Who Do U Believe In
2Pac Ft. Yaki Kadafi Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Let us pray
Heavenly Father
Hear a n**** down here
Before I go to sleep
Tell me, who do you believe in?
Who do you believe in?

I see mothers in black cryin', brothers in packs dyin'
Plus everybody's high, too doped up to ask why?
Watchin' our own downfall, witness the end
It's like we don't believe in God 'cause we livin' in sin

I asked my homie on the block why he strapped, he laughed
Pointed his pistol as the cop car pa**ed and blast
It's just another murder, nobody mourns no more
My tear drops gettin' bigger but can't figure what I'm cryin' for

Is it the miniature caskets, little babies
Victims of a stray, from drug dealers gone crazy
Maybe it's just the drugs, visions of how the block was
Crack came and it was strange how it rocked us

Perhaps the underlyin' fact stay high explain genocide
It's when we ride on our own kind
What is it we all fear? Reflections in the mirror
We can't escape fate, the end is gettin' nearer

Who do you believe in?
I put my faith in God, blessed and still breathin'
And even though it's hard
That's who I believe in
Before I'm leavin'
I'm askin'' the grievin', who do you believe in?

Who do you believe in?
I put my faith in God, blessed and still breathin'
And even though it's hard
That's who I believe in
Before I'm leavin'
I'm askin'' the grievin', who do you believe in?

Can't close my eyes 'cause all I see is terror
I hate the man in the mirror
'Cause his reflection makes the pain turn realer
Times of Armageddeon, murder in ma** amounts

In this society where only gettin' the cash counts
I started out as a beginner
Entered the criminal lifestyle became a sinner
I make my money and vacate, evade prison
Went from the chosen one to outcast, unforgiven

And all the Hennessy and weed can't hide, the pain I feel inside
You know, it's like I'm livin' just to die
I fall on my knees and beg for mercy, not knowin' if I'm worthy
Livin' life thinkin' no man can hurt me

So I'm askin', before I lay me down to sleep
Before you judge me, look at all the s*** you did to me, my misery
I rose up from the slums, made it out the flames
In my search for fame will I change? I'm askin'

Who do you believe in?
I put my faith in God, blessed and still breathin'
And even though it's hard
That's who I believe in
Before I'm leavin'
I'm askin'' the grievin', who do you believe in?

Who do you believe in?
I put my faith in God, blessed and still breathin'
And even though it's hard
That's who I believe in
Before I'm leavin'
I'm askin' the grievin', who do you believe in?

Faith in Allah, believe in me and this plastic
'Cause so far I done witnessed to many dead n****z in caskets
With they chest plates stretched like elastic
And what's worse I'm on front line, holdin' down camp, still mashin'

Heard my cousin, one of the old heads from the block
Just came home October of '95 back in Yardsville stuck

With a three to five, if he don't act up, now he realize
If you don't stay wise, then in this game you f***ed
Talk to my baby girl, give me the word on what she heard
One of the grimmies is snitchin', diamond a stool pigeon I talked to him
He said he didn't, my man said he did, in fact he's sure
'Cause he just came home off of bail

Now tell me
Who do you believe in?
I put my faith in God, blessed and still breathin'
And even though it's hard

That's who I believe in
Before I'm leavin'
I'm askin'' the grievin', who do you believe in?

Who do you believe in?
I put my faith in God, blessed and still breathin'
And even though it's hard
That's who I believe in
Before I'm leavin'
I'm askin'' the grievin', who do you believe in?

Who do you believe in?
Is it Buddah, Jehovah, or Jah, or Allah?
Is it Jesus, is it God or is just yourself?
Definitely not to be imposed, being a demon

Because this is the joy of believing
Men, to believe in yourselves
But for sure, the higher power
Resides only to ride in the heart of the true

From the soul, of the man, for truth never has an alibi
In the poetry, or in it's realm
That's what pulls all words together
Just to understand, that every man, is his own man

And only man can satisfy the man
Only the soul of the man, the feelings of the man
The for realness of the man
You can't shake the man, when you feel the man, you know the man
And you gotta call yourself because you are that man

Who do you believe in?
I put my faith in God, blessed and still breathin'

I put my faith in God
Blessed and still breathin'
Even though it's hard
That's who I believe in
Before I'm leavin'
I'm askin' the grievin'

Who do you believe in?
Who do you
Oh blessed, oh blessed
Oh who do you
Do you believe in?

