It’s Time Lyrics – Nas, DJ Premier

Meaning of ‘It’s Time’ Lyrics Explained

Intro Meaning:
He’s basically calling out to a friend, saying the moment has arrived to look back and jump into memories, like stepping into a journey through time.

Verse 1 Meaning:
He talks about feeling time move through him, like it’s part of who he is, and he wonders how effortlessly he can still rap even with his eyes closed. He invites the listener to imagine his life like a movie, asking them to follow along as he goes back to his younger days before he became who he is now. He remembers moments when things in the streets first started getting complicated, driving around the city, visiting familiar spots, and hanging around in places tied to his old lifestyle. He even recalls being near a tree in his old car, with Biggie around during those days, which shows how deep those memories run. Time seems to disappear quickly, and before he knows it, he’s back in his old neighborhood, walking the same streets he used to know. He’s back in Queensbridge, a place tied to both opportunity and danger, known for rough experiences and fast money. He sees someone who just got out after twenty years, which reminds him how long life can move without you noticing. He takes a breath, grounding himself, saying he’s not trying to show off or chase attention. Instead, he truly wants the people around him to do well. He encourages everyone to value the time they have because life moves fast, and you never know how quickly things can change.

Chorus Meaning:
These lines hint that the listener already understands the message: time keeps moving whether you pay attention or not. There’s a sense that big things have happened and shaped who he is, and the idea of traveling through memories adds to the reminder that life doesn’t slow down. Everything slips by, making it important to stay aware of what matters.

Verse 2 Meaning:
He talks about using every moment thoughtfully, recognizing that time keeps passing no matter what. He reflects on how time works in a bigger sense, from the start of the universe to now, realizing that humans haven’t actually been around that long. Having lived past fifty, he sees life with more experience and questions whether there should be an age limit on calling someone out, or if it’s simply another way to send a message. He observes younger kids doing violent things, which feels unreal to him because it shows how fast times have changed. Even with cameras everywhere, people still act recklessly. He mentions riding in a luxury car, lighting up, and carrying himself with a tough exterior, comparing the emotional coldness around him to a famous sad song. He wonders if he’s still stuck in an old hustler mindset, focused on money and flashy things like diamonds on his hands. He remembers how people could smell what they were into from far away and how others would try to snitch on them. Summers were filled with veterans dealing with their own struggles while also giving them trouble. Despite all the chaos, he offers a prayer, saying even people from the streets deserve peace and heaven, and he admits the weight of life is heavy. Then he calls for the chorus to come back in, like returning to the main idea.

Chorus Meaning:
He’s repeating the idea that the listener already understands the point: huge things have happened, and time keeps slipping away, reminding everyone to stay aware of how fast life moves.

Outro Meaning:
He gives a quick reminder that the moment has arrived, and it’s time to take this journey through memories once more.