California
2Pac Lyrics


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California love
California knows how to party
California knows how to party
In the city of L.A.
In the city of good ol' Watts
In the city, the city of Compton
We keep it rockin', we keep it rockin'
Now let me welcome everybody to the Wild Wild West
A state that's untouchable like Eliot Ness
The track hits your eardrum like a slug to your chest
Pack a vest for your Jimmy in the city of sex
We in that Sunshine State where the bomb-ass hemp be
The state where you never find a dance floor empty
And pimps be on a mission for them greens
Lean mean money-making-machines servin' fiends
I been in the game for ten years makin' rap tunes
Ever since honeys was wearin' Sassoon
Now it's '95 and they clock me and watch me
Diamonds shinin', lookin' like I robbed Liberace
It's all good, from Diego to the Bay
Your city is the bomb if your city makin' pay (uh)
Throw up a finger if you feel the same way
Dre puttin' it down for Californ-i-a

California (California) knows how to party (knows how to party)
California (West Coast) knows how to party (yes, they do, that's right)
In the city of L.A. (city of L.A.)
In the city of good ol' Watts (good ol' Watts)
In the city, the city of Compton (city of Compton)
We keep it rockin' (keep it rockin'), we keep it rockin'
(Yeah, now make it shake, c'mon)

Shake, shake it, baby
Shake, shake it, shake it, baby
Shake, shake it, mama
Shake it, Cali (shake it, Cali)
Shake, shake it, baby (that's right, uh)
Shake, shake it
Shake, shake it, mama
Shake it, Cali

Out on bail, fresh out of jail, California dreamin'
Soon as I step on the scene, I'm hearin' hoochies screamin'
Fiendin' for money and alcohol, the life of a Westside player
Where cowards die and the strong ball
Only in Cali where we riot, not rally, to live and die
In L.A. we wearin' Chucks, not Ballys (yeah, that's right)
Dressed in Locs and Khaki suits, and ride is what we do
Flossin' but have caution, we collide with other crews
Famous because we throw grams
Worldwide, let 'em recognize from Long Beach to Rosecrans
Bumpin' and grindin' like a slow jam
It's Westside, so you know the Row won't bow down to no man
Say what you say, but give me that bomb beat from Dre
Let me serenade the streets of L.A.
From Oakland to Sac-town, the Bay Area and back down
Cali is where they put their mack down, give me love

California (California) knows how to party (really knows how, baby)
California knows how to party
In the city of L.A. (South Central)
In the city of good ol' Watts (uh, that's right)
In the city, the city of Compton (yup, yup)
We keep it rockin' (keep it rockin'), we keep it rockin'
(Yeah, yeah, now make it shake, uh)

Shake, shake it, baby (uh)
Shake, shake it (uh, yeah)
Shake, shake it, mama
Shake it, Cali (shake it, Cali)
Shake, shake it, baby (shake it, Cali)
Shake, shake it
Shake, shake it, mama (West Coast)
Shake it, Cali

Uh, yeah, uh, uh, Long Beach in the house
Uh, yeah, Oaktown
Oakland definitely in the house (hahaha)
Frisco (yeah), Frisco

And you know L.A. up in this
Pasadena, where you at?
Yeah, Inglewood
Inglewood always up to no good
Even Hollywood tryna get a piece, baby
Sacramento, Sacramento where you at?
Yeah
Throw it up, y'all, throw it up, throw it up
I can't see ya
California love (uh, uh, uh)
Let's show these fools how we do it on this Westside
'Cause you and I know it's the best side
Yeah, that's right
West Coast, West Coast
Uh, California love
California love, yeah

California (California) knows how to party (yeah, yeah)
California knows how to party (uh, uh, where they at? Uh)
In the city of L.A. (South Central, uh)
In the city of good ol' Watts (yeah, yeah, ah)
In the city, the city of Compton (in the city of Compton)
We keep 'em rockin', we keep 'em rockin'





Just come on shake, shake it, baby
Baby, baby, shake it, mama, shake it, mama, shake it, mama

Overall Meaning

The song "California Love" by 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre & Roger Troutman is an anthem for the state of California. The lyrics describe how California is the place to be for anyone seeking a good time. The song starts by praising California's party scene, mentioning cities like L.A, Watts, and Compton where the party never stops. 2Pac then welcomes everyone to the "Wild Wild West", highlighting how California is untouchable like Eliot Ness. He then talks about the state's love for money-making, with pimps serving addicts and people defining themselves by the amount of money they make. The chorus repeats how California knows how to party, emphasizing its position as the headquarters of entertainment.


