Shakur was born in New York City to parents who were both political activists and Black Panther Party members. Raised by his mother, he relocated to Baltimore in 1984 and to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1988. With the release of his debut album 2Pacalypse Now in 1991, he became a central figure in West Coast hip-hop for his conscious rap lyrics. Shakur achieved further critical and commercial success with his follow-up albums Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... (1993) and Me Against the World (1995). His Diamond certified album All Eyez on Me (1996), the first double-length album in hip-hop history, abandoned his introspective lyrics for volatile gangsta rap. In addition to his music career, Shakur also found considerable success as an actor, with his starring roles in Juice (1992), Poetic Justice (1993), Above the Rim (1994), Bullet (1996), Gridlock'd (1997), and Gang Related (1997).
During the later part of his career, Shakur was shot five times in the lobby of a New York recording studio and experienced legal troubles, including incarceration. In 1995, Shakur served eight months in prison on sexual abuse charges, but was released pending an appeal of his conviction. Following his release, he signed to Marion "Suge" Knight's label Death Row Records and became heavily involved in the growing East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry. On September 7, 1996, Shakur was shot four times by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas; he died six days later. Following his murder, Shakur's friend-turned-rival, the Notorious B.I.G., was at first considered a suspect due to their public feud, but was also murdered in another drive-by shooting six months later in March 1997 while visiting Los Angeles.
Five more albums have been released since Shakur's death, all of which have been certified Platinum in the United States. In 2002, Shakur was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. In 2017, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Shakur among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
Shakur was born on June 16, 1971, in the East Harlem section of Manhattan in New York City. While born Lesane Parish Crooks, at age one he was renamed Tupac Amaru Shakur. He was named after Túpac Amaru II, the descendant of the last Incan ruler, Túpac Amaru, who was executed in Peru in 1781 after his failed revolt against Spanish rule. Shakur's mother explained, "I wanted him to have the name of revolutionary, indigenous people in the world. I wanted him to know he was part of a world culture and not just from a neighborhood."
Shakur had an older stepbrother, Mopreme "Komani" Shakur, and a half-sister, Sekyiwa Shakur, two years his junior.
Still I Rise
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As we down here, struggle for as long as we know
In search of a paradise to touch (my nigga Johnny J)
Dreams are dreams, and reality seems to be the only place to go
The only place for us
I know, tryna make the best of bad situations
Seems to be my life's story
Ain't no glory in pain, a soldier's story in vain
It's a ride y'all, a long hard ride
Somebody break me, I'm dreamin', I started as a seed, the semen
Swimmin' upstream, planted in the womb while screamin'
On the top, was my pops, my mama screamin' stop
From a single drop, this is what they got
Not to disrespect my peoples, but my papa was a loser
Only plan he had for mama was to fuck her and abuse her
Even as a little seed, I could see his plan for me
Stranded on welfare, another broken family
Now what was I to be? A product of this heated passion
Mama got pregnant, and papa got a piece of ass
Look how it began, nobody gave a fuck about me
Pistol in my hand, this cruel world can do without me
How can I survive?
Got me askin' white Jesus
Will a nigga live or die?
'Cause the Lord can't see us
In the deep dark clouds of the projects, ain't no sunshine
No sunny days and we only play sometimes
When everybody's sleepin'
I open my window, jump to the streets and get to creepin'
I can live or die, hope I get some money 'fore I'm gone
I'm only nineteen, I'm tryna hustle on my own
On this block where everybody and they pops tryna slang rocks
Rather go to college, but this is where the game stops
Don't get it wrong 'cause it's always on, from dusk to dawn
You can buy rocks, Glocks or a herringbone
You can ask my man Ishmael Reed
Keep my nine heated all the time this is how we grind
Meet up at the cemetery then get smoked out, pass the weed, nigga
That Hennessey'll keep me keyed, nigga ('sho nuff)
Everywhere I go niggas holla at me, "Keep it real G"
And my reply, "Til' they kill me"
Act up if you feel me, I was born not to make it, but I did
The tribulations of a ghetto kid, still I rise
Still I (still I) I rise (I rise)
Please give me to the sky (the sky)
And if (and if) I die (I die)
I don't want you to cry
I stay sharp as always
Runnin' ya bricks with blitz, through ya project hallways
Dumpin' crews like two's, nigga all day
Secrets of war prepare me for the worst
A life that's lavish, full of cabbage or a life that's in a hearse
But now my dreams it seems though, be placin' triple beams and things, bro
Diamond pinky ring got the loot poppin' out my jeans
Now I plan to keep my Glock cocked
If trouble was searchin' for me then why not?
