This Life I Lead
2Pac & The Outlawz Lyrics


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This motherf***ing life I lead
S***
A hell of motherf***ing road blocks and crooked cops
We still ride though
What side? West side

I want money in large amounts my garage full of cars that bounce
Movin' my tapes in major ways 'cause every dollar counts
Bustas is jealous and half these n****s is punks
They runnin' off at the mouth till I fill up with my pump

They jump my automatic keep 'em weary
While you fronting like you billy bad a** n**** you scary
I been knowing you for years we was high school peers in junior high
I was itchin' to kill and you was ready to die

While you bulls***ting n****s was dying and catching cases
Busting my automatics at motherf***ers in foreign places
Leaving no trace they see my face and then they buried
Them b****es die in a hurry still I ride I'm never worried

Mr. Makaveli tell me to ride and I'm a ride
Pick my enemies out the crowd and muthaf***as die
It's not the way I wanna live my n**** it's how it is
Homie got into a fight last night they killed his kids

In this life I lead fiend for currency get high off weed
Collect G's make my enemies bleed
When you see me n**** holla my set and watch 'em ride
Outlaw mother f***ers till we die

In this life I lead fiend for currency get high off weed
Collect G's make my enemies bleed
When you see me n**** holla my set and watch 'em ride
Outlaw mother f***ers till we die in this life I lead

I ain't a killer but don't push me dog
For that family I'll send that a** straight to God
And in this life I lead I've seen the most of my 23 years
My vision is blurry the money is clear

Some of my peers eternally will sleep in a coffin
And when noble on the road I'm extremely cautious
It happened that fast split second you're gone
At the top of my tombstone put 'Noble is raw'

Outlaw till I'm under the floor for Kadafi the prince
I stack dough like a clock on the bricks
With a watch on my wrist dog
I know the time these days we outlaws
We gonna die this way

We already in the history books
Pac made sure of that whateva you took we taking it back
You know it's all for the foundation
Outlaws we still building the thug nation holla at your homie

In this life I lead fiend for currency get high off weed
Collect G's make my enemies bleed
When you see me n**** holla my set and watch 'em ride
Outlaw mother f***ers till we die

In this life I lead fiend for currency get high off weed
Collect G's make my enemies bleed
When you see me n**** holla my set and watch 'em ride
Outlaw mother f***ers till we die in this life I lead

It ain't but nothing air between us oxygen is gettin' hot
Got a problem mo' fag a** n**** kick rocks
Now [Incomprehensible] on the phone and the n**** talking crazy
I don't know who to blame him or [Incomprehensible] for killing babies

I'm a New Jers Devil the street created rebel
Only got one shot to produce on every level
This is Maximus go to the max I must
N**** I came from not much so money I clutch you huh

Napoleon the strength of strong arm
With a dick they whistle and ride I put a move up on
I'm a hardcore product of the ghetto
Been blessed fo' sho to eat from out the ghetto

I maneuver in the right lane quick to push back lanes
Switch it to the left lane I play with my hands
And I'm plotting on the fortune, it's gettin' hot and scorching
I'm thinking like a scorpion that torturing an enemy

In this life I lead fiend for currency get high off weed
Collect G's make my enemies bleed
When you see me n**** holla my set and watch 'em ride
Outlaw mother f***ers till we die

In this life I lead fiend for currency get high off weed
Collect G's make my enemies bleed
When you see me n**** holla my set and watch 'em ride
Outlaw mother f***ers till we die in this life I lead

Now with this outlaw lifestyle that I've been introduced to
Money and hoes keep us closer to Lucifer
Steady seducing us and I'm all for it
It's the life for me and the law can't spoil it

So you can call it what the f*** you want
But I'm a baller alcoholic with a sawn off pump
My mamma ain't raise no punk
And even dead Pac so when I jump off I breathe for yak

Been puttin' in work so I walk with a bop
And it safe at home so I sleep with a glock
Thug living ugh what the f*** would be better
I do my dirt with the family so we dying together

We on a mission for mo'
Gangsta s*** on you hoes
We ain't f***ing with you lawyers
Crossing n****s up out there dough

Trying to live Godzilla
Edi went from a bad boy to a anybody killer
Look out wanted man guns in hand
Stand firm nuts are my pride now let's burn

Bound and profound going down swinging
Holding my ground we the last ones breathing
No stopping till we eating deep in the trenches
So many killings it's senseless

So in this life I lead I stay protected my God
My squad and this thing in my palm
Now all my hustling motherf***ers
Get your money sing along

In this life I lead fiend for currency get high off weed
Collect G's make my enemies bleed
When you see me n**** holla my set and watch 'em ride
Outlaw mother f***ers till we die

In this life I lead fiend for currency get high off weed
Collect G's make my enemies bleed
When you see me n**** holla my set and watch 'em ride
Outlaw mother f***ers till we die in this life I lead

