The song 'I Can' by Nas promotes a positive message of self-empowerment and the pursuit of one's dreams. It emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and education, while warning against the dangers of substance abuse, premature sexuality, and surrendering to one's circumstances. Nas addresses these themes with a repeated affirmation that personal success is attainable through perseverance.
Nas opens 'I Can' with an address to the youth, encouraging them to dream big and to understand that the path to success is attainable through hard work and persistence. He touches upon various professions like architects and doctors as achievable goals, which opens a world of possibilities for children who might not have believed these paths were available to them. In his vivid narration, Nas outlines potential pitfalls such as the lure of substance abuse and the adversities some might face, painting a cautionary tale that personal choices have profound consequences.
In the second verse, Nas continues his guidance but narrows the focus to the pressures young girls face to grow up too quickly, and the perils that accompany such precocious behavior, such as encounters with malevolent individuals and the risk of HIV infection. He advises young girls to aspire to empower themselves through avenues like education and self-worth rather than seeking validation through dangerous or superficial means.
On the other side, young boys are not left out of Nas's counsel. He encourages them to look beyond a life of instant gratification seen in 'smoking weed and ice' and to pursue a path that leads to true self-sufficiency. This call to rise above the immediate temptations of their environments into roles of influence and responsibility reflects Nas's hope for their futures, instilling a belief that with enough conviction, they can define their lives irrespective of their starting point.
The final verse of 'I Can' encapsulates the song's overall message of self-improvement and historical awareness. Nas invokes a sense of pride and identity by referencing a rich African history before colonialism and the slave trade disrupted it. Here, he makes a powerful contextual connection of past to present, arguing that knowledge of one's heritage is a critical step towards personal and communal empowerment. By painting this broad panorama, from ancient empires to the present struggles, he motivates listeners to strive for greatness, suggesting that the youth can rewrite the narrative by learning and engaging with the world positively.
"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"
Nas warns about the dangers of young girls attempting to appear older than they are, thus exposing themselves to risky situations. He advocates for maintaining innocence and taking the time to mature naturally.
"You thinking life's all about smoking weed and ice You don't wanna be my age and can't read and write"
Here, Nas critiques shallow pursuits and highlights the importance of education, alluding to the dire consequences of choosing fleeting pleasures over lifelong skills like literacy.
"There was empires in Africa called Kush Timbuktu, where every race came to get books"
This line educates listeners about the rich scholarly traditions of ancient African civilizations, countering the narrow narratives of African history that are often taught.
"Read more, learn more, change the globe"
Nas culminates the song's motivational spirit by affirming that education is a powerful tool for change, not just for individuals but for the world at large.