Show 'em what I'm made of plus raised on, on my block
Chancellor Ave, where many turn to the street, thugs snatchin' bags
We out for power, makin' cash it wasn't fast it'll make me mad
I'm just like, pimpin'
My homie on the corner with his gat tucked in
Youngest, they buckin' somethin' the life he leads
The life he don't need, don't we all know
He tryna rise up and we just go though, still he rise
Dreams of lost hope
I hit the strip broke where the fiends get coke
And still I rise now I float cowards ghost
Whenever we come around, I'm runnin' down
Clutchin' a pound, live as sirens, duckin' the sound
I used to hustle with my moms til' the sun came
My homie Harm doin' time from this drug game
Stolen cars, war scars, born a Outlaw
Behind bars, go to sleep just to see the stars
Freedom is ours, though we trapped on a firm block
Crackheads only ten learn to duck cops
In ninety-six my Glock's my plastic, passion for blastin' bastards
No faces for open caskets, peelin' ya cap backwards
You cowards ain't prepared for pistol practice
I send my missiles through your mattress
Leavin' holes in your body like a cactus
While me and my crew be boppin' more greens than topic
And loot to keep the seams in my motherfuckin' jeans poppin'
Leavin' ya spleen to pick up
Half of you niggas is softer than a Snicker
Let's go to war and see who draw quicker
And still I rise, and still I rise (still I rise)
Still I (still I) I rise (I rise)
Please give me to the sky (the sky)
And if (and if) I die (I die)
I don't want you to cry
Still I (still I) I rise (I rise)
Please give me to the sky (the sky)
And if (and if) I die (I die)
I don't want you to cry
Y'all niggas be fake
All day, everyday
So now I got roller blades, bitch
Thought you knew
Your mouth is rich (ooh yeah)
C'mon pops, let's go
The lyrics of 2Pac & The Outlawz's song Still I Rise depict the struggles of life in the ghettos, and how people still strive to rise above them. The song begins with a plea to God to help those who are struggling, and acknowledges that dreams are just dreams, and the only reality is the harshness of life. The lyrics go on to recount 2Pac's personal life story, starting from his birth to a father who was a loser and a mother who was stranded on welfare, and how he was shaped by his experiences growing up in the projects. They describe his realization that nobody cared about him, and how he turned to violence and hustling on the streets just to survive. Yet, despite all the adversity, he still rises, determined to make something of his life.
The lyrics also touch on the themes of friendship, loyalty, and brotherhood. They talk about how one must always watch their back and be prepared for the worst, but that the bond of brotherhood helps them face the challenges. There is an underlying message of hope and determination that runs through the entire song, as 2Pac and The Outlawz inspire listeners to keep going, no matter how hard life gets.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear Lord
I address my prayer to God
As we down here, struggle for as long as we know
We continue to face hardships and challenges throughout our lives
In search of a paradise to touch (my nigga Johnny J)
We are looking for a better life and experience, with Johnny J as a friend
Dreams are dreams, and reality seems to be the only place to go
Although we have dreams, we often find ourselves confined to reality
The only place for us
Reality is the only place where we can exist
I know, tryna make the best of bad situations
I am trying to make the most out of difficult circumstances
Seems to be my life's story
This is a recurring theme in my life
Ain't no glory in pain, a soldier's story in vain
There is no honor in suffering, a soldier's narrative becomes meaningless
And can't nobody live this life for me
No one else can experience this life on my behalf
It's a ride y'all, a long hard ride
Life is a journey filled with challenges and difficulties
Somebody break me, I'm dreamin', I started as a seed, the semen
I feel overwhelmed, it's like a dream; I began as a fertilized egg
Swimmin' upstream, planted in the womb while screamin'
Struggling against the odds, I was conceived in my mother's womb
On the top, was my pops, my mama screamin' stop
My father was in control, while my mother desperately wanted him to stop
From a single drop, this is what they got
From the moment of conception, this is the outcome they faced
Not to disrespect my peoples, but my papa was a loser
Without disrespecting my family, I acknowledge that my father was a failure
Only plan he had for mama was to fuck her and abuse her
My father's only intentions towards my mother were to have sex with her and mistreat her
Even as a little seed, I could see his plan for me
Even as a developing embryo, I could perceive his intentions for my life
Stranded on welfare, another broken family
We were left dependent on welfare, another fractured household
Now what was I to be? A product of this heated passion
What was my fate to be? The result of their intense relationship
Mama got pregnant, and papa got a piece of ass
My mother became pregnant, but my father merely sought sexual satisfaction
Look how it began, nobody gave a fuck about me
This is how my life started, with no one caring about me
Pistol in my hand, this cruel world can do without me
Feeling hopeless, I contemplate taking my own life because the world seems cruel
How can I survive?
