I Can
Nas
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I know I can Be what I wanna be If I work hard at it I'll be where I wanna be I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) Be, b-boys and girls, listen up You can be anything in the world, in God we trust An architect, doctor, maybe an actress But nothing comes easy, it takes much practice Like, I met a woman who's becoming a star She was very beautiful, leaving people in awe Singing songs, Lena Horne, but the younger version Hung with the wrong person, got her strung on that heroin Cocaine, sniffing up drugs, all in her nose Could've died, so young, now looks ugly and old No fun 'cause when she reaches for hugs, people hold their breath 'Cause she smells of corrosion and death Watch the company you keep and the crowd you bring 'Cause they came to do drugs and you came to sing So if you gonna be the best, I'ma tell you how Put your hands in the air, and take the vow I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) Be, b-boys and girls, listen again This is for grown-looking girls who's only 10 The ones who watch videos and do what they see As cute as can be, up in the club with fake ID Careful, 'fore you meet a man with HIV You can host the TV like Oprah Winfrey Whatever you decide, be careful, some men be Rapists, so act your age, don't pretend to be Older than you are, give yourself time to grow You thinking he can give you wealth, but so Young boys, you can use a lot of help, you know You thinking life's all about smoking weed and ice You don't wanna be my age and can't read and write Begging different women for a place to sleep at night Smart boys turn to men and do whatever they wish If you believe you can achieve, then say it like this I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) Now, go I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) Be, be-fore we came to this country We were kings and queens, never porch monkeys There was empires in Africa called Kush Timbuktu, where every race came to get books To learn from black teachers who taught Greeks and Romans Asian, Arabs and gave them gold, when Gold was converted to money it all changed Money then became empowerment for Europeans The Persian military invaded They heard about the gold, the teachings, and everything sacred Africa was almost robbed naked Slavery was money, so they began making slave ships Egypt was the place that Alexander the Great went He was so shocked at the mountains with black faces Shot up they nose to impose what basically Still goes on today, you see? If the truth is told, the youth can grow They'll learn to survive until they gain control Nobody says you have to be gangstas, hoes Read more, learn more, change the globe Ghetto children, do your thing Hold your head up, little man, you're a king Young Princess when you get your wedding ring Your man is saying "She's my Queen" I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) Save the music, y'all Save the music, y'all Save the music, y'all Save the music, y'all Save the music
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Written by: Nasir Jones, Roy C. Hammond, Salaam Remi
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, ONErpm, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Album and Release"I Can" is a single from rapper Nas's album "God's Son" which was released on April 8, 2003.
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Song ThemeThe song's theme is geared towards uplifting and encouraging young people. It seeks to inspire young black children to pursue their dreams and to be conscious of their history.
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Music Sample"I Can" samples the classical music piece "Für Elise" by Ludwig van Beethoven. This is one of the reasons why it stands out in the hip-hop genre.
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Chart Performance"I Can" peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Nas's second highest-charting single on this chart. It also reached number 7 on the UK Singles Chart.
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Music VideoThe music video for "I Can" features three different scenarios of children who are facing the challenges of growing up in difficult environments. It aims to portray a message about overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.
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Grammy NominationThe song's impact lead to Nas receving a Grammy award nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance in 2003 but lost to Eminem's "Lose Yourself."
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Lyric and ContentThe lyrics of the song reference the struggles of the Black experience in America, Egyptian history, and African heritage.
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CriticismAlthough the song was a commercial success, it received criticism from some fans and critics who thought Nas was trying to commercialize his sound. There were also issues concerning his historical references, with some critics noting the use of revised historical details.
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Collaborative WorkThis song was produced by Salaam Remi, one of Nas’s frequent collaborators. Together, they have made many influential tracks in Hip-Hop history.
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Social Impact"I Can" is a fan favorite and is considered one of Nas's signature songs due to its positive and inspirational message. It is often used in motivational playlists and seminars.
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LongevityEven after nearly two decades since its release, "I Can" remains widely popular and continues to garner airplay on various radio stations.
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Citation
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"I Can Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 30 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28766947/Nas/I+Can>.
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