Back Up Against the Wall
GEORGE CLINTON & THE P-FUNK ALLSTARS Lyrics


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[E-40]
Trying to make it
It's been a long road
Sic-Wid-It Records

[Master P & E-40]
Oh! (C'mon, ooh)
Y'all feel that? (I feel it playboy, I smell you)
It's real out here 40 (It's real Pee!)

[E-40]
I'm out here in the slums where thugs be using, ghetto tactics
Like, chopping up candy canes
Sitting on top of a dried up JC Penney day mattress
Whatever it takes to survive, see that's what I supply
Like slipping and sliding in the grocery store
And settling out of court
Soft white coke a black turn into hard solidses
Thirty-eight snub nosed pistol grip lay ninjas on they
The saga continues, the struggle's just beginning
And it's hard to look up to snotty folks, cause THEY be sinning
'Pac gone, Biggie gone, Seagram gone and we also lost Eazy-E
One of the first gangster rappers of all time
To the most vicious and deadliest disease in history since cancer
To Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, tombstone
From the graveyard shift, RBL's Mister see
One love, to Rapping Ron and Plan B
Victims of the trigger
Po' out a little liquor

[Chorus: x2]
It's not the same, this world is crazy
We out here going through it all
Everything must change, it's getting shady
Got our backs against the wall

[Master P]
I shed tears for pain 40, some for anger
Seen bloodshed by crooked cops, and gang bangers
Feel my pain only time'll change it
And fast money, cars, and bitches got me trapped in this game
And my lil' homies balling, picture me falling
And momma in the funeral screaming and crawling
Is there a heaven or hell?
To ghetto kids in the anky only time will tell
And jealousy, and envy, come with money
While crooked, politicians, run the country
And it's a, damn shame to see my, weeples vanish
Now they teach us ebonics, what about English and spanish
I couldn't, live my life behind bars and gates
While the government play a game called process to eliminate

[Chorus]

[E-40]
Case #246, shooting in an inhabited area
They was steady complaining about the dope selling
But they ain't never been evicted, or convicted
They ain't never been subpoenaed to court, or arrested
Shackled like an animal for pushing rocks
Dang near choked to death by motorcycle cops
Pepper sprayed and laughed at like that shit was funny
Pregnant breezy threw down on her tummy
Do you ever think I'll ever be able to get
A chance to repent and ask the lord for forgiveness
Before he close the casket, will my son end up growing up
Without a father will he end up being a bastard?
A bastard, that's a good question
I don't know, I don't know





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Back Up Against the Wall" by George Clinton & the P-Funk Allstars, featuring E-40 and Master P, paint a vivid picture of the struggles faced in the harsh realities of the streets. E-40 sets the tone by describing the gritty environment of the slums where survival often means resorting to illegal activities like drug dealing. The reference to iconic figures like Tupac, Biggie, Seagram, and Eazy-E emphasizes the challenges faced by those who come from the same streets. The mention of AIDS as a deadly disease echoes the pervasive impact of violence and disease in the community, with a somber acknowledgment of those lost to these adversities.


The chorus reflects the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the world, acknowledging the challenges and difficulties faced by those living on the edge. The phrase "got our backs against the wall" portrays a sense of being trapped and cornered by circumstances beyond one's control. Master P delves into themes of pain, anger, and loss, addressing the harsh realities of violence, corruption, and inequality. The mention of the struggles faced by ghetto kids and the erosion of traditional values and education is a poignant commentary on the challenges of growing up in such an environment.


E-40 continues to paint a stark picture of the injustices and violence prevalent in the streets, highlighting the systemic issues that perpetuate cycles of poverty and crime. The references to police brutality, incarceration, and the struggles of parenthood further underscore the difficulties faced by individuals trying to navigate a hostile environment. The lyrics convey a sense of despair and hopelessness, questioning the possibility of redemption and the legacy left for future generations.


Overall, "Back Up Against the Wall" serves as a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of urban life, highlighting the struggles, losses, and complexities faced by those trying to survive in challenging circumstances. The song captures the pain, frustration, and resilience of individuals who find themselves caught in a cycle of violence, poverty, and injustice, offering a raw and unapologetic depiction of the harsh truths of the streets.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOSCO A. KANTE, EARL T. STEVENS, PERCY MILLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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