How Do U Want It
2Pac Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

How do you want it?
How does it feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
How do you want it? (yeah)
How do you feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real

Love the way you activate your hips and push your ass out
Got a nigga wantin' it so bad I'm 'bout to pass out
Wanna dig you and I can't even lie about it
Baby, just alleviate your clothes, time to fly up out it
Catch you at a club, oh, shit you got me fiendin'
Body talkin' shit to me but I can't comprehend the meaning
Now if you wanna roll with me, then here's your chance
Doin' eighty on the freeway, police, catch me if you can
Forgive me, I'm a rider, still, I'm just a simple man
All I want is money, fuck the fame, I'm a simple man
Mr. International, player with the passport
Just like Aladdin, bitch, get you anything you ask for
It's either him or me, champagne, Hennessy
A favorite of my homies when we floss on our enemies
Witness as we creep to a low speed, peep what a ho need
Puff some mo' weed, funk, ya don't need
Approachin' hoochies with a passion, been a long day
But I've been driven by attraction in a strong way
Your body is bangin', baby, I love it when you flaunt it
Time to give it to daddy, nigga, now tell me how you want it
(Tell me how you want it)

How do you want it?
How does it feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
How do you want it? (yeah)
How do you feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
I'm livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real

Tell me is it cool to fuck?
Did you think I come to talk? Am I a fool or what?
Positions on the floor, it's like erotic
Ironic 'cause I'm somewhat psychotic
I'm hittin' switches on bitches like I been fixed with hydraulics
Up and down like a roller coaster
I'm up inside ya, I ain't quittin' 'til the show is over
'Cause I'ma rider in and out just like a robbery
I'll probably be a freak and let you get on top of me
Get her rockin' knees
Nights full of AlizΓ©, a livin' legend
You ain't heard about, these niggas play these Cali days
C. Delores Tucker, you's a motherfucker
Instead of tryin' to help a nigga, you destroy a brother
Worse than the others, Bill Clinton, Mr. Bob Dole
You're too old to understand the way the game's told
You're lame, so I gotta hit you with the hot facts
Once I'm released, I'm makin' millions, niggas top that
They wanna censor me, they'd rather see me in a cell
Livin' in hell, only a few of us'll live to tell
Now everybody talkin 'bout us, I could give a fuck
Like we the first ones to bomb and cuss
Nigga, tell me how you want it

How do you want it? (tell me)
How does it feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
How do you want it? (yeah)
How do you feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
I'm livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real

Raised as a youth, tell the truth, I got the scoop
On how to get a bulletproof, lickin' shots off on the roof
Before I was a teenager, mobile phone, SkyPager
Gang rules, I'm livin' major, my adversaries
Is lookin' worried, they paranoid of gettin' buried
One of us gon' see the cemetery
My only hope is survive, if I was to stay alive
Gettin' high, see the demons in my eyes before I die
I wanna live my life and ball, make a couple million
And then I'm chillin', fade 'em all
These taxes got me crossed up and people tryin' to sue me
Media is in my business and they actin' like they know me (hahaha)
But I'ma mash out and peel out
I'm with a clique that's quick to whip that fuckin' steel out
Yeah, nigga it's some new shit, so better get up on it
When you see me, tell a nigga how you want it
How do you want it?

How do you want it?
How does it feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
How do you want it? (yeah)
How do you feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real

How do you want it?
How does it feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
(How you want it?) How do you want it?
How do you feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game (yeah, my nigga, Johnny J)
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real (yeah)

How do you want it?
How does it feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
How do you want it? (tell me)
How do you feel? (girl, I-I-I-I)
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real

How do you want it?
How do you feel?




Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real

Overall Meaning

"How Do You Want It" is a song by Tupac Shakur, which was released in 1996. The song features K-ci & Jojo and samples the song "Body Heat" by Quincy Jones. The lyrics include Tupac describing his experiences as an African American coming up in the cash game and living in the fast lane. He talks about his desire for money and the way he attracted women. He also takes aim at politicians and the media who try to suppress him.


The song starts with a repeating chorus, asking the listener how they want to feel and how they want to live. Tupac then proceeds with the first verse, talking about the way women move their body and how this attracts him. He talks about how he wants to be rolling with women and living life at a breakneck pace. The second verse of the song is aimed at politicians and media outlets that try to censor him. Tupac talks about how they are trying to take away his voice and how he is determined to succeed, regardless of their efforts.


One of the unique features of the song is the way it blends hip-hop and R&B. The chorus features K-ci & Jojo, a famous R&B duo, while Tupac delivers his typical hard-edged rap verses. The song also features a sample from "Body Heat," which gives the song a classic, old-school feel.


