Jan Andrzej Paweł Kaczmarek (b. April 29, 1953 in Konin, Poland) is a Polis… Read Full Bio ↴Jan Andrzej Paweł Kaczmarek (b. April 29, 1953 in Konin, Poland) is a Polish composer, author of music to over thirty feature films and documentaries.

Jan is a graduate of law studies at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. He worked with Jerzy Grotowski's Theater Laboratory in the late 1970s and created the Orchestra of the Eighth Day in 1977. He recorded his first album "Music For The End," in 1982 for Flying Fish Records (Chicago). In 1989 he moved to Los Angeles. His music was released by Sony Classical, Decca, Varese Sarabande, Milan and Savitor Records. He gives concerts in the USA and in Europe.

In 2005 Jan Kaczmarek received an Oscar for the music (score) in Finding Neverland, directed by Marc Forster. J.A.P.K. also won The National Board of Review award for Best Score of the Year, and was nominated for both a Golden Globe and BAFTA's Anthony Asquith Award for Achievement in Film Music. In addition to his work in films, Jan was commissioned to write two symphonic and choral pieces for two important national occasions in Poland. “Cantata for Freedom” (2005) to celebrate 25th anniversary of Solidarity movement, and "Oratorio 1956” (2006) to commemorate 50th anniversary of bloody uprising against totalitarian government in Poznan, Poland. Both premiers were broadcast live on national television.

Jan A.P. Kaczmarek is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Jan is also setting up an Institute inspired by the Sundance Institute, in his home country of Poland, as a European center for development of new work in the areas of film, theatre, music and new media. The Institute website (currently under construction) is: http://rozbitek.org. It is anticipated that Rozbitek Institute will be officially open in 2008.

Pain
Jan A.P. Kaczmarek Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I couldn't help but notice your pain
My pain?
It runs deep; share it with me!

They'll never take me alive, I'm gettin' high with my four-five
Cocked on these suckas, time to die
Even as a youngster causin' ruckus on the back of the bus
I was a fool all through high school, kickin' up dust

But now I'm labeled as a troublemaker; who can you blame?
Smokin' weed helped me take away the pain
So I'm hopeless rollin' down the freeway swervin', don't worry
I'm about to crash up on the curb 'cause my vision's blurry
Maybe if they tried to understand me; what should I do?
I had to feed my fuckin' family; what else could I do
But be a thug? Out slangin' with the homies
Fuck hangin' with them phonies in the club!
Got my mind on danger; never been a stranger to homicide
My city's full of gang bangers and drive bys
Why do we die at an early age?
He was so young but still a victim of the 12 gauge
My memories of a corpse, mind full of sick thoughts
And I ain't goin back to court, so fuck what you thought!
I'm drinkin' Hennessey, runnin' from my enemies
Will I live to be 23? There's so much pain

Ohhhh
Tired of the strain and the pain
Ohhhh
Tired of the strain and the pain

Years and years of that rough life
Runnin' crazed and wild as a kid and growin' tough with a knife
And livin' trifed on the regular, buckin' out competitors
See 'em fake a move and chase them down
Like the fuckin' Predator
Get in trouble everyday in school, act a fool
And you know I had to break every rule
Showin' off for the bitches, 'cause I had the mad rep
So I had to watch my back when it was time to step
But my grimies is the grimiest with love for me
Pop, pop, pop, and send a chuckle up above for me
Ayo, currency kept passing me by, but I didn't cry, broke
Got hit off with the pack and started sellin' coke
And now the money's looking lovely
Pop the drop top and now the bitches wanna rub me
Kick 'em the game, it's all the same
I kick it back, yo; give 'em slack, yo
And now they label me the mack, yo, people check it
Get disrespected if you front on the Birdman, you heard, man
Catch a couple shots from the Glock in my hand
Damn! At least I'm realistic with my biscuit
You know you get your ass twisted, so run for cover
Me and my man got a plan, kickin' major dust
So if you're on, nigga, look for the gauge to bust
A lot of pressure with the street fame, it's a deep game
And my mama always cryin', yo, there's so much pain

Ohhhh
Tired of the strain and the pain
Ohhhh
Tired of the strain and the pain

They got me mobbin' like I'm loc'ed, ready to get my slug on
And I load my clip and slip my motherfuckin' gloves on
I ain't scared to blast on these suckas if they test me
Trust – I got my Glock cocked, playa, if they press me
Bust – on motherfuckers with a passion
Better duck, 'cause I ain't looking when I'm blastin'
I'm a nut, and drinkin' Hennessey and gettin' high
On the lookout for my enemies, don't wanna die
Tell me why, 'cause this stress is gettin' major
A buck 50 across the face with my razor
What can I do but be a thug until I'm dead and gone?
Keep my brain on the game and stay head strong
These sorry bastards want to kill me in my sleep
I'm real they cannot see
And everyday is just a struggle, steady thuggin' on the streets
And I'll be ballin', loc, don't let 'em make you worry
Keep swingin' at these suckas till you buried
I was born to raise hell, a nigga from the gutta
Word to mother I'm trapped, I'm kickin' dust up, ready to bust
I'm on the scene, steady muggin' mean until they kill me
I'll be livin this life, I know you feel me; there's so much pain

