Runnin'
J Dilla Lyrics

Can't keep runnin' away
The singer cannot continue to avoid their problems and must confront them.

I must admit on some occasions I went out like a punk
The singer acknowledges times where they acted cowardly.

And a chump or a sucker or something to that effect
The singer was seen as weak or foolish by others.

Respect I used to never get when all I got was upset
Others did not treat the artist with respect, leading them to become upset.

When niggas use to be like 'What's up fool!' and tried
The artist was taunted and threatened by others.

To seat a nigga like the Lip for no reason at all I can
Others picked on the singer for no apparent reason.

Recall crip niggas throwin' c in my face down the hall
Gang members taunted and threatened the singer.

I'm kickin' it in the back of the school eatin' chicken at three, wonderin' why is everybody always pickin' on me
The artist felt targeted by others for no apparent reason, leading to feelings of isolation.

I tried to talk and tell them chill I did nothing to deserve this
The artist attempted to reason with their aggressors.

But when it didn't work I wasn't scared just real nervous and unprepared to deal with scrappin' no doubt
Despite being unprepared to physically fight, the artist was not afraid.

Cause my pappy never told me how to knock a nigga out
The singer was not taught how to defend themselves by their father.

But now in 95 I must survive as a man on my own Fuck around with Fatlip yes ya get blown I'm not trying to show No macho is shown but when it's on, if it's on, then it's on!
The artist recognizes the need to be self-sufficient as an adult and will defend themselves if necessary.

There comes a time in every mans life when he's gotta Handle up on his own Can't depend on friends to Help you in a squeeze, please they got problems of their Own
One must learn to be self-reliant, as friends may not always be available to help.

Down for the count on seven chickens shits don't Get to heaven til they faced these fears in these fear Zones
One must confront their fears in order to overcome them.

Used to get jacked back in high school I played It cool just so some real shit won't get full blown
The singer attempted to avoid conflict in high school to prevent violent situations.

Being Where I'm from they let the smoke come quicker than an Evil red-neck could lynch a helpless colored figure
The artist comes from a place where violence is common and quick to occur.

And As a victim I invented low-key til the keyhole itself got Lower than me
The artist learned to become more reserved and avoid attention to avoid being victimized.

So I stood up and let my free form form Free. Said I'm gonna get some before they knockin' out me
The singer decided to stand up for themselves and pursue their own goals despite challenges.

It's 1995 now that I'm older stress weighs on my shoulders Heavy as boulders but I told ya
The singer is feeling burdened by life's challenges in 1995.

Till the day that I die I still will be a soldier and that's all I told Ya and that's all I showed ya
The artist is determined to persevere through life's challenges.

And all this calamity is rippin' my sanity Can it be I'm a celebrity Whose on the brink of insanity
The artist feels overwhelmed by their situation and questions their own sanity.

Now don't be wishin's of switchin' any positions with me Cause when you in my position, it ain't never easy To do any type of maintaining cause all this gaming and famin' from Entertainin' is hella straining to the brain and
The artist cautions against envying their position, as it comes with its own unique challenges and stresses.

But I can't keep running I just gotta keep keen and cunnin'
The singer recognizes the need to face their challenges head-on and use intelligence and strategy to overcome them.