Line by Line Meaning

How do you want it?
Asking the listener how they want to experience life and love.


How does it feel?
Asking the listener how it feels to come up in the world as a person of color, and to live fast and dangerously.


Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Growing up as a Black man in a capitalist society where money is the ultimate goal.


Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
Living life on the edge and taking chances to achieve success.


Love the way you activate your hips and push your ass out
Admiring a woman's sensual movements and being attracted to her body.


Got a nigga wantin' it so bad I'm 'bout to pass out
Being so attracted to someone that it feels overpowering.


Wanna dig you and I can't even lie about it
Being honest about wanting to be intimate with someone.


Baby, just alleviate your clothes, time to fly up out it
Encouraging someone to take off their clothes and feel free.


Catch you at a club, oh, shit you got me fiendin'
Being infatuated with someone at a club and wanting to be with them.


Body talkin' shit to me but I can't comprehend the meaning
Feeling confused about what someone's body language is trying to communicate.


Now if you wanna roll with me, then here's your chance
Inviting someone to join you on a wild and exciting journey.


Doin' eighty on the freeway, police, catch me if you can
Driving recklessly fast on the freeway, daring the police to try and catch you.


Forgive me, I'm a rider, still, I'm just a simple man
Acknowledging that you love to take risks and are a tough person, but you still have some basic needs and desires.


All I want is money, fuck the fame, I'm a simple man
Preferring to prioritize financial success over fame.


Mr. International, player with the passport
Being confident and well-traveled.


Just like Aladdin, bitch, get you anything you ask for
Willingness to fulfill your partner's desires, like a genie.


It's either him or me, champagne, Hennessy
Drinking expensive alcohol while competing with other men for women's attention.


A favorite of my homies when we floss on our enemies
Celebrating with friends when you have defeated your rivals.


Witness as we creep to a low speed, peep what a ho need
Observing women and what they desire while moving slowly and stealthily.


Puff some mo' weed, funk, ya don't need
Smoking weed and having fun, even when things are stressful.


Approachin' hoochies with a passion, been a long day
Chasing women with enthusiasm, even after a long day of work or struggle.


But I've been driven by attraction in a strong way
Feeling motivated to pursue women with great intensity and focus on attraction.


Your body is bangin', baby, I love it when you flaunt it
Expressing appreciation for a woman's physical appearance and how she shows it off.


Time to give it to daddy, nigga, now tell me how you want it
Suggesting that it's time for sex and inviting the listener to express their desires.


Raised as a youth, tell the truth, I got the scoop
Growing up and gaining knowledge about life's harsh realities.


On how to get a bulletproof, lickin' shots off on the roof
Learning how to protect oneself and handle firearms.


Before I was a teenager, mobile phone, SkyPager
Growing up in a time when technology was becoming more advanced and accessible.


Gang rules, I'm livin' major, my adversaries
Being part of a gang and feeling powerful, while also fearing enemies.


Is lookin' worried, they paranoid of gettin' buried
Feeling like your enemies are afraid of getting hurt or killed by you.


My only hope is survive, if I was to stay alive
Hoping to stay alive and succeed despite the dangers of the world.


Gettin' high, see the demons in my eyes before I die
Using drugs and feeling like you are facing the end of your life.


I wanna live my life and ball, make a couple million
Desiring to live luxuriously and become wealthy.


And then I'm chillin', fade 'em all
Relaxing and enjoying the fruits of your labor, while leaving your enemies in the past.


These taxes got me crossed up and people tryin' to sue me
Feeling burdened by financial obligations and legal troubles.


Media is in my business and they actin' like they know me (hahaha)
Feeling like the media is spreading inaccurate information about you and invading your privacy.


But I'ma mash out and peel out
Refusing to let obstacles hold you back and instead pushing forward aggressively.


I'm with a clique that's quick to whip that fuckin' steel out
Surrounding yourself with people who are willing to use weapons to protect themselves and their interests.


Yeah, nigga it's some new shit, so better get up on it
Warning others that you are running the game in a new and innovative way.


When you see me, tell a nigga how you want it
Inviting people to approach you and express their desires, knowing that you are in charge and calling the shots.


How do you want it?
Repeating the initial question to emphasize the importance of making choices and taking control of your life and desires.


Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
Reiterating the theme of living life dangerously and with excitement.


How do you feel? (girl, I-I-I-I)
Asking the listener how they feel about living life on the edge and pursing their desires with passion and intensity.




Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Johnny Lee Jackson, Tupac Amaru Shakur, Bruce Fisher, Quincy D. Jones, Leon Ware, Stanley J. Richardson

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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