Don't Sleep
2Pac Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ah shit ha ha ha

When I enter the first zone
Worst known mic holder
My Hummer roll up
Evacuating strapped soldiers
Inside strategy
Manifestin' military styles
Casually try da G
When niggas battle me
My prophesied prediction
Switch and move positions
Separated from his gun and bitch
And watch 'em start snitchin'
I keep spittin' still stupid niggas fail to listen
I personify this thug livin'
Hell or prison
My ammunition varies
My voice carries
Watch me invite the whole world
Me and the mob gettin' married
It seems all the fine screams pierce the dark
This is expected
A trick bitch where is your heart
You mark
Watch niggas fall when I call they name
We outlaws hold your head niggas all the same
Except some who want more out of life than stress
We still thuggin' 'til its none left
Don't sleep

We gon' ride
Keep my pistol on my side
Always creep wit' the nine when I ride (when I ride)
Don't sleep
Blowin' pine
Always hustlin' on the grind
Cause I gotta get mine all the time (all the time)
Don't sleep

We gon' ride
Keep my pistol on my side
Always creep wit' the nine when I ride (when I ride)
Don't sleep
Blowin' pine
Always hustlin' on the grind
Cause I gotta get mine all the time (all the time)
Don't sleep

Dumpin' on motherfuckers at random
Rapidly
Wit' accuracy
They shouldn't talk bad to me
It had to be
A motherfuckin' murder
I'm glad to be
A nigga that did the murder
So sad to see
Another motherfucker floatin'
In plastic reef
Sleep wit' his head wide open (head smokin')
Rapid release
Keep the police coastin'
Casualties
Warrant in deep east Oakland (doors wide open)
Yolk the nigga off the asphalt
Drove off to the hills
Positioned him on his knees and blew the back off
Death with the lex ruger
Death to ya
Niggas cry when the bullets fly
Kill and execute 'em

I blast first 'til they body me
Like my guns in variety
Runnin' wit' the real big willies you silly punks try to be
But front
Doin' my walk by's rollin' a blunt
Hand on my nuts in a getaway car full of stunts
Addicted to my nine
Movin' like crime through time
Poppin' niggas like pimples
Nigga nothin' simple 'bout mine
Etch-a-sketchin'
Dumpin' on all you punks at intersections
Day in and day out
Ain't no easy way outs or easy exits
Don't sleep

We gon' ride
Keep my pistol on my side
Always creep wit' the nine when I ride (when I ride)
Don't sleep
Blowin' pine
Always hustlin' on the grind
Cause I gotta get mine all the time (all the time)
Don't sleep

We gon' ride
Keep my pistol on my side
Always creep wit' the nine when I ride (when I ride)
Don't sleep
Blowin' pine
Always hustlin' on the grind
Cause I gotta get mine all the time (all the time)
Don't sleep

G's up
A-Town

When I hit the street
All I can see is the grind
Blood sweat and tears when I bust my rhyme
Yeah I un- for my folk like I load my nine
And when I let loose
Then no crew standin' but mine
I gives a damn 'bout lame nigga actin' schiesty
Same one knew I was in jail and didn't write me
Wanna fight me then come find me
What eva you do shawty you betta think wisely
You might see me wit' a stack in the trap (Aye)
I use my thoughts and pen
Similar to a saran wrap
A lil' lame nigga I'll neva be
Yeah I'ma keep it g
I'm from the Three and Scrap will neva' sleep
Aye

We gon' ride
Keep my pistol on my side
Always creep wit' the nine when I ride (when I ride)
Don't sleep
Blowin' pine
Always hustlin' on the grind
Cause I gotta get mine all the time (all the time)
Don't sleep

We gon' ride
Keep my pistol on my side
Always creep wit' the nine when I ride (when I ride)
Don't sleep
Blowin' pine
Always hustlin' on the grind
Cause I gotta get mine all the time (all the time)
Don't sleep

Don't Sleep





Don't sleep

Overall Meaning

In "Don't Sleep," Tupac showcases his lyrical prowess and raw talent as he raps about his life as a gangster and the harsh realities of the streets. The opening lines of the song set the tone for the entire track, with Tupac asserting himself as the "worst known mic holder" and an expert in "military styles." He then goes on to describe his encounters with other gangsters and the violence that often follows, all the while urging listeners not to underestimate him or his abilities.


Tupac's lyrics are steeped in metaphors and clever wordplay, which may require some deciphering for listeners who are not familiar with the language and culture of gangster rap. He talks about his "prophesied prediction" and how he can switch positions in battle without losing his edge. He also uses violent images, such as someone "floating in plastic reef" or having their "head wide open," to illustrate the brutality of the streets.


Overall, "Don't Sleep" is a powerful song that serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of gang life and the importance of staying alert and aware in order to survive.


Line by Line Meaning

Ah shit ha ha ha
The artist is laughing and letting loose before diving into the song.


When I enter the first zone
The artist is getting started and entering his creative zone.


Worst known mic holder
The artist is acknowledging that he is not the best with the microphone but still manages to be successful.


My Hummer roll up, Evacuating strapped soldiers
The artist is arriving on the scene in a dramatic and powerful way, with a group of people who are armed and ready to take action.


Inside strategy, Manifestin' military styles
The artist is planning and executing his moves with precision, taking inspiration from military tactics and strategies.


Casually try da G, When niggas battle me
The artist is unfazed by those who try to take him down and is always ready for a challenge.


