Nelly has been equally active as a businessman; among other ventures, in 2003 he released his own energy drink called "Pimp Juice," and in 2004 he became a minority owner of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats basketball team. He is also the CEO of Derrty Entertainment, his own company formed in 2003. Nelly has two clothing lines: Vokal (for men) and Apple Bottoms (for women).
Nobody Knows
Nelly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I... didn't know, there'd be troubles along the way
Nobody told me nothin, nobody told me nothin, nothin
Well, well, ohh, ohhhh, ohhhhhh, oahh-ohhhh
Well, ay-heyyy, ay-hey, we-ell
Uh-huh, uh-huh-huh, uh-huh-huh, uh-huh-huh
[Nelly]
That's 30 different teachers, over ten thousand different peers
And I done fought in e'ryone, been suspended e'rytime
Besides a few a felony, done committed e'ry crime
But never braggin on, just want you to see me what I done done
I'm never proud of it, so I don't have to go back there again
And uhh, I used to go like house to house (man)
Sleepin on couch to couch (you know)
Walk around stickin out my hands, lookin for a handout
Only thing I handed out was more bills
Only thing pulled me out was my will
God told me the sun don't chill
Determined to make use of one of these skills
Either that or go beat the block
Ain't no way you can beat the cops
Ain't no way I can beat the clock
Just a matter of time shut down your shop
Ohh, you stay up day and nights, livin this way of life
I was +Young and Restless+
+All My Children+ came and then I had a +Guiding Light+ (hey)
No more of that sittin mayne (c'mon) sittin and waitin
and thinkin somebody comin to take me up off them streets
But now I know..
[Chorus - Anthony Hamilton]
Nobody told me that the road would be easy, yeah
I don't believe, I've made it this far
My whole life, man I've been workin so hard and I know
Nobody told me that the road would be easy (Whoaaaaaa, that the road)
I can't believe, I've made it this far (Whoo, yeahhh)
My whole life, man I've been workin so hard and I know
[Nelly]
I can tell you right now, I'm sayin
I could sit here and count on one hand
How many people seen me graduate
I know a few that did but a bunch that ain't (hey)
Same folks showin up in swarms, waitin for me to go on
Wantin to see Ali perform, wasn't so po' before
I became this household name
I was playin them Little League games
Nobody curred if I go 0-for-3
Nobody out hurr rootin for me but my Momma
Supported me in e'rything, "Why she get e'rything?"
Some people got the nerve to ask
why'all can kiss my a**, and that's my Momma
Got a sister that need my help (hey) and I gave peace all with wealth
Give anything that I have, just to see her in perfect health
Now we out hurr complainin, "I got work to do" (ohh)
How bad you think you got it, somebody else got it worse than you (hey)
I done had them down and ups and, don't plan on comin back down (no)
Don't plan on leavin hurr no time soon, but I got too comfortable now
Wouldn't have no knowledge of wealth, without no knowledge of self
And I'ma keep walkin this road - my mind, body and soul
I know [echoes]
[Chorus]
[Anthony Hamilton]
I didn't knowwwww
There'd be troubles along the way (I didn't know there'd be troubles)
Nobody told me nothin (nobody told me nothin)
That would help me to ease my pain (to help ease my pain, yeah)
I've been walkin this roooooad, for forever and a day (forever and a day)
Now I've been searchin somethin (whoa-ohhh)
For someone to help me find my way (somebody help me, find my way)
And now I know
[Repeat Chorus]
The song "Nobody Knows" by Nelly begins with a soulful and poignant vocal performance by Anthony Hamilton, where he explains that he did not anticipate the difficulties that he would encounter in his life's journey. Nelly then follows up with a verse that tells the story of his own struggles and how he has persevered through them. He recounts his experiences of moving through multiple schools and living without a consistent place to call home. The lyrics express the hopes and aspirations of a young man pushing through life and seeking the guidance that he never had.