2Pac continues his verse by describing his story in the music industry, how he has been making rap tunes for a decade, and how he's being watched and people envy him. He also notes how different cities come together to enjoy a good party and how people in California are not afraid to riot. He then mentions how people wear Chucks instead of Ballys, Locs and Khaki suits, expressing his love for the West Coast. Dr. Dre comes in with a verse that talks about where he's from, mentioning Long Beach and Oakland, Frisco, and L.A. He adds that the West Coast is the best side and that California love is a symbol of how much everyone enjoys living there.


Line by Line Meaning

California love
The deep affection for California is expressed through the music.


California knows how to party
California knows how to throw an amazing party with great music and lively atmosphere.


In the city of L.A
Los Angeles, the largest city in California, is the place where the party is happening.


In the city of good ol' Watts
Watts, a neighborhood in the city of Los Angeles, is known for its unique culture and rich history.


In the city, the city of Compton
Compton, a city in the southern part of Los Angeles County, has become an important center of West Coast hip-hop culture.


We keep it rockin', we keep it rockin'
We maintain the lively and upbeat atmosphere of the party.


Now let me welcome everybody to the Wild Wild West
Let me introduce you to the carefree West Coast lifestyle and the upbeat culture of California.


A state that's untouchable like Eliot Ness
California is invincible and has an unbeatable reputation that's incomparable to others.


The track hits your eardrum like a slug to your chest
The music is so powerful and overwhelming that it's like getting hit hard in the chest.


Pack a vest for your Jimmy in the city of sex
To protect your beloved, you need to pack condoms in the city of sex, a reference to Los Angeles being associated with the porn industry.


We in that Sunshine State where the bomb-ass hemp be
We're in California, known as the Sunshine State, where high-quality marijuana can be found.


The state where you never find a dance floor empty
California is known for its vibrant nightlife, where dance floors are always full with party-goers.


And pimps be on a mission for them greens
Pimps are always in pursuit of wealth and money in California's highly capitalistic society.


Lean mean money-making-machines servin' fiends
Pimps are focused on making money and are willing to do whatever it takes to serve their customers who are addicted to drugs.


I been in the game for 10 years makin' rap tunes
I've been making rap music for 10 years and have become an established artist.


Ever since honeys was wearin' Sassoon
I've been making music since the 80s when women were wearing Sassoon jeans, expressing that he has been in the rap game for a long time.


Now it's '95 and they clock me and watch me
In the year 1995, people are keeping a close eye on his actions and movements.


Diamonds shinin', lookin' like I robbed Liberace
My expensive diamond jewelry is so bright that he looks like he has stolen it from the notable pianist, Liberace.


It's all good, from Diego to the Bay
From San Diego to San Francisco Bay, everything is great and enjoyable in California.


Your city is the bomb if your city makin' pay
Your city is amazing when it's making a lot of money, showing that wealth has a significant impact on the perception of different cities.


Throw up a finger if you feel the same way
Show your agreement by raising a finger high in the air.


Dre puttin' it down for Californ-i-a
Dre is representing and showing appreciation for California's culture through his music.


Shake, shake it, baby
Move and shake your body, baby.


Shake, shake it, shake it baby
Shake your body with rhythmic movements.


Shake, shake it, mama
Mothers, shake your body with rhythmic movements.


Shake it, Cali
Shake your body, California.


Out on bail, fresh out of jail, California dreamin'
I'm free from jail on bail and thinking of the good life in California.


Soon as I step on the scene, I'm hearin' hoochies screamin'
As soon as I arrive on the scene, the women are screaming out of excitement.


Fiendin' for money and alcohol, the life of a Westside player
Addicted to money and alcohol, living a flashy lifestyle as a West Coast gangsta.


Where cowards die and the strong ball
Only the fearless and strong thrive while the weak are vanquished in this ruthless lifestyle.


Only in Cali where we riot, not rally, to live and die
Only in California do we riot and protest, not attend peaceful rallies, as we fight for our lives and well-being within the system.


In L.A. we wearin' Chucks, not Ballys (yeah, that's right)
In Los Angeles, we wear Chuck Taylor Converse shoes, not premium Italian Ballys shoes, showcasing the rebellious and anti-establishment style of the city.


