Cold World
DJ MUGGS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't be afraid, bad dreams are only dreams
What a time you chose to be born in
Babies crying, brothers dying and brothers getting knocked
Shit is deep on the block
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world
Not a handgun was silent, not even a Tec
Outside as I'm stuck by enemies who put fear
Blasted on the spot before the pigs were dead
You know hoods, robbers, snipers new in sight, fuck blue and white
They escape before them flash the fuckin' lights
Gunshots, shatter first floor window panes
Shells hit the ground and blood stained the dice game
Whether broke callisthetic, any style you set it
Beat niggaz toothless, physically cut up like gooses
But with iron on the sides thugs took no excuses
Therefore, your fifty-two handblocks was useless
Links was snatched off necks, scars on throats
Jackets took, after bullet rips through coats
Against those who felt the cold from the steel made 'em fold
And squeal, once the metal hit the temple of his grill
Destruction worker, who was caught for his bomber
No time to swing the hammer that was hangin' from his Farmer's
And it's bugged how some niggaz catch slugs
And pockets dug from everything except check stubs
And it does sound ill like wars in Brownsville
Or fatal robberies in Red Hook where feds look
For fugitives to shoot cops, niggaz layin' on roof tops
For his cream he stashed in a shoe box
But he was hot, and the strip was filled with young killers
You don't suspect, so cops creep like caterpillars
And born thieves stay hooded with extra bullets
Those who try to flee they hit the vertebrae, increase the murder rate
Similar to hit men who pull out Tecs and then
Drop those who crack like tacos from Mexican
Rapid, like recipients cashin' checks again
Back to the motherfuckin' spot on Lexington
Babies crying, brothers dying and brothers getting knocked
Shit is deep on the block
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world
We be runnin' from the cops, bustin' off shots
Shit is deep on the block
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world, yo
No time to freeze, undercovers ease up in Grand Prixs
And seize packages and pocket the currency
Clicks control strips full clips are sprayed
Yellow tape, barricades, sidewalks, where bodies lay
Madness strikes at twelve o'clock, midnight
Stick up kids on the ground, broke the staircase light
And I stays harassed, scramblin' for petty cash
Jakes on my ass young bucks is learnin' fast
357's and 44's
Bought inside corner stores, their fire sparks the wars
Hospital floors surrounded by the law
Homicide questioning while the Jakes guard the door
My hood stay tense, loyalty puts strength in my team
'Cause niggaz main concerns scream
Some niggaz in the jet black Gallant
Shot up the Chinese restaurant, for this kid named Lamont
I thought he was dead but instead he missed a kid
And hit a twelve year old girl in the head and then fled
Tactical narcotic, task force, back off fast
'Cause the crime boss is passin' off cash
Extortions for portions of streets causes beef
Havin' followers of Indians trying to play Chief
You witness the saga, casualties and drama
Life is a script, I'm not a actor but the author
Of a modern day opera, where the main character
Is presidential papers, the dominant factor
[Incomprehensible]
But you look so alarmed
As I walked on by
Babies crying, brothers dying and brothers getting knocked
Shit is deep on the block
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world
We be runnin' from the cops, bustin' off shots
Shit is deep on the block
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world
Babies crying, brothers dying and brothers getting knocked
Shit is deep on the block
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world
Babies crying, brothers dying and brothers getting knocked
Shit is deep on the block
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world
We be runnin' from the cops, bustin' off shots
Shit is deep on the block
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world
The lyrics of DJ Muggs’ song “Cold World” discuss the harsh realities of inner-city life, including violence, poverty, and police brutality. The song opens with the singer acknowledging that he has had a bad dream, but reminds the listener that bad dreams are just that - only dreams. However, the world he is living in is a cold place, one filled with babies crying, brothers dying, and brothers getting knocked. He feels locked down in this cold, cold world.
The lyrics go on to describe a violent scene in the projects on the night before New Year’s Eve. Gunshots are ringing out, and enemies are all around. The singer paints a picture of a place where violence is the norm, and the police offer little to no protection. The streets are filled with robbers and thugs, and those who try to escape the violence are often gunned down. The singer laments that those who are caught up in this life are often left with nothing but pockets that are dug from everything except check stubs.