Ohhh
Tired of the strain and the pain
Ohhh
Tired of the strain and the pain
Ohhh
Tired of the strain and the pain
Ohhh

Tired of the strain and the pain
Ohhh

Overall Meaning

The song “Pain” by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek features a sample from the late Tupac Shakur’s song “So Much Pain.” The lyrics of the song provide insight into the struggles of growing up in poverty and turning to drugs and violence as a means of coping. The opening lines of the song reflect empathy as the singer acknowledges the pain of the other person and offers to share their burden. The next verse expresses the desperation of a young person who feels helpless and hopeless, turning to drugs to numb the pain of poverty and a violent environment. The chorus repeats the sentiment of being tired of the strain and the pain that is pervasive in this reality.

The second verse speaks to the struggle of climbing the ranks of the drug trade and the danger it presents in a volatile environment. The singer’s grim outlook is laced with a sense of self-awareness that comes from the need to stay alive in such conditions. The final verse touches on the paranoia that comes with being a gangster and the fear of being killed. The song ends with the same chorus, which emphasizes the relentlessness of this struggle and the overwhelming pain that it causes.

Overall, “Pain” is a powerful reflection of the realities of living in poverty and violence. Tupac’s lyrics provide a voice for those who suffer in silence, conveying the desperation and fear that comes with this way of life. The song serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of these struggles.

Line by Line Meaning

I couldn't help but notice your pain
I observed your suffering, and it deeply impacted me.

My pain?
Are you referring to my own emotional distress?

It runs deep; share it with me!
The pain I feel is profound, and I encourage you to open up to me about yours.

They'll never take me alive, I'm gettin' high with my four-five
I will not allow myself to be captured alive; instead, I choose to escape reality by using drugs and embracing a dangerous lifestyle.

Cocked on these suckas, time to die
I have loaded my gun in preparation to kill those who antagonize me.

Even as a youngster causin' ruckus on the back of the bus
Even when I was young, I caused trouble and chaos, especially while riding the school bus.

I was a fool all through high school, kickin' up dust
During my entire high school years, I behaved foolishly and stirred up conflict.

But now I'm labeled as a troublemaker; who can you blame?
As a result, I am now perceived as a perpetual troublemaker, and it's difficult to assign blame for my actions.

Smokin' weed helped me take away the pain
Using marijuana provided a temporary escape from the emotional pain I experienced.

So I'm hopeless rollin' down the freeway swervin', don't worry
Feeling devoid of hope, I drive recklessly down the freeway, but there is no need to be concerned.

I'm about to crash up on the curb 'cause my vision's blurry
I am at the brink of crashing into the curb due to my impaired vision.

Maybe if they tried to understand me; what should I do?
Perhaps if others made an effort to comprehend my circumstances, what alternatives would be available to me?

I had to feed my fuckin' family; what else could I do
I faced the necessity of providing for my family; what other choices did I have?

But be a thug? Out slangin' with the homies
Was it my only option to engage in criminal behavior? To participate in the drug trade alongside my friends?

Fuck hangin' with them phonies in the club!
I have no interest in associating with fake individuals at the club!

Got my mind on danger; never been a stranger to homicide
My thoughts are consumed with the concept of danger; I have become familiar with acts of murder

My city's full of gang bangers and drive bys
My city is populated with individuals involved in gangs and frequent drive-by shootings.

Why do we die at an early age?
Why is it that we frequently perish prematurely?

He was so young but still a victim of the 12 gauge
Although he was incredibly young, he became a casualty of a shotgun blast.

My memories of a corpse, mind full of sick thoughts
I cannot escape the memories of a lifeless body, and my mind is consumed with disturbing thoughts.

And I ain't goin back to court, so fuck what you thought!
I refuse to return to court, so I couldn't care less about your opinion!

I'm drinkin' Hennessey, runnin' from my enemies
As I drink Hennessy, I constantly evade those who wish to harm me.

Will I live to be 23? There's so much pain
Do I have any chance of surviving until the age of 23? I am burdened by immense suffering.

Tired of the strain and the pain
Exhausted by the constant stress and suffering.

Years and years of that rough life
Enduring many years of a harsh, difficult existence.

Runnin' crazed and wild as a kid and growin' tough with a knife
Living in a state of madness and recklessness during childhood, becoming hardened and skilled with a knife.

And livin' trifed on the regular, buckin' out competitors
Engaging in a life characterized by constant conflicts with rivals and actively challenging adversaries.

See 'em fake a move and chase them down
Upon perceiving someone making a false move, I pursue them relentlessly.

Like the fuckin' Predator
Similar to the formidable fictional character known as the Predator.

Get in trouble everyday in school, act a fool
Every day at school, I find myself in trouble, engaging in foolish behavior.

And you know I had to break every rule
It was inevitable that I would defy every rule set before me.

