Song of the Week – 9-23-08 – Self-Esteem by Nelly (feat. Chuck D.)
If you've been following this blog you know that weekly songs have been provided by DJ Rinkrat for the past few months. This week, Rinkrat is on hiatus and Gal VanIZed is at the turntable. I may have found out about this song thanks to Rinkrat but I'm the one who insisted that it be the song of the week.
I want to dedicate this tune to all my students at Long Beach City College. We are always talking about how one person makes a difference and how your thoughts effect your perception. What do you suppose might happen if you made this song your theme song. What if you listened to it so many times that it got stuck in your head. What if, everytime you started to doubt yourself or feel like giving up, you started thinking about this song?
I think it could be powerful.
I looked for the lyrics to Self-Esteem by Nelly on the web but didn't find them so I listened to the song (willingly) about 5 times and tried to jot them all down. I'm gonna have sweet dreams tonight. If you can help me with any of the parts I've missed, I appreciate it.
Chours 1
You got to believe in yourself
Don't let nobody tell you what you can be
You got to believe in yourself
And everything else will work out, you'll see
2x
Chorus 2
I think, I.., Naw, I know, I can 3x
I know I can 2x
You see my papa was a rolling stone
and my momma had problems of her own
but I still managed to make it out okay
although I'm hailed as a hometown hero
Still in my hometown I'm seen as a negro
but man that's okay
There's so many obstacles in life to overcome
and as soon as you jump over one
here come another one
But we got to be strong and set examples for our sons
If the sun don't shine then the decaying has begun
Chorus 1 repeat 2x
Chorus 2 repeat 3x
They say I'm old enough to go to war
But I ain't old enough to play in the NBA no more
Now you tell me what's wrong with that
I pledge allegiance all the way to Iraq
But ain't nobody pledging to me when I get back
Tell my Uncle Sam he's wrong for that
You see my self-esteem
I'm never leaving home without it
They told me I'd never make it
They told me I ain't got it
(this verse is unclear for me)
Now tell me whoever made it
now tell me I ain't got it
I'm sayin' (??)
who's sayin' I ain't (??)
Chorus 1 repeat x2
That's right
You gotta believe it brother
Chours 2 repeat - 3x's
Rock on Nelly
Rock on my brother
Keep your head up over the storm young fellow
Got a letter from the government
Opened it, read it
and told 'em all to forget it
Because we believe in the future
Uncle Sam sends his man to recruit you
You still can't trust it
But you came this far
end of discussion
When you know who you are
Chorus 1 repeat 2x
That's right, believe
Com'on now
Don't let nobody tell you what you can be
Nelly, tell 'em now
That's right, rockin' in pos-i-tivity
Chorus 2 repeat 2x
You gotta believe
You gotta believe my brother
You keep doin' your thing
That's right, keep that head up
all the way into the future
that's right
for the babies, baby
Buy Self Esteem by Nelly on iTunesThe song of the week is brought to you by Michael Zampelli, former owner of Southern California punk rock icon, Zed Records. For almost 30 years, this mecca of punk and alternative music kept Southern California enthusiasts adequately supplied with unique, original and innovative music.
Currently, Zampelli manages a hockey fan message boards at www.letsgokings.com with thousands of subscribers. He takes photos for the LAist and the LA Derby Dolls. Each week he will contribute a song with a theme, a message and a beat. Enjoy and stay tuned.
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2 Responses to “Song of the Week – 9-23-08 – Self-Esteem by Nelly (feat. Chuck D.)”
To know that you are able to relate to many viewpoints let’s me know that your vision is keen and open, thank Professor Z for ALL the encouragement it is people like you that make a differance in the world and with your students. Thank you for sharing the vision that you and your soul mate has given to all the people who lives you do touch!!!!
Peace out and have the best weekend life could offer you. dont forget you make it!
Howdy Expert, what made you want to write on Song of the Week – 9-23-08 – Self-Esteem by Nelly (feat. Chuck D.)? I was wondering, because I have been thinking about this since last Monday.
WOW!!!!!
To know that you are able to relate to many viewpoints let’s me know that your vision is keen and open, thank Professor Z for ALL the encouragement it is people like you that make a differance in the world and with your students. Thank you for sharing the vision that you and your soul mate has given to all the people who lives you do touch!!!!
Peace out and have the best weekend life could offer you. dont forget you make it!
Respectfully your student,
TK Aaron-Lyday
Howdy Expert, what made you want to write on Song of the Week – 9-23-08 – Self-Esteem by Nelly (feat. Chuck D.)? I was wondering, because I have been thinking about this since last Monday.