HomeNasSong Meaning of "Roses" by Nas

Song Meaning of “Roses” by Nas

Song Details

  • Album Release Date: 2012
  • Genre: hardcore

Song Meaning of “Roses” by Nas

Nas’s song “Roses” speaks to the struggles of life that people go through and reminds them to not lose hope despite the changes in life. The chorus of the song evokes a sense of resilience despite any hardship: “Some change, the same roses but in different vases”. This reflects how despite the difficult challenges and disappointments one faces, they can still come out of it as the same person, carrying whatever strength that they once had.

The verses each provide examples of misfortune that life can bring. In the first verse, Nas references the financial struggles people face, rapping “The money comes and it goes, full of strife”. Additionally, he mentions the glamorization of violence, drugs, and superficiality that can exist in the world and how it can lead people down destructive paths. He talks about the power of ambition and how despite these obstacles, one must stay focused on their dreams and aspirations, with the lyrics “Only roses, my dreams in the air playin’ like violins” making this point.

Nas’s song “Roses” thus provides both motivation and a reminder to not lose hope in life’s midst of upheavals. Even though things might not stay the same, one can remain resilient and survive the fluctuating forces that life brings.

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