Runnin'
2Pac feat. Notorious B.I.G. Lyrics
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You know, I wonder if they'll laugh when I am dead
Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight
Why I am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die
Check it, I grew up a fuckin' screw up
Choppin' rocks overnight
The nigga Biggie Smalls tryin' ta turn into the black Frank White
We had to grow dreads to change our description
Two cops on the milk box missin'
Show they toes you know they got stepped on
A fist full of bullets a chest full of Teflon
Run from the police picture that, nigga I'm too fat
I fuck around and catch a asthma attack
That's why I bust back, it don't phase me
When he drop, take his glock, and I'm Swayze
Celebrate, my escape, sold the glock, bought some weight
Laid back, I got some money to make, motherfucker
[Chorus]
And still I'm havin' memories of high speeds, when the cops crashed
As I laugh pushin' the gas when my glocks blast
We was young, and we was dumb but we had heart
In the dark when we survived through the bad parts
Many dreams is what I had, and plenty wishes
No hesitation in extermination of these snitches
And these bitches they still continue to pursue me
A couple of movies now the whole world tryin' to screw me
Even the cops tried to sue me so what can I do
But stay true, sippin' 22's a brewin'now the medias tryin'
To test me got the press askin' questions, tryin' to stress me
Misery is all I see, that's my mind's state
My history with the police is shakin' the crime rate
Ma main man had two strikes, slipped, got arrested and flipped
He screamed, "Thug Life" and emptied a clip
Gots tired of runnin' from the police
[Chorus]
The chorus of the song "Runnin'" by Tupac featuring Notorious B.I.G. discusses the internal turmoil and existential questions that the rappers faced. They question why they are fighting to live if life is just a constant battle, why they try to see when there's nothing to look forward to, why they try to give when they are never given a chance, and why they are dying to live when life is just a struggle to survive. The chorus reflects their doubts and fears about their own mortality and the struggles of life, which is what motivates them to keep living and hustling.
The verse rapped by Tupac describes the struggles he faced growing up, namely getting involved in the drug game to survive. He reflects on the violent experiences he witnessed and how he had to change his appearance to avoid being caught by the police. He also talks about the shootings that ensued and how he didn't let that phase him, but rather he continued to fight back. He recounts how he had to celebrate his escape and sell his gun to buy drugs to sustain himself, which highlights the desperation of his situation.
The verse rapped by Notorious B.I.G. discusses the violence and criminal activities that he and his crew engaged in. He talks about how they had heart and were willing to face any obstacle to survive. He mentions the dreams and wishes he had but how he had no hesitation in killing snitches who put their lives at risk. Biggie also talks about the media scrutiny he faced, the lawsuits brought against him, and how he remained dedicated to his lifestyle despite these challenges. The verse ends with a reference to a friend of his, who had a criminal record and eventually flipped, but not before screaming out "Thug Life" and opening fire on the police.
Line by Line Meaning
You know, I wonder if they'll laugh when I am dead
I question if people will mock me when I'm gone
Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight
What's the purpose of surviving if I'm constantly battling?
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight
What's the point of seeking clarity when everything is unclear?
Why I am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try
Why bother being generous if no one will return the favor?
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die
What's the sense in trying to survive if death is inevitable?
Check it, I grew up a fuckin' screw up
Listen up, my upbringing was a total mess
Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
I was initiated into the drug dealing world and became successful
Choppin' rocks overnight
I worked tirelessly to break down cocaine into small pieces
The nigga Biggie Smalls tryin' ta turn into the black Frank White
My frenemy Biggie was attempting to become a notorious drug lord like Frank White
We had to grow dreads to change our description
To avoid arrest, we had to alter our appearance by growing dreadlocks
Two cops on the milk box missin'
Two police officers who were murdered are being displayed on milk cartons
Show they toes, you know they got stepped on
When their toes are exposed, it's an indication that they were killed
A fist full of bullets a chest full of Teflon
We were armed with Teflon-coated bullets which can pierce bulletproof vests
Run from the police picture that, nigga I'm too fat
Evading the cops is too risky, especially for a heavyset person like me
I fuck around and catch a asthma attack
I might have an asthma attack if I engage in a high-speed chase
That's why I bust back, it don't phase me
I retaliate with gunfire because it doesn't scare me
When he drop, take his glock, and I'm Swayze
After I kill him, I'll take his gun and become untouchable like Patrick Swayze in Road House
Celebrate, my escape, sold the glock, bought some weight
After evading arrest, I sell my gun and buy more drugs
Laid back, I got some money to make, motherfucker
I relax and prepare to make more money in my business
And still I'm havin' memories of high speeds, when the cops crashed
Even now, I reminisce about high-speed chases and cop collisions
As I laugh pushin' the gas when my glocks blast
I laugh as I floor the gas pedal and shoot my gun
We was young, and we was dumb but we had heart
We were naive and ignorant, but we were brave and daring
In the dark when we survived through the bad parts
We overcame the most dangerous moments in our illegal operations
Many dreams is what I had, and plenty wishes
I had many aspirations and a variety of desires
No hesitation in extermination of these snitches
I have no qualms about killing those who betray me
And these bitches they still continue to pursue me
Despite everything, these women still pursue a relationship with me
A couple of movies now the whole world tryin' to screw me
After starring in some films, everyone wants to take advantage of me
Even the cops tried to sue me so what can I do
I even face legal action from law enforcement, what choice do I have?
But stay true, sippin' 22's a brewin' now the medias tryin' to test me
I remain faithful to my friends and business, drinking malt liquor, while the media tries to challenge me
Got the press askin' questions, tryin' to stress me
Journalists interrogate me and attempt to provoke me
Misery is all I see, that's my mind's state
I only perceive sadness and despair, that's my thoughts' condition
My history with the police is shakin' the crime rate
My past interactions with law enforcement is affecting the city's crime statistics
Ma main man had two strikes, slipped, got arrested and flipped
My best friend had two previous convictions, slipped up, got caught, and turned informant
He screamed, 'Thug Life' and emptied a clip
As he fired his weapon, he yelled 'Thug Life' which was his motto
Gots tired of runnin' from the police
I grew exhausted of escaping from law enforcement
[Chorus]
Refrain repeated multiple times throughout the song
Lyrics Ā© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EDGAR WINTER, CHRISTOPHER WALLACE, OSTEN HARVEY, MARSHALL B III MATHERS, LUIS RESTO, TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@apblolol
"Why am i dying to live, if im just living to die." Hits me every time
@CrackZulu
Not alone
@Smash896
Word up
@lauriecook7128
Same here
@user-wg1bj6mi4c
Š”Š»Š¾Š¶Š½Š¾ Š±ŃŠ°Ń
@krystalford300
@@CrackZulu sssssssss
@haloskaterkid
A friendship destroyed by media intervention. Two poets gone before their time like many others that came before them. RIP pac and big, your influence and message lives on
@quest6264
adrift dam that got me thinking KINGS RESTING NOW
@omgman2248
Brad favor with Tupac Shakur
@MHWRESTLIN
quest 626 no the friendship was destroyed by Pac getting shot and rumours that bad boy set it up and biggie knew but never warned him