Ultimately, the lyrics of “Cold World” speak to the deep-seated issues that affect inner-city communities across the United States. The song reminds us that these problems are real, and those who live in these neighborhoods are often trapped in a cycle of poverty and violence, with little hope for a way out.
Line by Line Meaning
I had a bad dream
Don't be afraid, bad dreams are only dreams
What a time you chose to be born in
Babies crying, brothers dying and brothers getting knocked. Shit is deep on the block
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world
I am stuck in this dangerous world where violence and crime is the norm
It was the night before New Year's and all through the fuckin' projects
I found myself in a dangerous neighborhood on a particularly dangerous night
Not a handgun was silent, not even a Tec
Guns were being fired constantly, with no break or pause
Outside as I'm stuck by enemies who put fear
I was surrounded by threatening figures who made me feel afraid
Blasted on the spot before the pigs were dead
I was shot by my assailants before the police even arrived
You know hoods, robbers, snipers new in sight, fuck blue and white
The neighborhood was filled with dangerous criminals who wanted to harm me and had no respect for the police
They escape before them flash the fuckin' lights
Criminals were able to run away before the police could catch them
Gunshots, shatter first floor window panes
Gunfire was so intense that it caused windows to break
Shells hit the ground and blood stained the dice game
Bullets were flying everywhere and even innocent bystanders were getting hurt
Whether broke callisthetic, any style you set it
Whether you're poor or rich, you can still be involved in violence and crime
Beat niggaz toothless, physically cut up like gooses
Violence often leads to permanent physical harm and disfigurement
But with iron on the sides thugs took no excuses
Criminals were armed and ready for anything, and they didn't care about excuses or explanations
Therefore, your fifty-two handblocks was useless
No amount of fighting skills or strength could protect you in this dangerous neighborhood
Links was snatched off necks, scars on throats
Even jewelry and personal belongings were not safe, and people were often physically attacked
Jackets took, after bullet rips through coats
Clothing items, like jackets, were often destroyed by gunfire
Against those who felt the cold from the steel made 'em fold
The fear of death or injury from gun violence made people give up
And squeal, once the metal hit the temple of his grill
People would cry out in pain when they were shot in the head
Destruction worker, who was caught for his bomber
Even blue-collar workers could end up involved in crime or violence
No time to swing the hammer that was hangin' from his Farmer's
There wasn't even enough time to use tools, as violence and danger could strike at any moment
And it's bugged how some niggaz catch slugs
It's crazy how some people end up getting shot or killed
And pockets dug from everything except check stubs
Even though some people were involved in crime, it wasn't always lucrative and they often struggled financially
And it does sound ill like wars in Brownsville
The violence and danger in this neighborhood is reminiscent of a war zone
Or fatal robberies in Red Hook where feds look
The police are always trying to catch criminals in this dangerous neighborhood
For fugitives to shoot cops, niggaz layin' on roof tops
People would go to any length to avoid arrest, including shooting at the police or hiding on rooftops
For his cream he stashed in a shoe box
People would hide their money in hidden places like shoe boxes to keep it safe from other criminals
But he was hot, and the strip was filled with young killers
Even if you were able to hide your money, there were always threats around every corner
You don't suspect, so cops creep like caterpillars
Police would often hide and try to catch criminals off-guard
And born thieves stay hooded with extra bullets
Criminals were always prepared for violence and wore clothing that concealed their identities and weapons
Those who try to flee they hit the vertebrae, increase the murder rate
Criminals would not hesitate to shoot someone who tried to run away, and this only made the problem of violence and death worse
Similar to hit men who pull out Tecs and then
The violence in this neighborhood was reminiscent of a hit man-style attack
Drop those who crack like tacos from Mexican
People who were not able to handle the violence often suffered and died
Rapid, like recipients cashin' checks again
The violence was fast-paced and frenzied, like people cashing their paychecks
Back to the motherfuckin' spot on Lexington
Return to the dangerous neighborhood where violence and crime is the norm
We be runnin' from the cops, bustin' off shots
In this world, it's either fight or flight, and we often choose to fight back and protect ourselves
No time to freeze, undercovers ease up in Grand Prixs
We can't afford to freeze or hesitate, as even the police can be a threat to us
And seize packages and pocket the currency
The police can often be corrupt and take advantage of their power
Clicks control strips full clips are sprayed
