard line
Engaging in infidelity while their husbands are busy on the football field


Wonder if this is what my ex did the whole time
I contemplate if this is similar to what my former partner was doing throughout our relationship


Good niggas always seem to end up with some hard times
It appears that decent men often face difficult circumstances


Hope not, if a pimp slippin' in a ho plot
I hope that I am not in a vulnerable position where a pimp is plotting against me


Ain't nothin' to a G in a two-tone drop
To a gangster, driving a car with a two-tone exterior is nothing significant


Kid, and it don't stop
My approach remains unwavering and persistent


See a nigga disappearin' with the baddest honies in the whole spot, yeah
Observe as I confidently and effortlessly attract the most attractive women in the entire location




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: COURTNEY GLENROY DIEDRICK, DAMIAN ROBERT NESTA MARLEY, NASIR JONES, PHILIP JAMES, SHIAH CORE

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

@audreydrewpaul

All I do is stay focused, looking straight forward at the world and beyond
I feel people pulling me down
I feel some pulling me up, I can't get stuck
I just keep moving forward
I got places to go, man, let's go

When the Armageddon's dark and dread
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Come, we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan
Only the strong will continue
I know you have it in you
I know you have it in you

Hey, the victory's found in truth
Like innocence found in youth
Self-defeat is your own dispute
And, man, you put yourself in your own shoes
Either you're winning or losing
Don't you get it confused
'Cause you're starring in your own movie
Playing of the role you choose, so
Stand up and fight if you know that you're right and know you will never fail
Tipping the scale and the wind shall prevail and the boat shall forever sail
Hey, there ain't no stopping or cruising
Even when you're battered and bruised
Hold down all the sprinklers on Mt. Olympus
My god's tougher than Zeus

When the Armageddon's dark and dread (I get up and make it happen)
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan (I get up and we get it cracking)
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Come, we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread (I get up and I get it going)
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan (We get up and we keep it flowing)
Only the strong will continue (yeah)
I know you have it in you (yeah, yeah)
I know you have it in you

As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
New York to Cali for the money, power, respect
It's a journey, some'll get left behind
'Cause in life you cannot press rewind
Get it right: you only have one first chance
To make one first impression that lasts a lifetime
Reputation supersedes itself
Do you believe in Hell? Babylon greed for wealth
Do you deceive yourself and let your ego swell
And disregard those who most need your help?
Thick-skinned, the dark won't take my soul
Survived spiritual wars, see my welts?
And the evil's felt, but the faith is stronger
I saw grown men fall when I was a youngster
But I clench my fists ready to go against whoever
Tie my Timbs and rise in the end

When the Armageddon's dark and dread (I get up and make it happen)
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan (I get up and we get it cracking)
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Come, we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread (I get up and I get it going)
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan (We get up and we keep it flowing)
Only the strong will continue (yeah)
I know you have it in you (yeah, yeah)
I know you have it in you

No man live forever, but never say never
Every good he want better, just be a go-getter
And always be clever in every endeavor
The drastic time call for drastic measure
Your girl tied to pleasure from your neighbor since ever
The land and the treasure work for whatever
Just don't be a beggar, the Alpha Omega
Will bless every soul no matter which name you prefer
The immortal stepper believe in every skin
No matter which color they are
Would never let, Him not care which kind of weather
You're destined to rise like the Son of Rebbecca
Don't stop for a second
Every man reckon it sure would be good to be there
Whether Zion or Mecca
When the gates are finally closed
And the saints go marching in

When the Armageddon's dark and dread (I get up and make it happen)
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan (I get up and we get it cracking)
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Come, we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread (I get up and I get it going)
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan (We get up and we keep it flowing)
Only the strong will continue (only the strong will continue)
I know you have it in you
I know you have it in you

I'm a street-lifer always harassed by the C ciphers
Chief like Geronimo with his peace pipe
I emerge from the street life
This for the homies who relate, know what it be like
My QB life takin' a turn to the Louis the Thirteenth life
Twisted and mangled sort of like Bruce Lee life
Cursed with his son Brandon, if that's you and me tonight
I pray our fate's greater
I speak life, I still matter as a rapper, not doubtin'
Even Toni Braxton signed a deal with Craig Cowman
How in the hell am I supposed to stay comfy
When I pay child-support, alimony monthly?
Got Maseratis and Ferraris
Only like a woman who's a rider, but only hos want me
Single life crazy, niggas wives on me
I say stay faithful, they say they man connin'
So I'm stuck with some married woman so fine
Cheatin' while they husband is rushin' on the forty-yard line
Wonder if this is what my ex did the whole time
Good niggas always seem to end up with some hard times
Hope not, if a pimp slippin' in a ho plot
Ain't nothin' to a G in a two-tone drop
Kid, and it don't stop
See a nigga disappearin' with the baddest honies in the whole spot, yeah



All comments from YouTube:

@bradpeterson9689

You will never hear this on the radio or other forms of media because the message is too positive, uplifting and unifying!!!!!!!

@Joe_Parmesan

And the people who say they hate hip hop, because they generalize it using negative stereotypes, won't even give it a listen

@Azrael442

✊🏻

@Baguenaudeur

Lol this was in a FIFA game. Probably the most mainstream video games series on Earth.

@angeldejko8842

Baguenaudeur yes, however fifa is about football, and football is a beautiful game, the media on the other hand is very messed up.

@daniellepurdey7735

Same as patience! Mind openers x

31 More Replies...

@prosperomojituko7049

This song never gets old, who is still filling it in 2020?

@Nick186

You know it I'll be bumping this for years more

@MrCrazyspinshots

Yuuup

@laterkijken6423

so good for religion/selfconfidence also.. but just a banger no matter what

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