Andre 3000: Nathaniel had gotten locked up for a little trouble. It was Big Boi's idea to put him on the album, and half the time I had a cousin or somebody that was in jail [too] so we knew it would resonate with a lot of people. You look at these albums as time capsules, so when people go back and listen to them they can hear what you were going through. He was going through some trouble and he called Big Boi. Big recorded it [and] he put it down.
Mr. DJ: He went to Banneker High School with me. He was in jail for DUI, I think. He might've been in boot camp.
Nathaniel: I was in both, shawty. The idea really came from UGK's "Ridin' Dirty," when buddy's talking from jail. They really wanted me to do something like that. But see, I was trying to be a rapper, so I put a rap to it instead of just talking. I did it in one night. I talked to Big on Sunday, and I came back and called him collect on Monday and history was made.
Nathaniel
OutKast Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nigga gotta go on and goat damn
Get the shit straight when I god damn get out
Well shit
This what really goin' down
Wassup my nigga? Another day the same shit
Punk-ass C.O.'s on a nigga dick
I'm a G from C.P. I can't take the shit
Tryin to hold a nigga down in this country ass town
I'm used to smokin' chronic movin' pounds
They got a nigga on some, "Sir, yessir, left right left"
Throw me in the hole if my ass outta step
They treat you like a motherfuckin' slave
Dopefiends find Jesus, swear they saved
Niggas better get they game tight
'Cause these crackers tryin to take a nigga life and they rights
I'm surrounded by fake-ass crooks
They swear they kingpins but don't have money on they books
I hear so many lies it make me sick
These niggas called ballers sellin' dimes and nicks
I can't wait 'til the day they let me go
So I can eat some steak and shrimp
Grab a mic, and bust a flow
I'm Audi 5 nigga lights out
Hold it down on the streets until the day that I get out
I'm out man
The song "Nathaniel" by Outkast is a powerful and raw exploration of the injustices and difficulties faced by those who are incarcerated in the American prison system. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of life behind bars, with the singer describing the dehumanizing treatment he receives from correctional officers, as well as the boredom, frustration, and loneliness that are a daily part of his existence. The repeated refrain of "Nigga gotta go on and gyat damn" reflects the singer's resolve to survive and maintain his strength and dignity in the face of adversity.
The singer describes himself as a "G from C.P." (presumably referring to Crenshaw Prison, a real-life prison in Los Angeles), and expresses his frustration and anger at being imprisoned in a "country ass town" where he feels out of place and oppressed. He observes his fellow inmates, many of whom he believes are "fake-ass crooks" who claim to be "kingpins" but are really just small-time drug dealers, and laments the lack of opportunity and hope in their lives.
Despite the bleakness of the subject matter, the song is notable for its energy and defiance, with the singer proclaiming that he will not be broken or defeated by the system. The song's powerful message resonates with audiences even today, as incarceration rates continue to soar in many countries and the need for reform of the prison system becomes increasingly urgent.
Line by Line Meaning
Nigga gotta go on and gyat damn
I need to get the hell out of this place.
Get the shit straight when I god damn get out
I'll take control of my life and fix things once I'm free.
Well shit
This is the reality of my situation.
This what really goin down
This is the true state of affairs.
Whassup my nigga another day the same shit
It's just another repetitive day in prison.
Punk-ass C.O.'s on a nigga dick
The guards are always on my back.
Got me up at three o'clock cookin eggs n' grits
I'm forced to wake up too early to cook breakfast.
I'm a G from C.P. I can't take the shit
I'm a gangster from College Park, and I won't tolerate this treatment.
Tryin to hold a nigga down in this country ass town
They're trying to keep me down in this rural place.
I'm used to smokin chronic movin pounds
I'm accustomed to smoking weed and distributing large amounts of drugs.
They got a nigga on some "Sir, yessir, left right left"
They're treating me like a soldier, forcing me to follow commands.
Throw me in the hole if my ass outta step
I'll be punished severely if I don't follow the rules.
They treat you like a motherfuckin slave
The prison system is reminiscent of slavery.
Dopefiends find Jesus, swear they saved
Those addicted to drugs claim to have found salvation in religion.
Niggas better get they game tight
The other prisoners need to wise up and stay sharp.
Cause these crackers tryin to take a nigga life and they rights
The white authorities are attempting to strip us of our freedoms and even our lives.
I'm surrounded by fake-ass crooks
Those around me pretend to be major criminals, but aren't even financially stable.
They swear they kingpins but don't have money on they books
They claim to be powerful drug lords but don't have any money in their accounts.
I hear so many lies it make me sick
I'm constantly being fed false information, and it's nauseating.
These niggas called ballers sellin dimes and nicks
The so-called gangster-types are really just selling small amounts of drugs.
I can't wait til the day they let me go
I'm eager for the moment when I'm no longer imprisoned.
So I can eat some steak and shrimp
I'm looking forward to indulging in some luxurious food.
Grab a mic, and bust a flow
I can't wait to get back to making music.
I'm Audi 5 nigga lights out
I'm gone for now, lights out.
Hold it down on the streets until the day that I get out
I'll continue to represent my community until I'm released from prison.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
la Son
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@23 references psalm 23
A healthy portion of this song on all verses spits on spiritual