Who do you believe in?
I put my faith in God, blessed and still breathin'
And even though it's hard
That's who I believe in
Before I'm leavin'
I'm askin'' the grievin', who do you believe in?

Who do you believe in?
I put my faith in God, blessed and still breathin'
And even though it's hard
That's who I believe in
Before I'm leavin'
I'm askin'' the grievin', who do you believe in?

Who do you believe in?
I put my faith in God, blessed and still breathin'
And even though it's hard
That's who I believe in




Before I'm leavin'
I'm askin'' the grievin', who do you believe in?

Overall Meaning

In "Who Do U Belive In," 2Pac questions the state of society and grapples with his own faith. He sees violence and drug abuse in his community and wonders why people have stopped believing in God. He witnesses a friend casually pointing a pistol at a police car and realizes the level of desensitization to murder that he and those around him have reached. He questions whether it is the drugs or the underlying fear in people that leads to the violence they perpetrate against their own kind. He falls to his knees and begs for mercy, acknowledging his own sins and wondering if he is worthy of forgiveness. In the end, he puts his faith in God, but asks the listener who they believe in.


This song illustrates 2Pac’s spiritual journey and reflects the larger societal issues of violence, drug abuse, and lack of faith. The lyrics are personal yet universal, as they speak to the struggles of many people in marginalized communities. The song's themes continue to resonate with listeners today, as they struggle with similar issues almost 25 years later.


Line by Line Meaning

Let us pray
Let us come together and seek guidance and support from a higher power.


Heavenly Father
Addressing God as the ultimate authority and source of strength.


Hear a n**** down here
Asking God to listen to the struggles and cries of a person living in a difficult environment.


Before I go to sleep
Seeking clarity and understanding before resting, acknowledging the importance of introspection.


Tell me, who do you believe in?
Questioning the listeners' faith and asking them to reflect on their beliefs.


Who do you believe in?
Repeating the question to emphasize its importance and encourage deep introspection.


I see mothers in black cryin', brothers in packs dyin'
Observing the pain and loss experienced in the community, highlighting the devastating effects of violence.


Plus everybody's high, too doped up to ask why?
Noticing the prevalence of substance abuse, which distracts people from seeking answers and understanding.


Watchin' our own downfall, witness the end
Witnessing the destruction and decline happening within the community, recognizing the need for change.


It's like we don't believe in God 'cause we livin' in sin
Noting the contradiction between people's actions and their professed faith, suggesting that their sinful behavior shows a lack of true belief in God.


I asked my homie on the block why he strapped, he laughed
Inquiring why a friend carries a weapon for protection and receiving a dismissive and cynical response.


Pointed his pistol as the cop car pa**ed and blast
Illustrating the disregard for authority and a willingness to resort to violence as a means of survival.


It's just another murder, nobody mourns no more
Expressing the desensitization towards loss of life and the lack of empathy in the community.


My tear drops gettin' bigger but can't figure what I'm cryin' for
Feeling deep sadness and despair but struggling to understand the root cause of the pain.


Is it the miniature caskets, little babies
Reflecting on the tragic deaths of innocent children, highlighting the heartbreak and devastation caused by violence.


Victims of a stray, from drug dealers gone crazy
Identifying the drug trade as a contributor to the loss of innocent lives, pointing out that the perpetrators have lost their humanity.


Maybe it's just the drugs, visions of how the block was
Considering the influence of substance abuse in distorting perceptions and reminiscing about how the neighborhood used to be.


Crack came and it was strange how it rocked us
Highlighting the destructive impact of the crack epidemic on the community, emphasizing the shocking and devastating changes it brought.


Perhaps the underlyin' fact stay high explain genocide
Speculating about the underlying reason for the community's self-destruction, suggesting that being under the influence of drugs contributes to the loss of lives and potential.


It's when we ride on our own kind
Acknowledging the tragic reality of violence within the community, often inflicted upon each other.


What is it we all fear? Reflections in the mirror
Questioning the source of fear, suggesting that individuals may be afraid to face and confront their own flaws and mistakes.


