Runnin'
2pac & B.I.G Lyrics


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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?

Check it, I grew up a fuckin' screw-up
Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
Choppin' rocks overnight
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?

Overall Meaning

In the lyrics of "Runnin," 2pac and B.I.G. explore themes of mortality, purpose, and the struggle to survive in the face of adversity. The chorus poses a series of existential questions about the meaning of life and the futility of fighting for survival in a world that can be cruel and unforgiving. Meanwhile, the verses tell the story of two men who were introduced to the game of drugs and crime and became successful in it, but ultimately found themselves constantly running from the law and their enemies.


The first verse, performed by 2pac, describes his journey from being a "screw-up" to becoming a drug dealer who made it big overnight. He raps about the challenges he faced in evading the police and the danger of getting caught, all while dealing with his own physical limitations, like asthma. The second verse is performed by B.I.G. and tells a similar story of a young man who got caught up in the drug game and eventually found himself constantly on the run from the police and his enemies. B.I.G. is also critical of the media's portrayal of him as a criminal and its attempts to "test" him with questions designed to incriminate him.


Together, the two verses paint a portrait of lives lived on the edge and the constant peril faced by those who take up a life of crime. The chorus ties it all together by questioning the point of it all and asking whether the pursuit of survival is worth the fight.


Line by Line Meaning

And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead?
I question if people will take pleasure in my demise when I am no longer alive.


Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
What is the point of surviving if all I do each day is struggle and battle through life's challenges?


Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
What is the reason for attempting to perceive the future when it is not yet visible to me?


Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
Why do I continue to provide without receiving the same effort in return?


Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
What is the justification for enduring the struggle of living, if death is the eventual outcome?


It's on me
I am responsible for my own actions and decisions.


But still I'm having memories of high speed when the cops crashed
I recollect the past experience of fiercely evading the police and crashing at high speeds.


As I laugh, pushing the gas while my Glocks blast
I reflect on laughing while accelerating and shooting my weapons while being chased by the police.


We was young and we was dumb, but we had heart
Although we were inexperienced and foolish, we possessed resilience and courage.


In the dark, will we survive through the bad parts
In bleak and difficult circumstances, will we persevere and continue to endure?


Many dreams is what I had, and plenty wishes
I had numerous aspirations and desires for my future.


No hesitation in extermination of these snitches
I have no reluctance in eliminating those who betray me by divulging confidential information.


Envious bitches, they still continue to pursue me
Jealous women are relentlessly pursuing me and attempting to bring me down.


A couple of movies, now the whole world's trying to screw me
After starring in a few films, the entire world is now attempting to deceive and take advantage of me.


Even the cops tried to sue me, so what can I do?
Even law enforcement attempted to bring legal action against me, leaving me with little recourse.


But stay true, sipping 22's of brew
However, I must remain authentic and true to myself while drinking 22-ounce beverages.


And now media is trying to test me
Currently, the press is attempting to challenge my patience and cause me distress.


Got the press asking questions, trying to stress me
The media is inquiring with the intent to agitate and worry me.


Misery is all I see, that's my mind state
All I observe and encounter is despair and hardship, leading to a negative mindset.


My history with the police will shake the crime rate
My past experiences and confrontations with law enforcement have impacted the overall crime rate.


My main man had two strikes, slipped, got arrested and flipped
My close friend had two criminal offenses, made a mistake, was apprehended, and turned against his former associates.


He screamed 'thug life' and emptied the clip
He shouted 'thug life' as he fired every round from his firearm.


Got tired of running from the police
He grew weary of continuously evading law enforcement.




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
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Comments from YouTube:

@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

Сложно брат

@krystalford300

@@CrackZulu sssssssss

74 More Replies...

@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

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