This motherf***ing life I lead n****
You know what time it is
West Side, death row
Dogg pound
Everybody killer, bad boy killer, killer
Anybody killer
F*** all y'all n****s




If it ain't West Side n**** it ain't Pac
That's on my momma

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "This Life I Lead" by 2Pac & The Outlawz talk about the struggles and hardships of living an outlaw lifestyle. The song is all about making money and living life on your terms. Pac talks about his desire for material possessions such as a garage full of cars that bounce, and the importance of money in his life. He describes how he's willing to do anything to keep his money, and anyone trying to stop him better watch out. He also talks about his close-knit relationship with his posse, his loyalty to them, and how they plan on riding together until the very end. The song's somber tone is highlighted by Tupac's prophetic lyrics, as it refers to the gun violence that would eventually take his life.


Line by Line Meaning

This motherf***ing life I lead
I lead a life filled with challenges and obstacles.


S***
It's tough.


A hell of motherf***ing road blocks and crooked cops
There are numerous obstacles and corrupt law enforcement in my path.


We still ride though
Despite these difficulties, we persist and keep moving forward.


What side? West side
We represent the West side of town.


I want money in large amounts my garage full of cars that bounce
I desire wealth and luxury, with a collection of cars that have hydraulics.


Movin' my tapes in major ways 'cause every dollar counts
I hustle and promote my music extensively, as every dollar is valuable.


Bustas is jealous and half these n****s is punks
There are envious individuals and weak-minded people around me.


They runnin' off at the mouth till I fill up with my pump
They talk too much until I intimidate them with my weapon.


They jump my automatic keep 'em weary
They fear and hesitate when I brandish my automatic firearm.


While you fronting like you billy bad a** n**** you scary
You pretend to be tough, but in reality, you are afraid.


I been knowing you for years we was high school peers in junior high
We have known each other for a long time since our adolescence.


I was itchin' to kill and you was ready to die
I had a strong desire for violence, while you were willing to sacrifice your life.


While you bulls***ting n****s was dying and catching cases
While you were wasting time and making poor choices, others were losing their lives or facing legal trouble.


Busting my automatics at motherf***ers in foreign places
I engage in violent encounters with individuals in unfamiliar territories.


Leaving no trace they see my face and then they buried
I commit acts without leaving evidence, causing my enemies to end up dead.


Them b****es die in a hurry still I ride I'm never worried
My enemies meet their demise quickly, but I remain fearless and continue with my lifestyle.


Mr. Makaveli tell me to ride and I'm a ride
Inspired by the late Tupac Shakur, I am determined to keep going.


Pick my enemies out the crowd and muthaf***as die
I identify my adversaries in a crowd and eliminate them.


It's not the way I wanna live my n**** it's how it is
This lifestyle is not my preferred choice, but it's the reality I face.


Homie got into a fight last night they killed his kids
My friend was involved in a conflict, and tragically, his children were murdered.


In this life I lead fiend for currency get high off weed
In my current existence, I have an insatiable desire for money and find solace in marijuana.


Collect G's make my enemies bleed
I accumulate stacks of money and ensure that my rivals suffer.


When you see me n**** holla my set and watch 'em ride
When you spot me, shout out my crew and witness our actions.


Outlaw mother f***ers till we die
We are rebellious individuals with a strong sense of camaraderie, even until death.


I ain't a killer but don't push me dog
I am not inherently violent, but I have my limits.


For that family I'll send that a** straight to God
If someone threatens my loved ones, I am willing to eliminate them.


And in this life I lead I've seen the most of my 23 years
In my current existence, I have experienced significant hardships and challenges by the time I reached 23 years old.


My vision is blurry the money is clear
Although my perspective may be distorted, the pursuit of wealth remains a clear objective.


Some of my peers eternally will sleep in a coffin
Many of my friends will forever rest in death.


And when noble on the road I'm extremely cautious
When I am traveling, I am overly vigilant and careful, especially with my crew member named Noble.


It happened that fast split second you're gone
Death can occur suddenly and unexpectedly within a fraction of a second.


At the top of my tombstone put 'Noble is raw'
I want to honor and remember Noble as an authentic and remarkable individual.


Outlaw till I'm under the floor for Kadafi the prince
I will maintain my outlaw status until death, just like Kadafi, who was regarded as a prince within our group.


I stack dough like a clock on the bricks
I accumulate money steadily and consistently, just like bricks stacked to form a clock tower.


With a watch on my wrist dog
I wear a watch as a symbol of my success and prosperity, my friend.


I know the time these days we outlaws
I am aware of the current circumstances, and as outlaws, we must navigate accordingly.


We gonna die this way
We are aware that our lives will likely end due to our chosen lifestyle.


