Self-Esteem
Nelly Lyrics

You got to believe in yourself
Have faith in your abilities and potential.

Don't let nobody tell you what you can't be
Don't allow anyone to limit your aspirations or talk down to you.

You got to believe in yourself, yeah
Once again, confidence in oneself is key.

And everything else'll work out, you'll see
Believing in oneself can improve life circumstances.

I think I, no, I know I can
Adopting a confident mindset can transform one's personal reality.

Ay, yeah
An exclamation of agreement and enthusiasm.

Nobody, Everybody I think I
Disregard any naysayers and focus on personal growth and success.

You see my poppa was a rollin' stone
My father was constantly on the move / never settled down.

And my momma had problems of her own
My mother had her own struggles and challenges to cope with.

But I still managed to make it out okay
Despite obstacles, I overcame them and emerged better off.

Although I'm hailed as a hometown hero
I am celebrated in my community for my achievements.

Still in my hometown I'm seen as a negro
However, I am still subjected to racial discrimination in my hometown.

But man, that's okay
I refuse to be discouraged by external factors that do not define me as an individual.

It's so many obstacles in life to overcome
Existence is fraught with challenges to surmount.

And as soon as you jump over one here come another come
Once one hurdle is cleared, another swiftly takes its place.

But we got to be strong, and set examples for our sons
We must remain resilient while striving for success, as our children look up to us for guidance.

If the sun don't shine, then the decaying has begun
Without positivity, personal growth is stunted and things begin to fall apart.

They say I'm old enough to go to war
The government deems me eligible to fight on their behalf.

But I ain't old enough to play in the NBA no more
However, the basketball league has an age limit which disqualifies me.

Now you tell me, what's wrong with that?
Is this not an illogical inconsistency in the rules and regulations?

I pledge allegiance all the way to Iraq
I pledge my loyalty and sacrifice to my country's mission abroad.

But ain't nobody pledgin' to me when I get back
I receive no assurance of support upon returning from duty.

Tell my Uncle Sam he wrong for that
This neglect and disregard is unacceptable and unjust.

You see my self-esteem, I'm never leavin' home without it
The foundation of my identity and confidence is integral to me.

They told me I'd never make it, they told me I ain't doubt it
Doubters and naysayers only fuel my determination to succeed.

Now tell me whoever make it, now tell me I ain't got it
My accomplishments speak for themselves, defying prior doubts.

I'm seein (No Limits) nigga, who sayin' I ain't ('Bout it)?
I embrace the No Limits mentality of chasing my dreams and defying limitations.

That's right, you gotta believe it y'all, c'mon
Encouragement to remain optimistic and committed to success.

Rock on Nelly, rock on my brother
Words of support and celebration for Nelly's achievements.

Keep your head up over the storm, young fella (oh!)
Stay strong and resilient amidst life's trials and tribulations.

Got a letter from the government, opened and read it
Received correspondence from official authorities and read it.

Uhh, and told 'em all to forget it
Disregarded the message, as it did not concern or affect me.

C'mon, 'cause we believe in the future
Optimistic outlook on the future and what it holds.

Uncle Sam sent his man to recruit ya
Recruiting efforts by the government on behalf of the military.

You still can't trust it, 'cause you came this far
Remain cautious and vigilant, as there are risks inherent in such an endeavor.

End of discussion, when you KNOW who you are
Firm belief in oneself and one's purpose puts an end to doubts and uncertainty.

That's right believe, c'mon now
Continued encouragement to maintain faith and confidence.

Don't let nobody tell you, what you can be
Persistence in pursuing dreams despite critics and obstacles.

C'mon Nelly, tell 'em man
Further encouragement and support for Nelly's ongoing success.

Rockin' it positivity, that's right
Spreading positive vibes and energy in all endeavors.

Know I can, know you can
Believe in yourself and your potential for success.

You gotta believe it
Emphasizing the vital importance of self-confidence and belief.

You gotta believe, my brother
Urge to maintain faith and resolve in the face of adversity.

You keep doin' your thing
Continue to pursue personal growth and success despite challenges.

All the way to the future
Optimism about and commitment to a successful future.

For the babies baby
Success achieved not only for oneself, but also for future generations.