We can't escape fate, the end is gettin' nearer
Recognizing that destiny cannot be avoided and that the community is heading towards a destructive outcome.


I put my faith in God, blessed and still breathin'
Expressing personal belief in God, finding solace and gratitude for being alive despite the hardships faced.


And even though it's hard
Acknowledging the difficulties and challenges encountered in life.


That's who I believe in
Affirming the unwavering faith in God despite the struggles.


I'm askin'' the grievin', who do you believe in?
Posing the question to those who mourn and suffer, urging them to reflect on their own faith and beliefs.


Can't close my eyes 'cause all I see is terror
Feeling haunted and overwhelmed by the constant presence of fear and violence.


I hate the man in the mirror
Expressing self-disgust and dissatisfaction with one's own reflection due to the pain and hardships experienced.


'Cause his reflection makes the pain turn realer
Recognizing that the mirror reflects the harsh reality of the pain and suffering endured.


Times of Armageddeon, murder in ma** amounts
Referring to the chaotic and destructive times, marked by a high number of killings and violence.


In this society where only gettin' the cash counts
Reflecting on a society where financial gain is prioritized over moral values and the well-being of the community.


I started out as a beginner
Reflecting on a past marked by innocence and naivety.


Entered the criminal lifestyle became a sinner
Describing a transition into a life of crime, acknowledging the wrongdoing and guilt associated with it.


I make my money and vacate, evade prison
Engaging in illegal activities to earn money and always staying on the run to avoid getting caught and imprisoned.


Went from the chosen one to outcast, unforgiven
Transitioning from a position of promise and potential to being ostracized and deemed unworthy of forgiveness.


And all the Hennessy and weed can't hide, the pain I feel inside
Acknowledging that substance abuse cannot numb the emotional pain and sorrow experienced internally.


You know, it's like I'm livin' just to die
Feeling a sense of hopelessness and purposelessness, as if life is simply a continuous cycle leading to death.


I fall on my knees and beg for mercy, not knowin' if I'm worthy
Seeking forgiveness and mercy from a higher power, grappling with feelings of unworthiness and uncertainty.


Livin' life thinkin' no man can hurt me
Adopting a mindset of invincibility and believing that no human can inflict harm or pain.


So I'm askin', before I lay me down to sleep
Pleading for answers and guidance before entering a period of rest, recognizing the need for spiritual clarity.


Before you judge me, look at all the s*** you did to me, my misery
Challenging others who may pass judgment to reflect on their actions and their role in causing one's suffering and pain.


I rose up from the slums, made it out the flames
Highlighting personal growth and overcoming adverse circumstances, emerging from poverty and chaos.


In my search for fame will I change? I'm askin'
Questioning whether the pursuit of fame and success will lead to a change in character and values.


Faith in Allah, believe in me and this plastic
Putting trust and belief in God (Allah), as well as in oneself and the material possessions as a symbol of achievement.


'Cause so far I done witnessed to many dead n****z in caskets
Expressing the firsthand experience of witnessing numerous deaths and funerals, reflecting the harsh reality of street life.


With they chest plates stretched like elastic
Describing the graphic image of lifeless bodies with their chests severely damaged, emphasizing the brutality of violence.


And what's worse I'm on front line, holdin' down camp, still mashin'
Acknowledging the dangerous position of being at the forefront of the conflict, remaining loyal to the community and constantly engaging in high-risk activities.


Heard my cousin, one of the old heads from the block
Receiving information about a family member who is an experienced and respected figure in the neighborhood.


Just came home October of '95 back in Yardsville stuck
Revealing the recent release of the cousin from prison and their return to the same troubled neighborhood, feeling trapped and unable to escape the cycle of violence.


With a three to five, if he don't act up, now he realize
Referring to the cousin's sentence of three to five years and his newfound understanding that avoiding trouble is crucial for his freedom.


If you don't stay wise, then in this game you f***ed
Warning that failure to make intelligent and calculated decisions will lead to a life of hardship and ruin in the dangerous street life.


Talk to my baby girl, give me the word on what she heard
Seeking information and insights from a loved one, specifically a daughter, to understand the current situation and potential threats.


One of the grimmies is snitchin', diamond a stool pigeon I talked to him
Learning that a disloyal individual from the inner circle is providing information to the authorities, having a conversation with this informant to confirm the betrayal.