I question my ability to endure
Got me askin' white Jesus
I seek guidance from a Westernized version of Jesus
Will a nigga live or die?
Will I, as a Black person, live or die?
'Cause the Lord can't see us
God seems unaware of our struggles
In the deep dark clouds of the projects, ain't no sunshine
Living in the poverty-stricken housing projects, there is no hope or happiness
No sunny days and we only play sometimes
We rarely experience joyful moments
When everybody's sleepin'
During the nighttime, when everyone else is asleep
I open my window, jump to the streets and get to creepin'
I escape through my window, roam the streets stealthily
I can live or die, hope I get some money 'fore I'm gone
My life hangs in the balance, and I hope to accumulate wealth before it's too late
I'm only nineteen, I'm tryna hustle on my own
I am a young nineteen-year-old who is striving to make money independently
On this block where everybody and they pops tryna slang rocks
In this neighborhood, both individuals and their parents are attempting to sell drugs
Rather go to college, but this is where the game stops
We would prefer to pursue higher education, but circumstances prevent us from doing so
Don't get it wrong 'cause it's always on, from dusk to dawn
Don't misunderstand, there is constant activity and danger from day to night
You can buy rocks, Glocks or a herringbone
You have the option to purchase drugs, firearms, or flashy jewelry
You can ask my man Ishmael Reed
A reference to Ishmael Reed, an acquaintance who can vouch for me
Keep my nine heated all the time this is how we grind
I always have my loaded handgun ready, as it contributes to our hustle
Meet up at the cemetery then get smoked out, pass the weed, nigga
We gather at the cemetery to smoke marijuana, passing the joint
That Hennessey'll keep me keyed, nigga ('sho nuff)
Hennessy liquor keeps me relaxed and high
Everywhere I go niggas holla at me, 'Keep it real G'
Wherever I go, people encourage me to stay true to myself
And my reply, 'Til' they kill me'
In response, I vow to remain authentic until my death
Act up if you feel me, I was born not to make it, but I did
If you can relate, show it through your actions; despite not being destined to succeed, I defied the odds
The tribulations of a ghetto kid, still I rise
Despite the hardships faced as a child from the ghetto, I continue to persevere
Still I (still I) I rise (I rise)
I continue to overcome adversity
Please give me to the sky (the sky)
I request to be elevated to a higher plane
And if (and if) I die (I die)
In the event of my death
I don't want you to cry
I do not wish for you to grieve
I stay sharp as always
I remain sharp and alert at all times
Runnin' ya bricks with blitz, through ya project hallways
I swiftly navigate through the hallways of your neighborhood, ready to strike
Dumpin' crews like two's, nigga all day
I engage in armed confrontations, defeating opponents effortlessly
Secrets of war prepare me for the worst
My experiences in warfare have primed me for the most adverse situations
A life that's lavish, full of cabbage or a life that's in a hearse
We can either lead extravagant lives with wealth or face death in a coffin
But now my dreams it seems though, be placin' triple beams and things, bro
Currently, my aspirations involve accumulating illegal money and possessions
Diamond pinky ring got the loot poppin' out my jeans
My expensive diamond pinky ring flaunts the wealth in my pockets
Now I plan to keep my Glock cocked
I intend to constantly have my gun ready for use
If trouble was searchin' for me then why not?