Dressed in Locs and Khaki suits, and ride is what we do
We wear sunglasses known as 'Locs' and khaki suits while cruising around in cars, the epitome of a West Coast gangsta lifestyle.


Flossin' but have caution: we collide with other crews
We show off our wealth and success, but we need to be careful as we may encounter dangerous rival gangs.


Famous because we program
We gained fame and influence because we created the rap and hip-hop genre that has changed the music industry.


Worldwide, let them recognize from Long Beach to Rosecrans
Our influence and presence are recognizable worldwide, from Long Beach to Rosecrans, two notable areas in California.


Bumpin' and grindin' like a slow jam
Moving and grooving together rhythmically like a romantic slow jam song.


It's Westside, so you know the Row won't bow down to no man
Because we're representing the West Coast, we are proud and won't submit or surrender to anyone else, demonstrating loyalty to California's gang culture.


Say what you say, but give me that bomb beat from Dre
Regardless of what you might say, the one thing we all want is the incredible beats created by Dr. Dre.


Let me serenade the streets of L.A
Allow me to show my appreciation for the city through my music as I play my songs for everyone to hear.


From Oakland to Sac-town, the Bay Area and back down
From Oakland to Sacramento, from the Bay Area to Southern California, the love for California is spread far and wide.


Cali is where they put their mack down; give me love!
California is known for being the home of pimps and player's, so give me love while I flourish in this environment.


Uh, yeah, uh, uh, Long Beach in the house
Representing Long Beach, one of the many California cities where the hip-hop culture is prominent.


Oakland definitely in the house
Oakland, a city in the Bay Area with a strong African American culture, is definitely well represented in this song.


Frisco, Frisco
San Francisco, or Frisco, is another iconic city in California that is included in the song.


And you know L.A. up in this
Los Angeles is without a doubt very prominent in this song.


Pasadena, where you at?
Even the city of Pasadena, known for its high-class living and influential residents, is given a shout-out.


Yeah, Inglewood
Inglewood, a city in the South Bay region known for its sports and entertainment venues, is also included in this celebratory song.


Inglewood always up to no good
As the line suggests, Inglewood has a reputation for being involved in many illegal activities.


Even Hollywood tryin' to get a piece, baby
Even Hollywood, known for its entertainment industry, is trying to fit into the West Coast culture represented in this song.


Sacramento, Sacramento where you at?
Sacramento, the capital city of California, is included in the song as well.


Throw it up, y'all! Throw it up, throw it up!
Raise your hands high with excitement and throw them up in the air.


I can't see ya
The celebration is so wild and energetic that the artist can't even see the crowd anymore.


Let's show these fools how we do it on this Westside
Let's show others who disregard our culture how we celebrate life and party on the West Coast.


'Cause you and I know it's the best side
California's West Coast, where the hip-hop culture thrives, is the best side of the country.


West Coast, West Coast
The West Coast is where the celebration is happening.


California love
The love for California and its culture is deeply rooted in this song.


California knows how to party
California is excellent at throwing great parties and maintaining a lively atmosphere.


Shake, shake it, baby
Move and shake your body with rhythmic movements, baby.


Shake, shake it
A call to shake your body to the dance movements being played.


Shake, shake it mama
Mothers, shake your body with rhythmic movements as well.


Shake it, Cali
Join in the fun and shake your body, California!




Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Andre Romell Young, Roger Troutman, Larry Troutman, Tupac Amaru Shakur, Christopher Stainton, Ronnie Hudson, Mikel Hooks, Joe Cocker

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Agent Bosconian


on So Many Tears - Live


I fear only God and no human being


Even in the face of danger, I will stay strong


I have cried so much and fear that I might die soon


God, please guide me and take me to heaven if I die


I grew up in a sad, and lonely environment and it affected me in a gravely manner


I was abandoned; all alone and grew up in a community that was doomed to fail


My mind was greatly troubled and I couldn't be able to find my inner peace


I found solace and comfort in adopting a tough and rebellious lifestyle


Do you understand my pain and sorrow? I don't ever dwell on the past memories


To survive in a dangerous environment, you must react aggressively and quickly; in order to stay alive


I will always remember my friend, Kato. A good friend who has tragically died, and is no longer with us, anymore


I witnessed the day Kato perished on the streets and was calling for help


May Kato, and those who died before him, truly find peace in death


Is there really a place in heaven for a gangster like me? Always think and never forget about me


