3rd Childhood Lyrics – Nas, DJ Premier

Meaning of ‘3rd Childhood’ Lyrics Explained

Chorus Meaning:
Here, Nas is basically reminding everyone that he’s the voice of the streets and nobody else fits that role like he does. He’s saying that his identity, his neighborhood, and his legacy continue through his child and the people coming after him. He’s pushing the idea of taking care of yourself, staying focused, and rising in your own way. It’s like him saying he’s still here, still connected to where he’s from, and still guiding others to get what’s theirs.

Verse 1 Meaning:
Nas is having a moment where he wonders if it’s time to let go of certain habits or looks that people associate with being young or from the streets. But then he compares that thought to people in rock culture who stay rebellious no matter how old they get, which makes him question why rap should have an age limit. He sees himself as proof that you can keep doing what you love forever. He talks about how he used to know very little when he was younger but gained wisdom from older people along the way, even from someone stylish and confident who reminded him that age doesn’t matter as much as how you feel inside. Nas points out how people of different backgrounds and lifestyles still keep their old traditions, whether it’s clothing or habits, which shows how deeply our roots stick with us. He mentions seeing an elderly man still rocking his hat in a classic street style, which shows that staying true to your culture isn’t childish — it’s identity. When he says he’s going out hood, he means he’s staying true to where he came from, not in a childish way but in a mature, evolved way. He has changed a bit as he’s grown, but the core of who he is remains the same.

Chorus Meaning:
Nas is reaffirming that his music comes directly from the streets and nobody else embodies that voice like he does. He sees himself continuing his legacy through his family and representing the place he’s from. He’s encouraging people to stay focused, take care of their goals, and keep pushing forward. It’s his way of saying he’s still grounded, still representing Queensbridge, and still making sure others rise with him.

Verse 2 Meaning:
Nas starts by speaking to younger people, reminding them that he has lived through their stage of life even though they haven’t yet reached his. He explains how as people grow older, the way they judge things changes — what was once amazing might later seem just okay, and even what seems bad may simply be something that could improve. He talks about writing to a judge on behalf of someone he respects, someone who managed to think his way through tough situations. He then makes it clear that big companies didn’t shape gangster rap; the culture and the people living those lives created it. He’s proud of helping honor hip-hop’s history, bringing legendary figures to the stage, and supporting places that preserve the culture. Anything connected to his name, he tries to keep surrounded by good energy and confidence. Even if he looks calm on the outside, he works extremely hard for everything he has.

He reflects on his childhood, describing how tough and dangerous his environment was. He grew up around addiction before crack took over, and even then, the earlier drügs were worse. While other kids played innocent games, he and his friends were exposed to things that no child should be around. He describes finding needles and even strange things in nature that they messed with, which shows how raw and intense his surroundings were. But despite all that, his friendships go back decades, strong like the routine of changing the clocks for daylight savings.

He then talks about this stage of life he calls his third childhood — a new phase where he’s enjoying life but still grounded in the streets. He compares it to a meal where this stage is the main part, and he hopes there’s even more good stuff ahead, like dessert. Even though life can be peaceful now, he and his people still protect themselves legally because of where they come from. And if someone has followed him through all of this, he appreciates it. He’s proud that he and his community can grow, evolve, and still stay connected to their roots.

Chorus Meaning:
Nas is once again stating that whenever he creates music for the streets, there’s no question that the voice behind it is his. He stands firm in his identity and legacy, carrying forward the spirit of Queensbridge and passing that energy through his family and his work. He pushes people listening to stay sharp, stay focused, and go after what they deserve. It’s his way of reminding everyone that he’s still here, still representing, and still uplifting the culture he came from.