Where I'm From
Ja Rule feat. Lloyd Lyrics

Nigga, fuck is you talkin' 'bout?
An expression of confusion or disbelief in response to something said.

Kids get killed in ghettos, shot up over their carmelo's
Children are shot and killed in poor neighborhoods, often over trivial things like sneakers.

While they mom was at home, tears hittin' the pillow
The mothers of these slain children are left alone to mourn, crying themselves to sleep at night.

Reverend in the middle of a sermon and funereal
Even at funerals, the violence and tragedy of the ghetto is still present, with pastors and religious figures struggling to console grieving families.

Shed a tear 'cause they lost a son the same way a year ago
The loss of a child in the same manner as a year before results in a sense of hopelessness and despair for those left behind.

It's the same ego spiritual, we thuggin' in harmony
Violence and aggression are ingrained in the culture of the ghetto, with people 'thuggin' in harmony' - or fighting and killing each other, as if it were a spiritual or religious practice.

They say death brings life, there exchange no robbery
Some people believe that death brings new life or opportunities, and that this exchange does not involve stealing or taking from others.

If I'm wrong then pardon me, I'm just tired of poverty
The artist acknowledges that their views may not be universally accepted, but they are simply fed up with living in poverty and dealing with the violence and tragedy that often comes with it.

Why them niggas in the hood never hit the lottery
The artist questions why people in the ghetto never seem to have any luck or fortune, as opposed to those outside of these areas who may win the lottery or achieve success in other ways.

Unless they go lottery, first round in the draft
The only way for some to escape poverty and make it out of the ghetto is by winning the lottery or becoming a successful athlete.

First we dustin' off the rounds and we slip in the mag'
Before engaging in violent activity, the singer and others 'dust off' their weapons and load them with bullets, preparing for the inevitable confrontation.

Then slip on the masks, and go out and mash
To further protect their identities and maintain anonymity while committing crimes, the artist and others 'slip on masks' before venturing out into the streets to commit acts of violence.

And we call it feeding our family, ya'll call it a tragedy, damn
While the singer and others see their violent actions as providing for their families, those outside of the ghetto view these actions as tragic and harmful to their respective communities.

How I could just kill a man
A reference to the Cypress Hill song of the same name, signifying the willingness to commit violent acts against others.

Watch his blood flow like a river and rinse his blood off of my hand
A graphic and violent image of killing someone and then washing the blood off of one's hands, as if committing this act is routine or commonplace in the ghetto.

If you hearing me speak please lord give me a chance
The artist is pleading for a chance to be heard and understood, hoping that their words will resonate with those who can help make changes in their communities.

And forgive for my sins, 'cause we cleansed where I'm from
The artist acknowledges their past mistakes and violent actions, but also suggests that these actions are seen as acceptable in their community - hence the idea of being 'cleansed' in this area of the city.

We ain't all killers in prison
Not everyone in the ghetto is a killer or has been incarcerated, despite what stereotypes may suggest.

Matter fact that's a stereotypical thought of livin'
The idea that everyone in the ghetto is violent or involved in criminal activity is a prejudicial and unjust stereotype.

'Cause they don't know about the hood and them love in it
Outsiders often fail to understand the love and sense of community that exists in the ghetto, despite the harsh living conditions.

Summer time top down with the wood finish
A reference to driving expensive cars with the tops down, showing off wealth even in an impoverished neighborhood.

Pushin' hard uptown windows slightly tinted
Driving through upscale areas, but still attempting to maintain a sense of anonymity with lightly tinted windows.

Back to back Benz' and Jeeps, blowin' weed with my niggas
The singer and their friends ride in fancy cars while smoking marijuana.

On our way to a house party, gonna fuck with some bitches
The group is heading to a party where they will likely drink, dance, and have sex with women.

Let's get some liquor for shorty who said she make us some chicken
One of the women they plan to meet promised to cook them chicken, so they need to buy some liquor for her in exchange.

And do it every other weekend
This lifestyle of partying and having sex with multiple partners happens on a regular basis for the singer and their friends.

If I don't have to kill niggas, I never would leave the ghetto
The singer suggests that if they didn't feel the need to kill or commit violent acts, they wouldn't have to stay in the ghetto.

I'm like an angel that put on a halo
Despite their violent actions and rough exterior, the artist sees themselves as a good person - akin to an 'angel' who is putting on a 'halo' to show their inner beauty.

Cradle the grave of my niggas that we lost in the ghetto
The artist takes care of and respects the memories of their friends who were killed in the ghetto.

'Cause where I'm from in the ghetto we rock white tee's and Nike's
The style and fashion in the ghetto is characterized by simple white t-shirts and popular Nike sneakers.

Roll three dice and name our dope ice cream
Part of the culture in the ghetto involves gambling with dice and giving street names to drugs or other substances.

Set trends and ya'll follow our lead
Despite the poverty and crime in the ghetto, the artist and their community still have an influence on fashion and style in the larger society.

But in New Yitti niggas follow they dreams, where I'm from
Despite the artist's assertion that they set trends and lead in their own way, they also recognize that in cities like New York, people are able to follow their dreams and pursue success in positive ways.

Now I lay me down and sleep
An opening line to a common bedtime prayer known as 'Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.'

And I pray to the Lord, for my soul to keep
The singer is asking God to watch over them and keep them safe.

But if I should die before I wake
The artist acknowledges the possibility that they may not survive the violence and harsh living conditions of the ghetto.

Pray for the Lord, my soul to take yeah
In the event that they do die, the singer is asking that God take their soul and bring them to a better place.

We all walk back in line, yeah
Despite the violence and tragedy that occurs in the ghetto, the singer and their community continue to move forward and persevere, 'walking back in line' as they face the challenges of their everyday lives.