He said he didn't, my man said he did, in fact he's sure
Receiving conflicting accounts from the informant and a trusted friend, causing uncertainty and a dilemma of who to believe.


'Cause he just came home off of bail
Explaining that the informant was recently released from bail, implying that he may have incentives to cooperate with the authorities.


Is it Buddah, Jehovah, or Jah, or Allah?
Posing a series of religious figures to provoke contemplation on different belief systems.


Is it Jesus, is it God or is just yourself?
Questioning the listeners' faith and asking them to consider if they rely solely on their own abilities and decisions.


Definitely not to be imposed, being a demon
Rejecting the notion of being controlled by negative influences, such as evil or temptations.


Because this is the joy of believing
Highlighting the positive and empowering aspect of having faith and belief in something greater than oneself.


Men, to believe in yourselves
Encouraging individuals to have confidence, trust, and belief in their own abilities and potential.


But for sure, the higher power
Affirming the presence and influence of a higher entity or force.


Resides only to ride in the heart of the true
Indicating that the essence of this higher power exists within sincere and authentic individuals.


From the soul, of the man, for truth never has an alibi
Emphasizing the importance of living from one's true self and acknowledging that truth cannot be denied or excused.


In the poetry, or in its realm
Referring to the power of artistic expression, such as poetry, as a means to explore and convey truth.


That's what pulls all words together
Asserting that the pursuit of truth is what gives meaning and unifies all words and messages expressed.


Just to understand, that every man, is his own man
Encouraging individuals to recognize their individuality and uniqueness, asserting their independence and self-governance.


And only man can satisfy the man
Stating that true fulfillment and satisfaction can only be achieved by the individual themselves, not through external means or influences.


Only the soul of the man, the feelings of the man
Highlighting the importance of inner peace, emotional well-being, and spiritual fulfillment in the life of an individual.


The for realness of the man
Emphasizing the authenticity and genuineness of the individual's character and actions.


You can't shake the man, when you feel the man, you know the man
Asserting that the true essence and identity of a person cannot be easily changed or questioned, but can be recognized and understood through genuine connection and perception.


And you gotta call yourself because you are that man
Encouraging self-awareness and self-acceptance, recognizing one's own identity, strengths, and responsibilities.


Who do you believe in?
Reiterating the core question, urging listeners to deeply contemplate their beliefs and values.


Oh blessed, oh blessed
Expressing gratitude and acknowledging the presence of divine blessings.


Who do you
Repeating the question to elicit personal introspection and self-analysis.


Do you believe in?
Urging individuals to examine their own faith, trust, and belief system.


Before I'm leavin'
Stressing the urgency and importance of seeking spiritual understanding and clarity before departing or taking action.


I'm askin' the grievin', who do you believe in?
Directing the question to those who are experiencing pain, loss, or suffering, inviting them to explore their faith and find solace.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: YAFEU FULA, JOHNNY LEE JACKSON, TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR, JASON KAY, TOBY SMITH, DWIGHT DELEMOND WILLIAMS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@PaperChaserCEO

Thanks for watching. Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you'll know when I upload new content.

@coolmacho975

There were/are other good rappers but PAC sits on the highest peak and no one can come close to him.

@cloud218

Agreed, it’s almost like when you even read his name so much more thoughts are provoked than when you hear someone else’s name

@jenniferlynn9419

Absolutely the goat 🐐

@dkabyss7035

He was more then just rap that’s why, the goat

@JP-ef4dv

A 4th grader could have written these lyrics. Biggie, Nas, Pun. Pac is up at the top and I’d be a clown to claim otherwise, but to claim he’s the one and nobody else is even close? Stop

@ohitsmookie2751

I agree.

2 More Replies...

@novafalcosmith

2PAC IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST EVER PERIOD!!!!!!!!!

@user-ob7gf1zq6d

What separates Tupac from other rappers is Tupac showed pure love for Jesus and almighty Father jahovah God, he is in heaven that you can believe 🙏 respectfully Baby Batman cat 🐈‍⬛️ Daddy Batman cat 🐈‍⬛️ Queen 👸 Nardi our Ethiopian Queen 👸 Cat Daddy Gabriel cat 🐈‍⬛️ 🐈 😊

@eyewas9245

Amen_

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