Runnin'
2 Pac feat. The Notorious B.I.G Lyrics
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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 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
Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
The nigga Biggie Smalls trying to turn into the black Frank White
We had to grow dreads to change our description
Two cops is on the milk box missing
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
Lay back, I got some money to make, motherfucker
And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm 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 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?
It's on me
But still I'm having memories of high speed when the cops crashed
As I laugh, pushing the gas while my Glocks blast
We was young and we was dumb, but we had heart
In the dark, will we survive through the bad parts
Many dreams is what I had, and plenty wishes
No hesitation in extermination of these snitches
Envious bitches, they still continue to pursue me
A couple of movies, now the whole world's trying to screw me
Even the cops tried to sue me, so what can I do?
But stay true, sipping 22's of brew
And now media is trying to test me
Got the press asking questions, trying to stress me
Misery is all I see, that's my mind state
My history with the police will shake the crime rate
My main man had two strikes, slipped, got arrested and flipped
He screamed "thug life" and emptied the clip
Got tired of running from the police
And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm 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 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?
"Runnin'" by 2 Pac Feat. Notorious B.I.G is a song that explores the emotions and thoughts of two men who have grown up amidst police brutality and violence. The lyrics suggest a sense of hopelessness and a constant fight for survival in a society that only wants to see them fail. It is a reflection of their everyday lives where they have to question the purpose of living when everything around them is so inherently unjust.
As the song begins, 2 Pac wonders if people will finally take him seriously once he is dead, as he feels that his struggles are ignored while he is alive. He then poses a series of questions, questioning his own existence and purpose in life. He expresses his frustration at trying to give his best to the world but not receiving the same in return. The chorus, then, emphasizes his constant battle for survival in a society that only wants to see him fail.
Notorious B.I.G speaks about his own experiences and how he grew up amidst drugs and violence. He explains how he got involved in the game and how quickly he blew up. He then goes on to describe how they had to change their physical attributes, such as growing dreads, to escape the police's notice. He talks about how the police brutality has affected him and how he has to keep fighting to survive. He feels like he has no choice but to retaliate when attacked and talks about how he has made a life out of it.
Overall, "Runnin'" is a powerful commentary on the struggles of Black men living in a society where their basic human rights are denied. It is a reflection of how police brutality and racism have affected them and how they have to constantly fight to survive in a world that doesn't care about their well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead?
I'm questioning whether people will still find humor in my suffering even after I'm gone.
Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
What's the point of struggling to survive in a world where conflict is the only constant?
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
Why am I exerting effort to find clarity when I'm shrouded in darkness and uncertainty?
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
Why do I keep extending kindness and generosity even if it's not being reciprocated?
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
What's the purpose of striving to exist if ultimately, we're all going to face death?
Check it, I grew up a fuckin' screw-up
I had a rough upbringing and made many mistakes.
Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
I started dealing drugs and became successful fast.
Choppin' rocks overnight
I worked tirelessly through the night to produce and sell drugs.
The nigga Biggie Smalls trying to turn into the black Frank White
My friend Biggie was trying to emulate the gangster persona of Frank White.
We had to grow dreads to change our description
We had to alter our appearance to avoid getting caught by the police.
Two cops is on the milk box missing
Two police officers have been killed and are being heavily publicized.
Show they toes you know they got stepped on
They got involved in a risky situation and paid the ultimate price.
A fist full of bullets a chest full of Teflon
They were armed and ready for a violent encounter.
Run from the police picture that, nigga I'm too fat
I can't outrun the police because I'm overweight.
I fuck around and catch a asthma attack
The physical strain of running may trigger my asthma.
That's why I bust back, it don't phase me
I shoot back at the police because I'm not afraid of them.
When he drop, take his Glock, and I'm Swayze
If I manage to kill a police officer, I'll take his gun and feel like Patrick Swayze in the movie 'Point Break.'
Celebrate my escape, sold the Glock, bought some weight
I celebrate my success in evading the police by selling my gun and buying more drugs.
Lay back, I got some money to make, motherfucker
Now that I'm safe and have more drugs to sell, I can relax and focus on making money.
It's on me
I take full responsibility for my actions and their consequences.
But still I'm having memories of high speed when the cops crashed
I vividly remember the intense pursuit by the police and the dangerous car chase that ensued.
As I laugh, pushing the gas while my Glocks blast
I laugh in the face of danger and shoot at the police with my gun.
We was young and we was dumb, but we had heart
We were foolish and inexperienced, but we were courageous and determined.
In the dark, will we survive through the bad parts
Will we be able to withstand and overcome the difficult trials that we'll eventually face?
Many dreams is what I had, and plenty wishes
I had big aspirations and desires for myself and my loved ones.
No hesitation in extermination of these snitches
I have no qualms about killing those who betray or endanger me and my associates.
Envious bitches, they still continue to pursue me
Women who are jealous of my success and fame still try to get close to me.
A couple of movies, now the whole world's trying to screw me
My public image has been twisted and exploited, and now everyone is vilifying me.
Even the cops tried to sue me, so what can I do?
The police are also trying to cause legal trouble for me, even though they're supposed to be protecting the people.
But stay true, sipping 22's of brew
Despite all the challenges and obstacles I'm facing, I remain committed to my principles and enjoy drinking beer.
And now media is trying to test me
Journalists are intentionally provoking me with controversial questions and headlines.
Got the press asking questions, trying to stress me
They're trying to elicit negative reactions and create drama around me.
Misery is all I see, that's my mind state
I'm overwhelmed with sadness, pain, and negativity, and it's affecting my mental well-being.
My history with the police will shake the crime rate
My past conflicts with law enforcement will have a significant impact on the community's levels of crime and violence.
My main man had two strikes, slipped, got arrested and flipped
My close friend has two felony convictions, slipped up and got arrested again, and decided to cooperate with the authorities.
He screamed 'thug life' and emptied the clip
He passionately believed in and upheld the principles of 'thug life' and fought fiercely until the end.
Got tired of running from the police
He finally reached his breaking point and gave up on constantly evading the authorities.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: EDGAR WINTER, CHRISTOPHER WALLACE, OSTEN HARVEY, MARSHALL B III MATHERS, LUIS RESTO, TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andybehrends3072
27 years later and nobody can take their place… Legends R.i.P
@nikoladugave
So sad, but so true...
@XiLeRone
But pop smoke was Close
@shathaniketogetswe4271
Ever!!!
@chucky_231
No rappers can replace them and they are the best rappers in hip hop industry
@bobbybiskins6720
@@XiLeRonepop was only semi close to fifty and that is a generous comparison. You cannot even fathom the reach of these type of artists. Fifty cent ran the hip hop genre from 02-08
@aubreynorton4470
Man this Rap song is Epic, an utter masterpiece, perfection. Put it on repeat with these two legends. Still banging in 2023 and beyond.
@ll-op8id
Fr
@josechavez6823
Gotta turn it up loud enough so the neighbors can enjoy it too.
Hope y’all are doing well.
@tommanly5665
Masterpiece.. we will never see music like this again.current rap isn't rap it's dog shit👎