We already in the history books
Our actions and impact are already documented in historical records.


Pac made sure of that whateva you took we taking it back
Tupac ensured our place in history, and we are reclaiming whatever others have attempted to take from us.


You know it's all for the foundation
Everything we do serves the purpose of building and preserving our legacy.


Outlaws we still building the thug nation holla at your homie
As outlaws, we continue to solidify the community of rebellious individuals. Reach out to me, your friend.


It ain't but nothing air between us oxygen is gettin' hot
There is intense tension and hostility between us, and the situation is becoming increasingly volatile.


Got a problem mo' fag a** n**** kick rocks
If there is an issue, I suggest that a cowardly individual like you removes themselves from the situation.


Now [Incomprehensible] on the phone and the n**** talking crazy
Someone unidentified is calling me, and they are speaking incoherently and erratically.


I don't know who to blame him or [Incomprehensible] for killing babies
I am uncertain whether to hold him accountable or blame someone else for the deaths of innocent children.


I'm a New Jersey Devil the street created rebel
I am a rebellious individual shaped by the streets, like a devil from New Jersey.


Only got one shot to produce on every level
I have a single opportunity to succeed and excel in every aspect of my life.


This is Maximus go to the max I must
Just like Maximus in the movie Gladiator, I must go all out and give my best effort.


N**** I came from not much so money I clutch you huh
I originated from a place of poverty, so I tightly hold onto money, my friend.


Napoleon the strength of strong arm
I possess the power and dominance of a strong individual, like Napoleon.


With a dick they whistle and ride I put a move up on
When women see me, they are attracted and eager to engage with me.


I'm a hardcore product of the ghetto
I am a tough and resilient individual who was shaped by the hardships of the impoverished neighborhoods.


Been blessed fo' sho to eat from out the ghetto
I have undoubtedly been fortunate to rise above poverty and find success outside of the ghetto.


I maneuver in the right lane quick to push back lanes
I navigate through life strategically, swiftly reclaiming any space that has been taken from me.


Switch it to the left lane I play with my hands
I am versatile and adapt to different situations effortlessly, utilizing my skills and talents.


And I'm plotting on the fortune, it's gettin' hot and scorching
I am actively strategizing and aiming for financial success, and the competition is becoming more intense.


I'm thinking like a scorpion that torturing an enemy
My mindset is similar to that of a scorpion, patiently inflicting pain upon my enemies.


It ain't but nothing air between us oxygen is gettin' hot
There is intense tension and hostility between us, and the situation is becoming increasingly volatile.


Got a problem mo' fag a** n**** kick rocks
If there is an issue, I suggest that a cowardly individual like you removes themselves from the situation.


Now [Incomprehensible] on the phone and the n**** talking crazy
Someone unidentified is calling me, and they are speaking incoherently and erratically.


I don't know who to blame him or [Incomprehensible] for killing babies
I am uncertain whether to hold him accountable or blame someone else for the deaths of innocent children.


It ain't but nothing air between us oxygen is gettin' hot
There is intense tension and hostility between us, and the situation is becoming increasingly volatile.


Got a problem mo' fag a** n**** kick rocks
If there is an issue, I suggest that a cowardly individual like you removes themselves from the situation.


Now [Incomprehensible] on the phone and the n**** talking crazy
Someone unidentified is calling me, and they are speaking incoherently and erratically.


I don't know who to blame him or [Incomprehensible] for killing babies
I am uncertain whether to hold him accountable or blame someone else for the deaths of innocent children.


I'm a New Jersey Devil the street created rebel
I am a rebellious individual shaped by the streets, like a devil from New Jersey.


Only got one shot to produce on every level
I have a single opportunity to succeed and excel in every aspect of my life.


This is Maximus go to the max I must
Just like Maximus in the movie Gladiator, I must go all out and give my best effort.


N**** I came from not much so money I clutch you huh
I originated from a place of poverty, so I tightly hold onto money, my friend.


Napoleon the strength of strong arm
I possess the power and dominance of a strong individual, like Napoleon.


With a dick they whistle and ride I put a move up on
When women see me, they are attracted and eager to engage with me.


I'm a hardcore product of the ghetto
I am a tough and resilient individual who was shaped by the hardships of the impoverished neighborhoods.


Been blessed fo' sho to eat from out the ghetto
I have undoubtedly been fortunate to rise above poverty and find success outside of the ghetto.


I maneuver in the right lane quick to push back lanes
I navigate through life strategically, swiftly reclaiming any space that has been taken from me.


Switch it to the left lane I play with my hands
I am versatile and adapt to different situations effortlessly, utilizing my skills and talents.


And I'm plotting on the fortune, it's gettin' hot and scorching
I am actively strategizing and aiming for financial success, and the competition is becoming more intense.


