Purple by Nas Lyrics Meaning – A Dive into the Vivid Shades of Emotion and Consciousness

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Nas's Purple at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

I’ve always wondered what it’s like
To travel through dimensions
I heard It takes a lot of energy
So I can’t take the tension
I see the neon and pastel alike
I can’t really tell the difference
When it’s the same calming color
I always fall into submission
Can’t you see it gleaming
I can always tell because I’m hearing
Up and the down the floor Purple
Can’t take it anymore it’s Purple
There’s no need to lie
No need to say goodbye
Always watching the signs
It’s okay to cry
I hear my voice echoing
Taking time to listen it’s exhilarating
My reflection doesn’t define who I am
Cause when I look in the mirror I finally understand
Breaking through the walls
Purple
Up and down the halls it’s
Purple
In between my eyes
There are no more lies
No way out besides
It’s okay to cry

Nas, a lyrical maestro and hip-hop savant, has long been a force in weaving intricate tapestries of wordplay, social commentary, and introspection. ‘Purple’ stands out as a testament to his poetic prowess, a deep dive into the spectral colors of the soul and the fabric of reality itself. At first glance, the song’s title suggests a straightforward color-based theme, but a closer analysis reveals a labyrinth of symbolic connotations and emotional resonance.

Deftly transcending the mere references to chromatic hues, Nas immerses listeners in a metaphysical exploration of personal growth, the trials of existence, and the transcendence of superficial boundaries. Every bar in ‘Purple’ carries the weight of existential curiosity, pushing the boundaries of what mainstream hip-hop can encapsulate in its verses.

A Hue Beyond the Visible Spectrum: Decoding ‘Purple’s’ Deeper Narrative

The color purple traditionally symbolizes royalty, wisdom, and the mystical. In Nas’s hands, these associations transform into a kaleidoscopic lens through which he examines the human condition. Lyrics like ‘I’ve always wondered what it’s like / To travel through dimensions’ set the stage for a spiritual quest garnished in purple — a quest not just for understanding of the outer, but a profound introspection of the inner self.

The continued juxtaposition of neon and pastel exemplifies life’s contrasts and the difficulty in discerning truth from illusion. Nas, by asserting that ‘it’s the same calming color,’ indicates an acceptance of reality’s duality and complexity, and the solace found in surrendering to the inevitable, such as the inexorable distinction between happiness and sadness, life and death.

The Ephemeral Resonance of Sound and Sight: When Hearing Is Believing

‘Can’t you see it gleaming / I can always tell because I’m hearing,’ Nas proclaims, showcasing the synesthetic merger where sensory experiences meld. ‘Purple’ thus becomes an anthem for heightened perception and awareness, where sound evokes color and vice versa. This symbolizes the coming together of disparate facets of identity and consciousness into a symphony of self-realization.

Nas’s auditory imagery, paired with the song’s meditative beat, draws the listener into a hypnotic state where boundaries between senses blur. It is a notch above the lyrical prowess expected in hip-hop, as he transcends genre confines to capture something universally innate— a human experience painted in purple.

Beyond the Reflection: A Voyage of Self-Discovery

‘My reflection doesn’t define who I am / Cause when I look in the mirror I finally understand,’ Nas reflects, echoing the thoughts of many who search for self beyond physical appearances. The song’s undercurrents deal with the ephemeral nature of self-image and the importance of introspection. It’s a clarion call to listeners to discover the immutable core of their identity that mirrors fail to capture.

This central theme of ‘Purple’ is about breaking through the walls—both literal and metaphorical. The walls could be construed as societal expectations, self-imposed limitations, or even the corporeal barriers that encase our spirits. Nas invites us to consider what lies beyond the tangible, inspiring existential elevation through his prose.

Between the Lines: The Song’s Most Memorable Moments and Phrases

Amidst Nas’s careful layering of complex themes, an array of lines stands out for their emotive punch and literary merit. ‘Up and down the halls it’s / Purple’ echoes the omnipresence of the thematic color throughout one’s journey, symbolizing a constant presence of understanding, pain, and beauty which permeate every facet of existence.

‘In between my eyes / There are no more lies’ suggests a new clarity — an epiphany. Here is a place of authenticity and truth, stripped of facades. Nas is compelling in his portrayal of the personal catharsis that follows self-deception, carving out a path for listeners to re-evaluate their own lives.

The Cry for Emotional Liberation: It’s Okay to Feel

The refrain ‘It’s okay to cry’ becomes a potent emotional release in ‘Purple,’ resonating with a universal need for validation of our innermost feelings. In a genre often characterized by bravado and stoicism, Nas provides a counter-narrative that champions vulnerability as a strength, encouraging emotional expression as an essential part of the human journey.

The line serves as a pivotal moment, not just within the song, but potentially within the lives of its listeners. Here, Nas transcends the role of artist to become an empathetic witness to human sorrow, reminding each person of the purifying power of tears. The ‘Purple’ mood is thus transformed from one of contemplated observation to a catalyst for personal emotional freedom.