Lyrical Breakdown of Who Are You - A Journey through Words and Rhymes

Welcome to the detailed analysis of "Who Are You" on Lazyjot. Here, we unravel the lyrical complexity and artistic brilliance that define this iconic song.

• Lyric Overview: Witness how Nas weaves words into powerful emotions and vivid imagery. From intricate rhyme schemes to compelling storytelling, every line in "Who Are You" is a testament to masterful songwriting.
• Rhyme and Rhythm Analysis: Our Lazyjot editor highlights the ingenious use of multi-syllabic rhymes and the rhythm pattern that Nas employs. Understand the construction of each verse and how it contributes to the song's overall impact.
• Syllable Pattern Insights: Dive deeper into the structural elements of the lyrics. See how the syllable count varies across the song, adding a unique rhythm and flow to Nas's narrative.

This lyrical analysis of "Who Are You" not only celebrates Nas's artistic prowess but also serves as an educational tool for aspiring songwriters. If this analysis inspires you and you'd like to see your own songs analyzed in this way, join the Lazyjot community. Register at Lazyjot and start exploring the full potential of your lyrical creativity. Turn your thoughts into rhymes and your rhymes into songs with Lazyjot!

Hudson Heard you got your master's, did college up Never looked back, now that's what's happening And it's good to see you made it out the hood With a degree, a true man with passion Now you could enter the so-called "White Man's Society" and go right past them Looking in the Wall Street Journal for your face But it's always absent There he go, that's him eating flan and ambrosia Watch on his arm, golden, laughin' Try to get his attention But he's flinching, guess my grimy clothes threw him off, so I mention We were neighbors some time ago He was kinda cold, in this restaurant Full of his kind and more He sighed, tried to look surprised, I know His side of the city where he resides, so I had to go I heard him laugh hard at some sad black jokes Hate so-called "intellectuals" No balls, he suggests we vote He stand all proud, speaking to correct his folks He want to lecture folks 'Cause he professional and he suggest that we don't sell dope And I guess it's true, but who the fuck are you? Who are you, tryna tell me who I am? Tryna tell me who I am? Who are you, tryna tell me what I'm not? Tryna tell me what I'm not Who are you, tryna tell me who I am? Tryna box me in, tryna find who I am I'm Idi Amin, Marcus Garvey, H. Rap Brown I'm Muhammad Ali, I'm Reginald Lewis George Washington Carver, I'm Nas with incredible music Let's do it, thinking of a master plan Sipping on disaster, smoking on gangster Watching niggas argue, chillin' on my barstool With my Hell Up in Harlem hat in hand With a girl named Pat, she more than a waitress To order your drink with She divorced a banker and bought the bar She got an automobile, she gives an order to kill You get caught and robbed We could see your walk is off, you could lose your rhythm When you outta the gutter for a while You easily go to soft from hard Now we all about hustlers, number runners Hoes and sharks and we all know the code of the block And you talking some gibberish, anti-nigga shit 'Cause you marched back with Rosa Parks Brother don't start, go build your Noah's Ark You could float to the end of the world And pretend what you not, but I know what you are While I roll in my car, and I'm spending my knot While our enemies plot, you ain't out of the shot Matter of fact, you're an easier target And I respect everything you accomplished But I hope I never get old and talk that nonsense So who the fuck are you? Who are you, tryna tell me who I am? Tryna tell me who I am? Who are you, tryna tell me what I'm not? Tryna tell me what I'm not Who are you, tryna tell me who I am? Tryna box me in, tryna find who I am She Queen of Nzinga Winnie Mandela, Ida B. Wells Why can't you tell? Why can't you tell?