I'm thinking like a scorpion that torturing an enemy
My mindset is similar to that of a scorpion, patiently inflicting pain upon my enemies.


In this life I lead fiend for currency get high off weed
In my current existence, I have an insatiable desire for money and find solace in marijuana.


Collect G's make my enemies bleed
I accumulate stacks of money and ensure that my rivals suffer.


When you see me n**** holla my set and watch 'em ride
When you spot me, shout out my crew and witness our actions.


Outlaw mother f***ers till we die
We are rebellious individuals with a strong sense of camaraderie, even until death.


In this life I lead fiend for currency get high off weed
In my current existence, I have an insatiable desire for money and find solace in marijuana.


Collect G's make my enemies bleed
I accumulate stacks of money and ensure that my rivals suffer.


When you see me n**** holla my set and watch 'em ride
When you spot me, shout out my crew and witness our actions.


Outlaw mother f***ers till we die in this life I lead
We are rebellious individuals with a strong sense of camaraderie, even until death, in the life I am currently leading.


Now with this outlaw lifestyle that I've been introduced to
Having been drawn into this rebellious way of life,


Money and hoes keep us closer to Lucifer
The pursuit of money and women aligns us with evil, resembling the devil.


Steady seducing us and I'm all for it
We are continually enticed by these temptations, and I willingly embrace them.


It's the life for me and the law can't spoil it
This lifestyle suits me perfectly, and legal consequences cannot ruin it.


So you can call it what the f*** you want
You can label it however you like, disrespectfully if you choose.


But I'm a baller alcoholic with a sawn off pump
Nevertheless, I am a successful and wealthy individual who enjoys drinking excessively, armed with a shortened shotgun.


My mamma ain't raise no punk
My mother did not raise me to be weak or cowardly.


And even dead Pac so when I jump off I breathe for yak
Even the deceased Tupac Shakur inspires me, so I live on and consume alcohol in his memory.


Been puttin' in work so I walk with a bop
I have been putting in a lot of effort, so I walk with confidence and swagger.


And it safe at home so I sleep with a glock
For my own protection, I keep a handgun close by when I sleep at home.


Thug living ugh what the f*** would be better
Living as a tough individual, what could possibly be more fulfilling?


I do my dirt with the family so we dying together
I engage in illegal activities as a united front with my crew, willing to face death together.


We on a mission for mo'
We are dedicated to acquiring more wealth and power.


Gangsta s*** on you hoes
We engage in criminal activities that intimidate and outmaneuver our rivals.


We ain't f***ing with you lawyers
We have no interest in involving legal professionals in our affairs.


Crossing n****s up out there dough
We deceive and double-cross individuals when it concerns money or illegal activities.


Trying to live Godzilla
We aspire to live a life of dominance and power, like the fictional monster Godzilla.


Edi went from a bad boy to a anybody killer
My crew member named Edi transformed from being a troublemaker to a ruthless individual willing to eliminate anyone.


Look out wanted man guns in hand
Beware of me, as I am a wanted criminal armed with firearms.


Stand firm nuts are my pride now let's burn
I remain determined and unyielding, proud of my courage. Now, let's engage in illegal activities.


Bound and profound going down swinging
I am unafraid and fully committed to fighting until the end.


Holding my ground we the last ones breathing
We refuse to back down and are the final survivors in this dangerous environment.


No stopping till we eating deep in the trenches
We will not rest until we are successful and have secured our place of financial stability, even in the most challenging circumstances.


So many killings it's senseless
There have been countless murders without a rational motive.


So in this life I lead I stay protected my God
Therefore, in the life I am currently leading, I am cautious and believe in the protection of a higher power.


My squad and this thing in my palm
My crew and my weapon provide me with a sense of security and protection.


Now all my hustling motherf***ers
Now, all of my hardworking and determined individuals


Get your money sing along
Make sure to secure your financial success and join me in this anthem of triumph.


This motherf***ing life I lead n****
This is the challenging life that I am currently living, my friend.


You know what time it is
You are fully aware of the circumstances and the reality we face.


West Side, death row
I represent the West side, particularly associated with Death Row Records.


Dogg pound
Repping the rap group Dogg Pound.


Everybody killer, bad boy killer, killer
I am a threat to everyone, including those associated with Bad Boy Records.


Anybody killer
I have the capability to eliminate anyone.


F*** all y'all n****s
Disregard and disrespect towards all of you, my acquaintances.


If it ain't West Side n**** it ain't Pac
If it doesn't come from the West side, it cannot be compared to Tupac Shakur.


That's on my momma
I swear upon my mother's life, this is the truth.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: DELMAR DREW ARNAUD, JOHNNY LEE JACKSON, KATARI T. COX, MALCOLM GREENIDGE, MUTAH W. BEALE, RICARDO EMMANUEL BROWN JR., RUFUS LEE COOPER, TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR

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