Meaning of Come Get Me by Nas

The Nas song titled 'Come Get Me' is a powerful and intense track that explores themes of power, survival, and street life. The overall theme of the song revolves around Nas's determination and fearlessness in the face of adversity. Through his lyrical prowess, Nas delivers hard-hitting verses that not only showcase his storytelling abilities but also convey his unwavering confidence in his skills and his ability to overcome any obstacles in his path.One standout lyric in the song is, "My niggas bust nines, puff lye and stick up cowards for they shine." This lyric speaks to the harsh realities of the streets and the survival mentality that Nas and his crew adopt. The theme developed here is the idea of asserting dominance in a dangerous environment where only the strong can thrive. It conveys the idea that in order to succeed and protect what is theirs, they have to be willing to take risks and confront any threats head-on.Another notable lyric is, "Streets is black as midnight, the concrete gray, with stains of blood and germ and piss all day." This line paints a vivid picture of the gritty reality of the urban environment Nas grew up in. It highlights the violence and decay that permeate the streets, emphasizing the harsh conditions that Nas and others like him had to navigate. The theme here revolves around the resilience and adaptability required to survive in such an environment, where danger lurks at every corner.The lyric, "If you ill come get me, 'cause I ain't running, If your gun's off the hook then we'll both be gunning," speaks to the theme of self-empowerment and the refusal to back down in the face of danger. Nas embraces the risks associated with his lifestyle and challenges anyone who doubts him to come and face him. This theme ties back to the overarching message of the song, which is Nas's unwavering resolve and defiance in the face of adversity.In the verse, "I'm like Luca Brasi, Vito's best hit-man, That's 'Godfather' shit, back seat, next lit plans," Nas references the iconic mafia film, 'The Godfather,' to convey a sense of power and influence. The theme developed here is the idea of Nas being a force to be reckoned with, akin to a mafia hitman who orchestrates everything from behind the scenes. It symbolizes his ability to navigate the streets and manipulate situations to his advantage.The chorus of the song further reinforces the theme of fearlessness and preparedness. The line, "Come get me if you real, 'cause I ain't scared, It's all fair in love and war, we can take it there," highlights Nas's readiness to face any challenges that come his way. It speaks to the idea that in the grim world he inhabits, there are no rules, and it's a constant battle for survival. The theme explored here is the notion that one must always be on guard and prepared to defend oneself in order to navigate the treacherous landscape of street life.Throughout the song, Nas showcases his lyrical prowess and paints a vivid picture of the realities he faced growing up in the streets of Queensbridge. The themes explored in each lyric contribute to the overall theme of the song, which is Nas's unyielding determination and unwavering confidence in himself and his abilities. 'Come Get Me' serves as a testament to his resilience, strength, and the unrelenting spirit that drove him to rise above his circumstances and become one of the most respected and influential artists in hip hop.