Why shouldn't I be prepared if potential danger is seeking me?
Show 'em what I'm made of plus raised on, on my block
I aim to reveal my true self and demonstrate my tough upbringing on my neighborhood block
Chancellor Ave, where many turn to the street, thugs snatchin' bags
Chancellor Avenue is a place where numerous individuals resort to criminal activity, stealing bags
We out for power, makin' cash it wasn't fast it'll make me mad
We strive for power and accumulate money, even if it's not acquired quickly, as the lack of it would frustrate me
I'm just like, pimpin'
I am similar to a pimp
My homie on the corner with his gat tucked in
My friend is standing on the street corner with his gun concealed
Youngest, they buckin' somethin' the life he leads
Being the youngest, he engages in acts of violence due to the environment he is in
The life he don't need, don't we all know
We all understand that he should not be living such a life
He tryna rise up and we just go though, still he rise
He is attempting to improve his situation, while the rest of us continue to move forward, defying the odds
Dreams of lost hope
Dreams filled with despair and hopelessness
I hit the strip broke where the fiends get coke
I arrived at the impoverished area where drug addicts buy cocaine, without any money
And still I rise now I float cowards ghost
Despite everything, I continue to elevate and remain untouchable, while those who oppose me fade away
Whenever we come around, I'm runnin' down
Whenever we are in the vicinity, I am pursued and chased
Clutchin' a pound, live as sirens, duckin' the sound
Gripping a firearm, constantly alert to the sound of approaching police sirens
I used to hustle with my moms til' the sun came
I used to engage in illegal activities alongside my mother until daybreak
My homie Harm doin' time from this drug game
My friend Harm is currently serving a prison sentence due to involvement in the drug trade
Stolen cars, war scars, born a Outlaw
Involved in car theft, bearing the physical and emotional wounds from conflicts, born into a life of rebellion
Behind bars, go to sleep just to see the stars
Imprisoned, I go to sleep with the sole comfort of gazing at the stars in the night sky
Freedom is ours, though we trapped on a firm block
We maintain a sense of freedom even though we are confined to our neighborhood block
Crackheads only ten learn to duck cops
Even ten-year-old children exposed to crack addicts become skilled at evading the police
In ninety-six my Glock's my plastic, passion for blastin' bastards
In 1996, my gun is my weapon of choice, fueled by a strong desire to harm enemies
No faces for open caskets, peelin' ya cap backwards
No recognizable faces for funeral viewings, as I shoot and cause fatal head injuries
You cowards ain't prepared for pistol practice
You weak individuals are not ready to face my gun skills
I send my missiles through your mattress
I shoot bullets through the area where you sleep
Leavin' holes in your body like a cactus
Causing gunshot wounds that resemble the holes in a cactus
While me and my crew be boppin' more greens than topic
My crew and I are acquiring more money than what is commonly discussed
And loot to keep the seams in my motherfuckin' jeans poppin'
Acquiring wealth that bulges the seams of my jeans
Leavin' ya spleen to pick up
Causing injuries to your spleen, which you will have to deal with
Half of you niggas is softer than a Snicker
Many of you are fragile and weak, lacking toughness
Let's go to war and see who draw quicker
Let's engage in conflict and determine who can draw their weapon faster
And still I rise, and still I rise (still I rise)
Despite all challenges faced, I continue to overcome and prevail
Y'all niggas be fake
All of you are dishonest and insincere
All day, everyday
Constantly, without exception
So now I got roller blades, bitch
As a response to the fakeness, I mockingly mention owning roller blades
Thought you knew
I assumed you already had this understanding
Your mouth is rich (ooh yeah)
You make boastful claims (oh yes)
C'mon pops, let's go
Come on, father, let's depart
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Tupac Shakur, Bruce Washington, Yafeu Fula, Rufus Cooper, Mutah Beale, Kotari Cox, Tyruss Himes, Johnny Jackson
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