Showin' off for the bitches, 'cause I had the mad rep
Engaging in behavior to impress women, as I had a reputation for being highly respected.

So I had to watch my back when it was time to step
As circumstances required me to be cautious, I remained vigilant about potential threats.

But my grimies is the grimiest with love for me
Despite my associates being incredibly gritty and tough, they have genuine affection for me.

Pop, pop, pop, and send a chuckle up above for me
Firing gunshots in rapid succession, while deriving amusement from the situation.

Ayo, currency kept passing me by, but I didn't cry, broke
Despite being consistently overlooked in terms of financial opportunities, I refused to succumb to despair.

Got hit off with the pack and started sellin' coke
When presented with an opportunity, I began trafficking and selling cocaine.

And now the money's looking lovely
I am now in possession of a considerable amount of money, which is quite pleasing.

Pop the drop top and now the bitches wanna rub me
As I stylishly remove the roof of my vehicle, women become enamored with me and desire to be close.

Kick 'em the game, it's all the same
Imparting to them my knowledge and wisdom, as it is universally applicable.

I kick it back, yo; give 'em slack, yo
I relax and provide them with leniency and forgiveness.

And now they label me the mack, yo, people check it
Consequently, they now refer to me as a player, and I encourage individuals to take note of this fact.

Get disrespected if you front on the Birdman, you heard, man
If you dare to disrespect or confront me, the Birdman, be prepared for the consequences.

Catch a couple shots from the Glock in my hand
Experience the repercussions of my firing a couple of shots from the Glock handgun I possess.

Damn! At least I'm realistic with my biscuit
Damn! However, I am at least practical and logical when it comes to utilizing my firearm.

You know you get your ass twisted, so run for cover
You are aware that you will face dire consequences, so seek shelter and escape as quickly as possible.

Me and my man got a plan, kickin' major dust
My associate and I have devised a plan, creating a significant disturbance and creating chaos.

So if you're on, nigga, look for the gauge to bust
Therefore, if you find yourself opposing us, be prepared for the shotgun to discharge.

A lot of pressure with the street fame, it's a deep game
Street notoriety places tremendous pressure on individuals, as it involves complex and dangerous dynamics.

And my mama always cryin', yo, there's so much pain
My mother is constantly in tears and experiencing immense emotional suffering.

They got me mobbin' like I'm loc'ed, ready to get my slug on
They have driven me to behave recklessly and wildly, prepared to engage in violent conflict.

And I load my clip and slip my motherfuckin' gloves on
I insert ammunition into my firearm and put on my gloves, fully preparing myself for combat.

I ain't scared to blast on these suckas if they test me
I have no fear in shooting and attacking those who dare to challenge or provoke me.

Trust – I got my Glock cocked, playa, if they press me
Rest assured – I have my Glock handgun prepared for use, my friend, in case they push me too far.

Bust – on motherfuckers with a passion
Open fire with great intensity and fervor on individuals I despise.

Better duck, 'cause I ain't looking when I'm blastin'
It would be wise to take cover, as I am not focused on where I am shooting.

I'm a nut, and drinkin' Hennessey and gettin' high
I am clearly deranged, consuming Hennessy and engaging in substance abuse to achieve a state of intoxication.

On the lookout for my enemies, don't wanna die
I am constantly vigilant for the presence of adversaries, as I have a great aversion to death.

Tell me why, 'cause this stress is gettin' major
Please explain to me the reason behind this intense stress and the unbearable burden it has become.

A buck 50 across the face with my razor
Inflict a severe cut across someone's face with a razor, resulting in a deep and bloody wound.

What can I do but be a thug until I'm dead and gone?
What other option remains for me other than embracing an outlaw lifestyle until the day I die?

Keep my brain on the game and stay head strong
I must remain focused on my criminal activities and possess unwavering determination.

These sorry bastards want to kill me in my sleep
These despicable individuals desire to murder me while I am asleep and defenseless.

I'm real they cannot see
Despite my authenticity, these people are unable to comprehend or appreciate it.

And everyday is just a struggle, steady thuggin' on the streets
Every day is a continuous battle, as I persistently engage in criminal activities on the dangerous streets.

And I'll be ballin', loc, don't let 'em make you worry
I will be financially successful, my friend, so do not allow their actions to cause you distress.

Keep swingin' at these suckas till you buried
Continue to confront and fight against these individuals until the day you are laid to rest in your grave.

I was born to raise hell, a nigga from the gutta
It is in my very nature to cause chaos and disruption, as I come from the streets and embody the essence of the underprivileged.

Word to mother I'm trapped, I'm kickin' dust up, ready to bust
I swear on my mother, I am trapped in a desperate situation and am prepared to disrupt the peace with violent actions.

I'm on the scene, steady muggin' mean until they kill me
I am constantly present in the criminal environment, projecting a menacing and intimidating image until the day I am slain.

I'll be livin this life, I know you feel me; there's so much pain
I will continue to exist within this life, and I am aware that you can understand and relate to the immense suffering it entails.