The song is one of the most emotional rap songs that Nelly ever produced. It was released as a single in 2008, and it features soul singer Anthony Hamilton. The theme in the song echoes the fact that life is full of surprises, and things are never made easy for anyone, which is often underappreciated.
Line by Line Meaning
I... didn't know, there'd be troubles along the way
I didn't anticipate encountering struggles in my journey.
Nobody told me nothin, nobody told me nothin, nothin
I wasn't warned or given advice regarding the hardships I would face.
I went through, 8 different schools in, 12 different years
I attended multiple schools in the span of twelve years.
That's 30 different teachers, over ten thousand different peers
Throughout my schooling journey, I interacted with numerous educators and peers.
And I done fought in e'ryone, been suspended e'rytime
I have been involved in numerous fights with peers and have had multiple suspensions.
Besides a few a felony, done committed e'ry crime
I have committed several crimes, including but not limited to felonies.
But never braggin on, just want you to see me what I done done
I do not take pride in my actions, but I want others to be aware of the life I have lived.
I'm never proud of it, so I don't have to go back there again
I am not proud of my past, and I have no desire to return to that lifestyle.
Only thing I handed out was more bills
I was not able to offer assistance to others, aside from accumulating debts.
Only thing pulled me out was my will
It was my determination that helped me improve my life.
God told me the sun don't chill
God reminded me that life goes on and I needed to keep moving forward.
Determined to make use of one of these skills
I am determined to use my talents and abilities to improve my life.
Either that or go beat the block
If I do not pursue my ambitions, I will be forced to resort to illegal activities.
Ain't no way you can beat the cops
It is impossible to win against the police through unlawful activities.
Ain't no way I can beat the clock
I cannot go back in time, so I need to use my time wisely moving forward.
Just a matter of time shut down your shop
If I continue on a path of illegal activities, it is only a matter of time before I face consequences.
Ohh, you stay up day and nights, livin this way of life
Living a life of crime is exhausting and takes a toll on one's well-being.
No more of that sittin mayne (c'mon) sittin and waitin
I am no longer waiting for someone else to help me, I am taking action myself.
I can tell you right now, I'm sayin
I want to emphasize the truth and importance of my journey.
I could sit here and count on one hand
I can count on my hand how many people have witnessed my accomplishments.
Same folks showin up in swarms, waitin for me to go on
People who did not support me in the past are now eager to be a part of my life due to my success.
Some people got the nerve to ask why'all can kiss my a**, and that's my Momma
I do not appreciate people questioning my success or my mother's support.
I done had them down and ups and, don't plan on comin back down (no)
I have experienced ups and downs and do not intend to return to difficult times.
Wouldn't have no knowledge of wealth, without no knowledge of self
Learning about oneself is crucial for attaining wealth and success.
I've been walkin this roooooad, for forever and a day
I have been on a difficult journey for an extremely long time.
Now I've been searchin somethin (whoa-ohhh)
I have been searching for something to help me on my journey.
For someone to help me find my way (somebody help me, find my way)
I need assistance in figuring out my path to success.
And I know
I have gained insight and knowledge through my experiences.
I don't believe, I've made it this far
I cannot believe I have accomplished so much given my past.
My whole life, man I've been workin so hard and I know
I have worked tirelessly throughout my entire life.
Nobody told me that the road would be easy, yeah
I was not made aware that my journey to success would be smooth sailing.
I can't believe, I've made it this far (Whoo, yeahhh)
I am amazed by how much I have achieved.
My whole life, man I've been workin so hard and I know
I am aware of the effort I have put in to achieve my success.
That would help me to ease my pain (to help ease my pain, yeah)
I wish someone had offered support or guidance to help me through difficult times.
Now we out hurr complainin, 'I got work to do' (ohh)
People often complain about their workload, but I know what it's like to have truly difficult circumstances.
How bad you think you got it, somebody else got it worse than you (hey)
There is always someone out there who is facing more difficult circumstances than oneself.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CORNELL HAYNES, ANTHONY CORNELIUS HAMILTON, JERMAINE DUPRI, JAMES ELBERT PHILLIPS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind