Runnin'
2Pac/The Notorious BIG Lyrics
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Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
Check it, I grew up a fuckin' screw-up
Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
The nigga Biggie Smalls trying to turn into the black Frank White
We had to grow dreads to change our description
Two cops is on the milk box missing
Show they toes you know they got stepped on
A fist full of bullets a chest full of Teflon
Run from the police picture that, nigga I'm too fat
I fuck around and catch a asthma attack
That's why I bust back, it don't phase me
When he drop, take his Glock, and I'm Swayze
Celebrate my escape, sold the Glock, bought some weight
Lay back, I got some money to make, motherfucker
And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead?
Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
It's on me
But still I'm having memories of high speed when the cops crashed
As I laugh, pushing the gas while my Glocks blast
We was young and we was dumb, but we had heart
In the dark, will we survive through the bad parts
Many dreams is what I had, and plenty wishes
No hesitation in extermination of these snitches
Envious bitches, they still continue to pursue me
A couple of movies, now the whole world's trying to screw me
Even the cops tried to sue me, so what can I do?
But stay true, sipping 22's of brew
And now media is trying to test me
Got the press asking questions, trying to stress me
Misery is all I see, that's my mind state
My history with the police will shake the crime rate
My main man had two strikes, slipped, got arrested and flipped
He screamed "thug life" and emptied the clip
Got tired of running from the police
And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead?
Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
The above lyrics are from the song "Runnin'" by 2Pac featuring The Notorious B.I.G. The song was released posthumously on the 1997 album "Greatest Hits" and is known for its poignant and reflective lyrics.
The lyrics speak to the struggles and internal conflicts that often arise when living a life filled with violence and crime. 2Pac and Biggie both grew up in poverty and turned to drug dealing and other illegal activities to survive. They both became successful in the rap industry, but their success was overshadowed by their involvement in a feud that ultimately led to their deaths.
The opening lines of the chorus - "And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead? Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?" - suggest that despite their success, the artists were aware of the risks and dangers of their lifestyle. The repeated question of "Why am I...?" highlights the struggle to find meaning in a life that feels like a constant battle. The chorus ends with the line "Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?" which emphasizes the sense of hopelessness and inevitability that can come with a life filled with violence and danger.
The verses tell the story of the rappers' rise to fame and the challenges they faced along the way. They detail the violence they encountered, their run-ins with the police, and the toll these experiences took on their mental and emotional wellbeing. The lines "even the cops tried to sue me, so what can I do? But stay true, sipping 22's of brew" demonstrate a sense of resilience in the face of adversity, but also a feeling of resignation and isolation.
Overall, "Runnin'" is a powerful and introspective reflection on the realities of living a life of crime and violence. It showcases the talent and creativity of two of the most influential and celebrated rappers in history while also touching on the harsh realities of their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead?
I'm worried that people will make fun of me after I die.
Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
I feel like I'm constantly fighting for survival without any real purpose.
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
I'm questioning why I bother striving for success when there doesn't seem to be any hope for me.
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
I'm frustrated that I'm putting effort into others when they don't give me a chance in return.
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
I'm wondering what the point of living is if it all just ends in death.
Check it, I grew up a fuckin' screw-up
I had it rough growing up.
Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
I started dealing drugs and quickly became successful.
Choppin' rocks overnight
I spent long hours cutting and preparing drugs.
The nigga Biggie Smalls trying to turn into the black Frank White
Biggie Smalls wants to become like a powerful fictional character.
We had to grow dreads to change our description
We changed our physical appearance to avoid being targeted by law enforcement.
Two cops is on the milk box missing
Two police officers are missing and possibly dead.
Show they toes you know they got stepped on
If you see their bare feet, you know they were killed.
A fist full of bullets a chest full of Teflon
I have a gun and bulletproof vest for protection.
Run from the police picture that, nigga I'm too fat
I can't run from the police because I'm overweight.
I fuck around and catch a asthma attack
I could have an asthma attack from running or stress.
That's why I bust back, it don't phase me
I'll shoot at the police if I have to and it doesn't scare me.
When he drop, take his Glock, and I'm Swayze
If I kill a police officer, I'll take their gun and feel like Patrick Swayze in Point Break.
Celebrate my escape, sold the Glock, bought some weight
I celebrate getting away from the police and selling a gun, then use the money to buy more drugs.
Lay back, I got some money to make, motherfucker
I relax knowing I have more money to earn from selling drugs.
It's on me
I'm responsible for my actions.
But still I'm having memories of high speed when the cops crashed
I sometimes remember the high-speed chase when the police crashed.
As I laugh, pushing the gas while my Glocks blast
I laugh as I speed away and shoot my gun.
We was young and we was dumb, but we had heart
We were young and foolish but we were brave.
In the dark, will we survive through the bad parts
We had to be strong to get through the difficult times.
Many dreams is what I had, and plenty wishes
I had many ambitions and hopes.
No hesitation in extermination of these snitches
I have no problem killing those who betray me.
Envious bitches, they still continue to pursue me
Jealous women still try to be with me even though I'm famous and successful.
A couple of movies, now the whole world's trying to screw me
After becoming famous, people are just trying to take advantage of me.
Even the cops tried to sue me, so what can I do?
The police even tried to take legal action against me.
But stay true, sipping 22's of brew
I stay true to myself while drinking beer.
And now media is trying to test me
The media is trying to provoke me with their questions.
Got the press asking questions, trying to stress me
Reporters are asking me tough and stressful questions.
Misery is all I see, that's my mind state
I'm feeling unhappy and depressed.
My history with the police will shake the crime rate
My past encounters with law enforcement will create a stir.
My main man had two strikes, slipped, got arrested and flipped
My close friend had two criminal offenses, made a mistake, and became a government informant.
He screamed 'thug life' and emptied the clip
My friend yelled 'thug life' and shot at someone.
Got tired of running from the police
My friend got tired of avoiding the police and being in trouble with the law.
Lyrics Ā© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EDGAR WINTER, CHRISTOPHER WALLACE, OSTEN HARVEY, MARSHALL B III MATHERS, LUIS RESTO, TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@apblolol
"Why am i dying to live, if im just living to die." Hits me every time
@CrackZulu
Not alone
@Smash896
Word up
@lauriecook7128
Same here
@user-wg1bj6mi4c
Š”Š»Š¾Š¶Š½Š¾ Š±ŃŠ°Ń
@krystalford300
@@CrackZulu sssssssss
@haloskaterkid
A friendship destroyed by media intervention. Two poets gone before their time like many others that came before them. RIP pac and big, your influence and message lives on
@quest6264
adrift dam that got me thinking KINGS RESTING NOW
@omgman2248
Brad favor with Tupac Shakur
@MHWRESTLIN
quest 626 no the friendship was destroyed by Pac getting shot and rumours that bad boy set it up and biggie knew but never warned him