Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: hardcore
Song Meaning of “Back When” by Nas
Nas’s “Back When” offers a retrospective look at his life before fame and fortune, and reflects on how his experiences shaped him into the person he is today.
The song begins with a nostalgic look back to his humble beginnings as an artist, dreaming of one day being a superstar “back when no-one knew my name”. Nas reflects on moments of struggle, despair, and loneliness, while acknowledging the lasting impact of the good times, such as the relationships he built with his friends. The chorus (“Back when life was just a dream and so far away”) reflects this idea of looking back and savoring the moments which defined who he is and what he has achieved.
The bridge of the song expresses gratitude to those who believed in him and supported him during difficult times, laying the foundation for his success. He’ll never forget what they did for him, and even after all this time he still appreciates it.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but Nas is grateful for the lessons learned and the memories of the “back whens”. His story serves as motivation for all that he is and all that he has achieved, and reminds us that despite all the highs and lows, life is an ever-evolving continuum of experience, from which we can learn and grow.