The original version of the track was not available on any of Shakur's studio albums, but it can now be found on Shakur's of Greatest Hits compilation.
The tune was adapted from Joe Cocker's song Woman to Woman, while the "California knows how to party" lines listing Los Angeles County neighborhoods are sung by Troutman. The vocals "In the City of Compton" and the other cities and "California knows how to party" is adapted from Ronnie Hudson and the Street People's "West Coast Poplock". The remix features a sample from the song Intimate Connection by Kleeer, written by Norman Durham and Woody Cunningham.
"California Love" was Shakur's only entry on Rolling Stone's 2004 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, ranked #346; it was listed at #51 on VH1's countdown of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s.
California Love
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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'
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
In his hit single California Love, 2Pac paints a vivid picture of California as a state that knows how to party. The first verse begins with the declaration that California knows how to party and sets the scene of the party in different parts of the state, including LA, Watts, and Compton. The chorus reinforces the statement that California is the place to be if you want to party and introduces the West Coast as the place to find the best parties. The second verse begins with a welcome to the Wild West and describes the state's untouchable status before going on to explain that the state is well-known for its hemp, parties, and pimps. The verse also mentions 2Pac's status as a rapper and his success in the industry. The chorus returns, this time with an emphasis on partying on the West Coast. The last verse, packed with references to California's cities and streets, tells a more serious story of the challenges faced by young people in the state, including riots and gangs.
Line by Line Meaning
California love
An appreciation of the state of California and the lifestyle it embodies.
California knows how to party
California has a reputation for knowing how to party.
In the city of L.A.
Referring to Los Angeles, one of the biggest cities in California.
In the city of good ol' Watts
Watts is a neighborhood in Los Angeles with a rich history.
In the city, the city of Compton
Compton is a city located in the south-central part of Los Angeles county.
We keep it rockin', we keep it rockin'
The people in California always keep the party going.
Now let me welcome everybody to the Wild Wild West
Introducing the listener to the vibrant and free-spirited culture of the Western United States.
A state that's untouchable like Eliot Ness
Comparing California to Eliot Ness, a legendary Federal Agent known for being untouchable and catching notorious gangsters like Al Capone.
The track hits your eardrum like a slug to your chest
The music's bass is intense and hits the listener with strong force.
Pack a vest for your Jimmy in the city of sex
Suggesting that people wear protective gear when out at night in the city for safety.
We in that Sunshine State where the bomb-ass hemp be
California is a sunny state, and marijuana is a popular substance.
The state where you never find a dance floor empty
People in California always know how to dance and have fun.
And pimps be on a mission for them greens
Pimps in California are focused on making money.
Lean mean money-making-machines servin' fiends
Drug dealers in California are also focused on making money.
I been in the game for ten years makin' rap tunes
2Pac has been making music for ten years.
Ever since honeys was wearin' Sassoon
2Pac has been making music for a long time, even when Sassoon jeans were trendy.
Now it's '95 and they clock me and watch me
2Pac is now famous, and people are paying close attention to him.
Diamonds shinin', lookin' like I robbed Liberace
2Pac has a lot of expensive jewelry on, which makes him look like he stole it from Liberace.
It's all good, from Diego to the Bay
Everything is great in California from San Diego to San Francisco.
Your city is the bomb if your city makin' pay (uh)
A city in California is great if it's profitable.
Throw up a finger if you feel the same way
Raise your finger up in agreement.
Dre puttin' it down for Californ-i-a
Dr. Dre is making great music for California.
Out on bail, fresh out of jail, California dreamin'
Referring to 2Pac's time in jail and his desire to make it big in California.
Soon as I step on the scene, I'm hearin' hoochies screamin'
As soon as 2Pac emerged, women were screaming for him.
Fiendin' for money and alcohol, the life of a Westside player
People in California have a desire for money and alcohol and are treated like players.
Where cowards die and the strong ball
California is a place where only the strong survive.
Only in Cali where we riot, not rally, to live and die
People in California are passionate about their beliefs, demonstrated more in riots than rallies.
In L.A. we wearin' Chucks, not Ballys (yeah, that's right)
In Los Angeles, people are more likely to wear Converse shoes than high-end Bally shoes.
Dressed in Locs and Khaki suits, and ride is what we do
Describing the fashion and car culture of California.
Famous because we throw grams
Being famous in California is all about how much drugs you sell.
Worldwide, let 'em recognize from Long Beach to Rosecrans
People all over the world know about California, from Long Beach to Rosecrans.
Bumpin' and grindin' like a slow jam
Referring to a form of slow dancing.
It's Westside, so you know the Row won't bow down to no man
Being from the Westside of LA means never backing down from anyone.
Say what you say, but give me that bomb beat from Dre
Dr. Dre's production makes great music.
Let me serenade the streets of L.A.
I want to make music that is tailored for LA streets.
From Oakland to Sac-town, the Bay Area and back down
Describing the geography of California.
Cali is where they put their mack down, give me love
California is where people go to make a fortune and find love.
Just come on shake, shake it, baby
Encouraging people to dance and have fun.
Baby, baby, shake it, mama, shake it, mama, shake it, mama
Repeating the message to keep moving and dancing.
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
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
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