Runnin
2pac Feat Notorious B.I.G Lyrics

And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead?
Reflecting on his own mortality, the singer expresses his vulnerability to mockery and scorn even after he has passed.

Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
Questioning the purpose of his struggles and challenges, the singer wonders if his existence is solely meant to be a constant battle.

Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
Feeling lost and directionless, the singer questions the value of his efforts to gain clarity and understanding in a world that seems devoid of meaning.

Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
Frustrated by the lack of reciprocation and recognition for his actions and intentions, the artist questions why he continues to invest in others.

Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
Recognizing the ultimate futility of his struggle for survival and meaning, the artist laments the inevitability of death.

Check it, I grew up a fuckin' screw-up
Introducing his personal background, the singer reveals his difficult and flawed upbringing.

Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
Describing his entry into the world of drugs and crime, the singer highlights the rapid success and consequences of his involvement.

Choppin' rocks overnight
Dedicating himself to the manufacturing and distribution of drugs, the artist explains the constant and relentless nature of his work.

The nigga Biggie Smalls trying to turn into the black Frank White
Describing his collaborator's aspirational identity as a successful and powerful figure, the artist highlights the wish for transformation and success.

We had to grow dreads to change our description
Recounting the challenges and dangers of being identified and targeted by law enforcement, the artist explains how his appearance became a crucial factor in his survival.

Two cops is on the milk box missing
Referencing the disappearance of law enforcement officers and the resulting attention and scrutiny, the singer reveals the constant danger and hostility he faced.

Show they toes you know they got stepped on
Asserting his own power and authority over the police, the artist describes how they were physically defeated and humiliated.

A fist full of bullets a chest full of Teflon
Describing the weaponry and armor used by himself and his associates, the singer illustrates the intensity and violence of his lifestyle.

Run from the police picture that, nigga I'm too fat
Renouncing the idea of running from the police, the singer humorously acknowledges his own physical limitations.

I fuck around and catch a asthma attack
Joking about his own health conditions, the singer pokes fun at his own vulnerabilities.

That's why I bust back, it don't phase me
Asserting his own fearlessness and emotional detachment, the artist explains his propensity for violence.

When he drop, take his Glock, and I'm Swayze
Describing his swift and efficient execution of his opponents, the artist compares himself to a popular action movie character.

Celebrate my escape, sold the Glock, bought some weight
Rejoicing over his own survival and success, the singer describes how he utilized his earnings to continue his trade.

Lay back, I got some money to make, motherfucker
Reveling in his own comfort and success, the singer confidently proclaims his ability to continue his pursuits.

It's on me
Taking personal responsibility for his own actions and decisions, the artist asserts his own autonomy and power.

But still I'm having memories of high speed when the cops crashed
Despite his self-assurance, the artist reveals his own vulnerability to traumatic and painful memories of his past experiences.

As I laugh, pushing the gas while my Glocks blast
Recalling a past event with bravado and humor, the artist illustrates his own recklessness and disregard for his own safety.

We was young and we was dumb, but we had heart
Acknowledging his own youthful ignorance and naivete, the singer still asserts his own courage and bravery.

In the dark, will we survive through the bad parts
Contemplating the challenges and obstacles he has faced and will face, the artist wonders if he will ever overcome the worst moments of his life.

Many dreams is what I had, and plenty wishes
Revealing his own desires and aspirations, the singer explains how his dreams have shaped and motivated his actions.

No hesitation in extermination of these snitches
Asserting his own loyalty and commitment to his associates, the singer describes how he has no qualms about killing those who betray him.

Envious bitches, they still continue to pursue me
Describing the unwanted attention and attraction of women, the singer reveals the negative consequences and risks of his own fame and success.

A couple of movies, now the whole world's trying to screw me
Bemoaning the effects and implications of his own celebrity and notoriety, the artist explains how his own success has attracted unwanted controversy and hostility.

Even the cops tried to sue me, so what can I do?
Describing his own legal battles and challenges, the artist reveals the extent of his own opposition and resistance to authority.

But stay true, sipping 22's of brew
Despite the obstacles and challenges he faces, the singer asserts his own determination and loyalty, enjoying his own success and pleasures.

And now media is trying to test me
Describing his own experiences with the press and media, the singer reveals how his own success has provoked and challenged those in authority.

Got the press asking questions, trying to stress me
Feeling harassed and threatened by journalists and other media figures, the artist complains about their efforts to undermine and incriminate him.

Misery is all I see, that's my mind state
Describing his own emotional and mental state, the artist explains how he is consumed by his own negativity and pessimism.

My history with the police will shake the crime rate
Asserting the importance and significance of his own actions and history, the artist describes how his own reputation and influence affects the larger criminal community.

My main man had two strikes, slipped, got arrested and flipped
Revealing the consequences and risks of criminal activity to his own associates and friends, the singer illustrates how one mistake can lead to severe punishment.

He screamed 'thug life' and emptied the clip
Describing his own friend's violent and defiant response to his own arrest and prosecution, the artist emphasizes the importance of loyalty and courage in his community.

Got tired of running from the police
Describing his own exhaustion and frustration with evading the law, the singer reveals how the constant threat of being caught has influenced and shaped his own identity and actions.