My prophesied prediction, Switch and move positions
The artist is predicting his future success and is willing to adapt and change his approach as needed.


Separated from his gun and bitch, And watch 'em start snitchin'
The artist knows that he cannot trust anyone, especially those who may turn on him when in trouble.


I keep spittin' still stupid niggas fail to listen
The artist is frustrated that people are not willing or able to understand his message and continue to make the same mistakes.


I personify this thug livin', Hell or prison
The artist embodies the lifestyle of a thug and is willing to risk everything, even his freedom.


My ammunition varies, My voice carries
The artist has a range of weapons at his disposal, including his voice, which has a lot of power and influence.


Watch me invite the whole world, Me and the mob gettin' married
The artist is calling attention to himself and is confident in his ability to bring people together in his movement.


It seems all the fine screams pierce the dark, This is expected
The artist knows that the lifestyle he leads and the violence that accompanies it is not easy, and there will be suffering and pain.


A trick bitch where is your heart, You mark
The artist is calling out those who betray or deceive him and questions their loyalty and integrity.


Watch niggas fall when I call they name, We outlaws hold your head niggas all the same
The artist is asserting his dominance and power over his enemies, including other outlaws, but also recognizes that they are all in the same struggle together.


Except some who want more out of life than stress, We still thuggin' 'til its none left
The artist knows that not everyone is cut out for the lifestyle he leads but is determined to keep going until the end, regardless of who stays or goes.


Don't sleep, We gon' ride
The artist is warning others not to underestimate him or his crew and is ready to take action at any moment.


Keep my pistol on my side, Always creep wit' the nine when I ride (when I ride)
The artist is always armed and ready for whatever may come his way, including violence.


Blowin' pine, Always hustlin' on the grind
The artist is constantly working and staying focused, including using drugs as a way to stay alert and on top of his game.


Cause I gotta get mine all the time (all the time)
The artist knows that he cannot let up and must always be working hard to achieve success and stay ahead of the competition.


Dumpin' on motherfuckers at random, Rapidly, Wit' accuracy, They shouldn't talk bad to me
The artist is not afraid to use violence and will strike back at those who threaten him, with speed and precision.


It had to be, A motherfuckin' murder, I'm glad to be, A nigga that did the murder, So sad to see, Another motherfucker floatin', In plastic reef, Sleep wit' his head wide open (head smokin')
The artist is reflecting on the violence that he has committed and acknowledges that it is a dark and tragic part of his life, but also feels some satisfaction and pride in his ability to succeed in this world.


Rapid release, Keep the police coastin', Casualties, Warrant in deep east Oakland (doors wide open)
The artist is aware of the dangers and risks involved in his lifestyle, including the threat of being caught and arrested by the police.


Yolk the nigga off the asphalt, Drove off to the hills, Positioned him on his knees and blew the back off, Death with the lex ruger, Death to ya
The artist is describing a violent encounter where he and his crew killed someone, and is reveling in the power and control he has over others.


Niggas cry when the bullets fly, Kill and execute 'em
The artist is describing the violent reality of his lifestyle, where people are killed and left to suffer, and almost no one is able to escape the violence.


I blast first 'til they body me, Like my guns in variety, Runnin' wit' the real big willies you silly punks try to be
The artist is assertive and confident in his ability to fight and win, and is also calling out those who try to emulate him but cannot keep up.


But front, Doin' my walk by's rollin' a blunt, Hand on my nuts in a getaway car full of stunts
The artist is describing a typical scenario where he is stunting and showing off, while also carrying out his illegal activities.


Addicted to my nine, Movin' like crime through time, Poppin' niggas like pimples, Nigga nothin' simple 'bout mine
The artist is addicted to the power and control he has over others through his use of violence, and takes no pleasure in killing but knows it is necessary to stay on top.


Etch-a-sketchin', Dumpin' on all you punks at intersections
The artist is describing the ease with which he can take out his enemies and is not afraid to show off his skills.


Day in and day out, Ain't no easy way outs or easy exits
The artist knows that his life is full of danger and risks, and there is no escaping the reality of his situation.


G's up, A-Town, When I hit the street, All I can see is the grind
The artist is proud of his city and his crew and is always ready to take on the competition.


Blood sweat and tears when I bust my rhyme, Yeah I un- for my folk like I load my nine, And when I let loose, Then no crew standin' but mine
The artist is committed to his craft and works hard to stay on top, while also showing his loyalty and devotion to his crew.


I gives a damn 'bout lame nigga actin' schiesty, Same one knew I was in jail and didn't write me
The artist is calling out those who do not show loyalty or support, even when he needs it most.


Wanna fight me then come find me, What eva you do shawty you betta think wisely
The artist is daring anyone to try and take him down, but also warning them to be careful and strategic in their approach.


You might see me wit' a stack in the trap (Aye), I use my thoughts and pen, Similar to a saran wrap
The artist is describing his hustle and his ability to make money in different ways, using his creativity and his mind as tools.


A lil' lame nigga I'll neva be, Yeah I'ma keep it g, I'm from the Three and Scrap will neva' sleep, Aye
The artist is asserting his identity and his pride in his city, and states that he will always be true to himself and his roots.


Don't Sleep
The artist is warning others not to underestimate him and to stay alert and aware at all times.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHICAGO CRAIG, DARRYL R. RICHARDSON, DELMAR DREW ARNAUD, MALCOLM GREENIDGE, MUTAH W. BEALE, SEAN COLE, TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR, YAFEU FULA

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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