The violence is often organized and carried out by gangs and other groups
Yellow tape, barricades, sidewalks, where bodies lay
Violence and death were a common occurrence and often left physical evidence on the streets
Madness strikes at twelve o'clock, midnight
Danger and violence can happen at any time, day or night
Stick up kids on the ground, broke the staircase light
Even small acts of violence, like breaking a lightbulb, were commonplace
And I stays harassed, scramblin' for petty cash
Even though I try to avoid violence, I still struggle to make ends meet and am constantly harassed
Jakes on my ass young bucks is learnin' fast
I am always being followed by the police, and younger people are becoming involved in crime at a faster rate
357's and 44's bought inside corner stores
Guns were easy to come by and were sold in everyday stores
Their fire sparks the wars
Guns were often the source of violence and conflict
Hospital floors surrounded by the law
Even hospitals were not safe from violence and often had police guarding them
Homicide questioning while the Jakes guard the door
Even in hospital rooms, the police would question people and make sure they weren't trying to escape
My hood stay tense, loyalty puts strength in my team
This dangerous neighborhood makes me feel tense and wary, but I rely on my community and friends for strength and support
'Cause niggaz main concerns scream
The main concern in this dangerous world is survival and self-protection
Some niggaz in the jet black Gallant
Even people who seem to be rich and successful can be involved in violence and crime
Shot up the Chinese restaurant, for this kid named Lamont
Even small disputes could lead to violent attacks and destruction
I thought he was dead but instead he missed a kid
Violence often causes collateral damage, with innocent bystanders getting hurt instead of the intended target
And hit a twelve year old girl in the head and then fled
People who commit violent acts often try to run away and avoid facing the consequences
Tactical narcotic, task force, back off fast
The police often had specialized teams to deal with the prevalence of drugs and narcotics in the neighborhood
'Cause the crime boss is passin' off cash
There were criminal bosses who controlled the neighborhood and profited from the violence and crime
Extortions for portions of streets causes beef
Even something as simple as controlling a street corner could lead to violent disputes and conflicts
Havin' followers of Indians trying to play Chief
People would often try to rise up the ranks of criminal organizations and become more powerful
You witness the saga, casualties and drama
Living in this dangerous world means witnessing violence and death almost every day
Life is a script, I'm not an actor but the author
Even though I am not directly involved in violence, I am still a part of this dangerous world and am affected by it
Of a modern day opera, where the main character
This world is a never-ending story of violence and crime, with the same people and themes repeated again and again
Is presidential papers, the dominant factor
Money and power are the main drivers behind the violence and crime in this neighborhood
But you look so alarmed
Even though I am used to this world of violence, others who are not familiar with it are often shocked and scared
As I walked on by
Even though I am always surrounded by violence and danger, I am still able to walk through it and survive
We be runnin' from the cops, bustin' off shots
In this world, sometimes the only option is to run or fight back
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world, yo
This dangerous world has trapped me and there seems to be no escape
Babies crying, brothers dying and brothers getting knocked
Violence affects everyone in this neighborhood, from the youngest to the oldest
Shit is deep on the block
The neighborhood is in deep despair and suffering
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world
I am trapped in this violent and dangerous world, with no hope of escape
We be runnin' from the cops, bustin' off shots
Sometimes we have to fight back against the police, as they are just as dangerous as the criminals in this neighborhood
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world
This world of violence and danger has trapped me and there seems to be no way out
Babies crying, brothers dying and brothers getting knocked
The violence and danger in this neighborhood affects everyone, with no one being spared from its reach
Shit is deep on the block
The despair and suffering in this neighborhood is profound and seems insurmountable
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world
I am trapped and hopeless in this world of violence and crime
We be runnin' from the cops, bustin' off shots
In this world, violence is the only way to protect yourself and survive
Shit is deep on the block
The suffering and violence in this neighborhood is intense and all-consuming
And you got me locked down in this cold, cold world
I am trapped in this dangerous world and there seems to be no hope of escape
Writer(s): ROBERT DIGGS, GARY GRICE, ELDRA DEBARGE, STEVLAND MORRIS
Contributed by Riley C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.