The friends that I once shared my laughter with; are now buried in their graves in the cemetery. I continue to shed countless tears for them; as I grieve for them


As I face many difficulties in the music industry, I will do whatever it takes to overcome it


People call me greedy and selfish for making money, yet they rarely can see me


I feel like I'm being cursed by the world and havin' disturbing; yet horrible premonitions


I have a fear that I will die and lie inside a coffin on a hearse, and want God's guidance and empathy


I want to escape from the problems, stress and the hurting of life


I yearned; longing for happiness and clarity in my troubled life


I'm trapped in jail and my life is in shambles


I feel like I'm doomed to go to Hell, but I don't know why


I'm in denial about my life, and I'm scared of death


If I go to hell, I will be in eternal pain and cry so much


I'm lost and tired, and I've cried so much


I'm contemplating suicide, so stay away from me


I'm intentionally moving towards death


I'm ready to die, and I feel like I have nothing to live for


The streets were ruthless, and I couldn't find peace


I'm on the verge of breaking down, and I long for peace


I lost my soul and my identity, but I was unaware


I had demons in my mind that were taking over


The demons inside me grew and ignited a fire


My head felt like a bomb ready to explode, it was a nasty game


I have no happy memories, only pain and sadness


I imagine my enemies murdering me in my sleep


I wonder if I'll live to see the next day


I ask God to pardon me for my wrongs as death approaches


God knows I tried my best, but I've seen people get killed


I witnessed innocent people, including children, being killed by drive-by shootings


I wonder why these tragedies happen as I pass by


I feel sad as I see the outline of a body on the ground and turn to drugs for comfort


I don't want this life, I want something different


There is no promising future for me; I'm trapped in the cycle of crime and violence


I feel like I'm in a never-ending maze


Alcohol made me act out and lose my mind


I've been disillusioned and now want a family


I want a family to see a better side of myself that isn't tainted by my past


I don't trust my girlfriend because she's been influenced by the negative environment around us


I hear rumors that my girlfriend is cheating on me with my friends, and I can't handle it


I collapse and pray for God to let me into heaven


I've cried countless tears and beg for God's mercy to let me into heaven


I've lost so many years and cried so many tears


God, I lost so many friends and associates, and...


God knows I tried my best, but I've seen people get killed


I witnessed innocent people, including children, being killed by drive-by shootings


I wonder why these tragedies happen as I pass by


I feel sad as I see the outline of a body on the ground and turn to drugs for comfort


I don't want this life, I want something different


There is no promising future for me; I'm trapped in the cycle of crime and violence


I feel like I'm in a never-ending maze


Alcohol made me act out and lose my mind


I've been disillusioned and now want a family


I want a family to see a better side of myself that isn't tainted by my past


I don't trust my girlfriend because she's been influenced by the negative environment around us


I hear rumors that my girlfriend is cheating on me with my friends, and I can't handle it


I collapse and pray for God to let me into heaven


I've cried countless tears and beg for God's mercy to let me into heaven


I've lost so many years and cried so many tears


God, I lost so many friends and associates, and cried so many tears

Aliyu


on 'Pac's Life

Ashanti

Nice

A.Bosconian


on So Many Tears


I am not afraid of anything or anyone other than God.


Even when I am in the darkest of times and places.


I have cried so many tears because of the pain and hardships I have faced in my life.


I ask God to guide me and be with me in my journey through life.


Even as a child in elementary school, I found myself attracted to and surrounded by sadness and hopelessness.


I was abandoned and grew up among a generation of people who were doomed to fail.


My mind was constantly struggling, and I could not find a sense of peace or comfort anywhere.


I found a sense of identity and belonging when I got the tattoo of 'Thug Life' on my chest.


Do you understand the struggles and pain that I have experienced in my life?


I am not dwelling on my past mistakes, and if you want to be successful, you shouldn't be either.


In order to defend yourself and your community from violence, you must be the first one to take action. We should never forget Kato, who was killed due to senseless violence.


Kato is no longer with us and has passed away.


I witnessed violent crimes, and I've seen the aftermath of people being killed on the streets.


I hope Kato, and all those who have passed before him, are resting in peace.


Is there a place in heaven for someone like me, who has lived a life of violence and crime?


Remember me and all of my friends who have died and are now buried in the cemetery.


I address God.


I have experienced a lot of suffering throughout my life.


I have cried so many tears because of the pain and hardships I have faced in my life.


