Yours Lyrics – De La Soul

Yours Lyrics Meaning

[Intro]
The intro is a fun way of calling out to young people and getting them hyped. It spells out “Young World” letter by letter, making everyone feel included and part of something big. It’s like saying, “Hey, this is your time, your chance, your world to explore and enjoy.” It immediately sets a positive and energetic tone, encouraging youth to pay attention, participate, and feel proud of being part of the generation that can make a difference.

[Chorus: Slick Rick]
The chorus is telling young people to take charge of their lives and make the most of every opportunity. It reminds them to speak up, find their own path, and not let others control their choices before they’ve explored and learned. It encourages staying focused, avoiding distractions, and knowing that mistakes are okay as long as they keep moving forward. The repeated message that “the world is yours” reinforces confidence, independence, and the idea that their potential is limitless if they stay true to themselves and follow their own journey.

[Verse 1: Posdnous & Slick Rick]
This verse talks about figuring out what it means to live a good life and making wise choices. It shows that not everyone we meet will stay in our lives, and some decisions have costs, but understanding this helps us grow. It encourages self-confidence and using your own skills and energy instead of letting others control your success. Mistakes and failures are seen as learning experiences, like relationships that teach lessons. The lyrics also remind listeners to respect the people who paved the way before them and to not get caught up in small distractions or selfish agendas. Life is short, and there’s no permanent youth, so the focus should be on learning, growing, and living in a way that builds a strong, fulfilling future. It’s about taking ownership of your life, making smart choices, and striving for personal improvement and balance.

[Chorus: Slick Rick]
The chorus repeats the encouragement to young people to grab opportunities, have a voice, and explore life before taking control. It emphasizes finding your own direction, avoiding wrong influences, and trusting yourself. The line about style being cliché is a playful nod to experience and personality. Overall, it inspires confidence and reminds everyone that they have the power to shape their life because the world is theirs if they pursue it with focus, care, and self-belief.

[Verse 2: Common & Slick Rick]
This verse focuses on growth, learning, and staying true to yourself despite pressures from society. It encourages young people to keep faith, keep striving, and act with integrity while acknowledging that life isn’t always easy. It reminds listeners that actions speak louder than words, and that they are being watched and influenced by the world around them. The verse talks about the challenges of proving yourself, feeling responsibility to family or society, and resisting pressures to conform. It urges youth to stay optimistic, aim for personal excellence, and lead by example, while understanding that life has limits and there’s no forever-young pass. Staying honest, focused, and true helps guide them toward success and fulfillment.

[Chorus: Slick Rick]
The chorus repeats the core message of empowerment for young people. It encourages speaking up, exploring possibilities, and being patient before taking charge. It reminds them to trust their own judgment, not be misled, and stay confident in their abilities. The repetition strengthens the idea that life is full of opportunities, and with focus, determination, and respect for oneself and others, the world can truly be theirs to shape. It’s a boost of motivation to keep pushing forward and taking life into their own hands.

[Outro]
The outro reflects on life itself and the uncertainty of the future. It compares the lines in our hands to lifelines, hinting that our paths and endings aren’t fully revealed. Focusing too much on death or final outcomes can stop us from really living. The lyrics encourage paying attention to the present, making the most of every moment, and living fully without fear of what’s ahead. Life should be experienced actively, not wasted worrying about endings, because true living comes from embracing each day with awareness, choice, and purpose.