It Ain't Easy
2Pac Lyrics

Keepin' it real
Being honest and genuine

I take a shot of Hennessey now I'm strong enough to face the madness
Using alcohol to cope with difficult situations

Nickel bag full of sess weed laced with hash
Using drugs as a form of escapism

Phone calls from my niggas on the, other side
Receiving phone calls from friends who have passed away

Two childhood friends just died, I couldn't cry
Feeling numb and overwhelmed by grief

A damn shame, when will we ever change?
Expressing frustration with societal issues and the lack of progress

And what remains from a twelve gauge to the brain?
Questioning the repercussions of gun violence

Arguments with my boo is true
Experiencing relationship difficulties

I spend mo' time with my niggas than I do with you
Prioritizing friendships over romantic relationships

But everywhere it's the same thin', that's the game
Recognizing the cyclical nature of life and the systemic issues that impact everyone

I'll be damned if a thin' changed, fuck the fame
Refusing to conform to societal expectations for personal gain

I'll be hustlin' to make a million, Lord knows
Working hard to achieve financial success

Ain't no love for us ghetto children, so we cold
Feeling neglected and marginalized by society

Rag top slowin' down, time to stop for gas
Pausing briefly to take a break from the hustle

Beep my horn for a hoochie with a proper ass, uh
Sexually objectifying women

It ain't easy, that's my motto
Acknowledging the challenges of life

Drinkin' Tanqueray straight out the bottle
Continuing to use alcohol as a coping mechanism

Everybody wanna know if I'm insane
Feeling scrutinized and judged by others

My baby mama gotta mind full of silly games
Dealing with drama and immaturity in a co-parenting relationship

And all the drama got me stressin' like I'm hopeless, I can't cope
Feeling overwhelmed and unable to handle the stress

Me and the homies smokin' roaches, 'cause we broke
Using every last resource to cope with poverty

Late night hangin' out 'til the sunrise gettin' high
Engaging in risky behavior

Watchin' the cops roll by
Feeling watched and targeted by law enforcement

Will I see the penitentiary, or will I stay free?
Uncertainty about the future and the potential consequences of his actions

Probably paranoid, problem is, them punks be fantasizin'
Feeling anxious and mistrustful of others

A brother bite the bullet, open fire and I died
Reflecting on the dangers of gang violence and the impact it has

Lookin' out for these killer kids, 'cause they wild
Trying to protect others from the violence within his community

Bill Clinton, can you recognize a nigga representin'?
Challenging those in power to see and acknowledge his experiences

Doin' twenty to life in San Quentin
Acknowledging the harsh reality of facing a lengthy prison sentence

Gettin' calls from my nigga Mike Tyson, ain't nothin' nice
Receiving calls from friends who are also struggling with their own issues

Yo 'Pac, do somethin' righteous with ya life
Encouragement to make positive changes and do good in the world

And even though you innocent, you still a nigga, so they figure
Acknowledging the systemic racism and prejudice that exists

Rather have you behind bars than triggers
Valuing punishment over preventing violent behavior

But I'm hold ya down and holla Thug Life, lickin' shots
Staying true to his values and lifestyle despite the pressure to conform

'Til I see my niggas free on the block
Desiring freedom and justice for his community

Lately been reminiscin'
Reflecting on the past

'Bout Peppermint Schnapps in Junior High hit the block
Remembering specific details from his childhood

Keep an eye on the cops while D-Boys slang rocks
Navigating the dangers of selling drugs while avoiding law enforcement

It's the project kid without a conscience, I'm havin' dreams
Feeling disconnected from morality and empathy due to his environment and experiences

Of hearin' screams at my concerts, me all my childhood peers
Feeling haunted by the past and the impact of gang violence

Through the years tryna stack a little green
Working hard to financially provide for himself and others

I was only seventeen, when I started servin' fiends
Reflecting on the choices and actions that led him to where he is now

And I wish there was another way to stack a dollar
Regretting the choices he made and the lifestyle he is living

So my apoli', cause these hard times make me wanna holler
Apologizing for his behavior while acknowledging the struggles and challenges he faces

Will I live to see tomorrow, am I fallin' off?
Questioning his own survival and success

I hit the weed and then proceed to say fuck all of y'all
Turns to drugs to numb the pain and express his frustration with society

Ain't nobody down with me, I'm thuggin', I can't go home
Feeling isolated and alone

'Cause muh-fuckers think I'm buggin', so now I'm in
Feeling judged and misunderstood by others

This high powered cell at the county jail
Describing the cell he is in and the conditions he is living in

Punk judge got a grudge, can't post no bail, what
Feeling trapped and powerless due to the legal system

Do I do in these county blues?
Questioning how to cope with the challenges of incarceration

Gettin' battered and bruised by the you know who
Experiencing violence and abuse from other inmates or guards

And these fakes get to shakin' when they face me
Others are intimidated by his reputation and persona

Snakes ain't got enough nuts to replace me
Asserting his own value and worth

Sittin' in this, livin' hell, listenin' to niggas yell
Describing the trauma and chaos of prison life

Tryin' to torture 'em to tell, I'm gettin' mail
Handling the emotional strain of incarceration while receiving communication from others

But ain't nobody sayin' much, the same old nuts
Dealing with a lack of communication or support from outside the prison

Is makin' bucks while these sluts is gettin' fucked
Feeling resentful of those who profit off of his situation

They violated my probation, and it seems
Reflecting on past mistakes and the consequences that follow

I'll be goin' on a long vacation, meanwhile
Preparing for a long-term stay in prison

No, it ain't easy
Reiterating the challenges and difficulties of his life