Runnin'
2Pac; The Notorious B.I.G. Lyrics


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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?

Check it, I grew up a fuckin' screw-up
Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
Choppin' rocks overnight
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?

Overall Meaning

The song "Runnin'" by 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. is a powerful song that grapples with themes of mortality, purpose, and survival. The lyrics explore the struggles of life in a harsh environment and the constant battle to stay alive. The opening lines of the song, "And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead? / Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?" reveal a deep sense of insecurity and a questioning of one's purpose in life.


As the song progresses, the lyrics delve into the difficulties faced by individuals growing up in tough neighborhoods. The lines "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" highlight the systemic racism and police brutality that is rampant in these communities. The struggles faced by young people in these environments are further explored in lines such as "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?"


Ultimately, the song is a powerful critique of a society that marginalizes and oppresses people. It is a call to action, urging people to question their own beliefs and to stand up for justice and equality. The lyrics of "Runnin'" are a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.


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Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: EDGAR WINTER, CHRISTOPHER WALLACE, OSTEN HARVEY, MARSHALL B III MATHERS, LUIS RESTO, TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@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

Сложно брат

@krystalford300

@@CrackZulu sssssssss

74 More Replies...

@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

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