Now that I am struggling in the music industry.


I will do whatever it takes to succeed, even if it means being labeled as greedy and only focused on making money.


Even though I am chasing success, I rarely get to enjoy it or be seen by others.


I feel cursed and have a negative outlook on the world.


I am having visions of dying and leaving this world in a coffin.


I ask God if he can understand what I am going through and help me.


I want to be relieved of all the stress and suffering I feel.


I want to experience happiness again, which has been absent from my life for some time.


I feel like I am losing sight of what's important in my life.


I feel trapped in my current situation, and my quality of life is suffering as a result.


I already feel like I am destined to go to hell, and I question where I went wrong in my life.


I am unable to come to terms with my reality.


When I die, I fear that I will be punished forever in the afterlife.


I feel lost and tired.


I have cried so much that I am now having suicidal thoughts, so please don't be near me.


Everything I do feels like a complicated and difficult step.


To bring me closer to what I want to achieve.


I am prepared to accept death at any moment since I feel like I have nothing to live for.


Things were very rough and merciless on the streets.


I was never able to find peace or rest in that environment.


I am close to falling apart and screaming for peace.


Even though I was empty and lost, I couldn't understand or recognize it at the time.


My mind was plagued with negative thoughts and emotions, which were trying to escape constantly.


The negative thoughts and emotions had been planted long ago and have now taken root, and the flame of negativity is now growing stronger.


Just like a match can light a fire, the negative thoughts in my brain can also do the same, causing pain and suffering.


I have no good memories to comfort me, only sadness and suffering.


I am afraid of being attacked and killed by the people who hate me, even in my sleep.


I wonder if I will survive through the night to see the light of the new day?


I ask God for forgiveness for my past mistakes and wrongdoings.


I am trying to face my problems and come out stronger and better.


The Lord knows I have tried my best, and I have witnessed violent deaths in my community.


Drive-by shootings have resulted in the loss of many lives, including innocent children.


I wonder why these tragedies are happening in my community as I walk around and see the devastation.


I am saddened as I look at the markings on the pavement where someone has been killed, and the only way I can deal with this pain is by getting high.


I understand that this isn't the kind of life that I want for myself, and I want to change it.


I want to change my life for the better.


I feel like there is no future for me, no matter how hard I try to change.


I am trapped in the cycle of crime and violence that exists in my community.


I am lost and confused about how to get out of this situation.


The alcohol has influenced me to act more recklessly and dangerously.


I have lost faith and become cynical about life recently.


I have been wanting to have children and start a family.


I want to see a better version of myself in my children, someone who isn't always involved in negative activities.


I don't fully trust my partner because of the negative influence of our environment.


My partner has also been affected by the negative influences of our environment, and I am hearing strange noises because of how paranoid I am.


I am paranoid that my partner is cheating on me with my friends, and I can't handle the stress anymore.


I am begging God to forgive me and let me into heaven when I die.


I have lost many friends and acquaintances to violence and death.


As a result of these losses, I have cried many tears and experienced a lot of sadness.


I have experienced a lot of pain and suffering throughout my life.

A.Bosconian


on So Many Tears

The lyrics of Tupac Shakur's song "So Many Tears" explore the themes of paranoia, pain, and death. The first verse of the song presents Tupac's fearlessness of men, but not of God. The rapper then describes his life growing up, where he felt like he was surrounded by misery but found a sense of identity and belonging in the Thug Life culture. He mourns the deaths of his friends, particularly Kato, who was murdered in the streets. Tupac questions to himself whether there is heaven for a "G" and reflects on the many homies who died; that are now in the cemetery.

In the second verse, Tupac reveals his struggles in the music industry, where he feels overwhelmed by the pressure and pain. He admits to being greedy and having a vision of dying young. Tupac requests God to free him from the pain and suffering he experiences in life. The final verse of the song sees Tupac lost, weary, and suicidal. He delves into his struggles with addiction, and he starts to hear voices and experience demons in his mind. Tupac desires to change, but he feels trapped in the game, and he is unsure of his lady's loyalty.

Overall, Tupac Shakur's "So Many Tears" is a poignant song that reflects the artist's tumultuous life and his struggles with death and paranoia. The lyrics also tackle the harsh realities of growing up in the ghetto and the impact that violence and loss have on the psyche of an individual.

Gabriel Benard Cote


on California Love - Original Mix (Explicit)

2 pac is the best

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