What's Going On
Jungle Brothers Lyrics

It's a cryin' shame, brothers takin' life as a game
It's a tragedy that young men treat their lives as disposable and play around with risky behaviors.

Growing up against the law, but no one knows who's to blame
These young men often grow up surrounded by crime and violence, but it's not clear who is responsible for this environment.

Dealin' drugs on the corner, you don't have to, but you wanna
Some of these men sell drugs to make money, but for others, it's a way to feel powerful or respected by their peers.

A meal is hard to make, but you tell yourself you're gonna
It can be difficult for these young men to find legitimate work or earn enough to support themselves, but they try to stay hopeful and make plans.

Dealing 12 to 12, day into evening
Some drug dealers work long hours and keep dealing drugs from early morning until late at night.

I wonder how you continue to be grieving
These difficult and risky lifestyles can take a toll on a person's mental health, and it's sad to see young men struggling with these issues.

Your meal is made and it's time to chill
Some of these men take breaks from their work or criminal activities to relax and enjoy their free time.

You buy the black Mercedes Benz with the gold to the grill
Some drug dealers use their earnings to buy flashy cars or other status symbols to show off to their friends.

Cruisin' up the ave while your friends get jealous
Driving around and showing off can make a person feel important or respected, but it can also create envy and resentment from others.

You find out, you quickly get restless
Living this lifestyle can be dangerous, and hearing about threats or conflicts can make a person feel uneasy or agitated.

You buy a gun, it doesn't help but hurt you
Some drug dealers feel like they need to protect themselves with weapons, but this can lead to more violence and danger.

Because your so called friend rattled on you
Betrayal and mistrust are common in these circles, and sometimes people turn on their friends in order to save themselves from trouble.

You're in the pen serving ten to twenty
Getting caught and sent to prison is a common risk for people involved in criminal activities, and it can have serious consequences for their future.

Your boy snatched your girl and put use to your money
Even personal relationships can be strained or ruined when people are in this lifestyle, as betrayals and theft are common.

You're out for teen, but what does it mean?
Being released from prison can be difficult as a person tries to get their life back on track and figure out what their future holds.

You're just a waste young brother who lost it all on a dream
It's heartbreaking to see young men with potential and hope lose their lives to risky behaviors with no true payoff.

My blood brother is bleeding, it's a cryin' shame
The singer is lamenting the loss and struggles of family members and friends caught up in drug dealing and other criminal activities.

Out on the street tryin' to play the game
These young men often feel like they have no other options or ways to succeed besides turning to crime and violence.

Formally an in-mate straight from upstate
This person has served time in a prison located upstate.

Can't stop him now 'cause you see it's just too late
Some people feel like they are in too deep and can't escape this lifestyle even if they wanted to.

He's on the run and he's got a gun
This person is running from the law and carrying a weapon for protection.

Summons his lawyers, fingerprints, bung shots
When in trouble with the law, people may try to use all tools at their disposal like lawyers or by leaving misleading fingerprints.

Lookin' for my brother, yo, he's at the drug spots
The singer is searching for their brother and knows he is likely to be found at locations where drugs are sold.

Livin' off that cheap Chinese food
Drug dealers may have to live off cheap fast food or other low-cost meals to make ends meet.

He says he only bumps the people when he's in the mood
This person claims that he only engages in violent acts when provoked or feeling particularly aggressive.

Runnin' 'round with his crews and his 2-2's
This person is hanging out with friends and carrying firearms.

I saw him last night in the prime time news
This person has been caught by the police and is now featured in the media.

Shot and killed by an on duty Jake
This person was killed by a police officer.

His birth to the earth was a big mistake
The singer is expressing sorrow and tragedy at the loss of life that could have turned out differently.

History was not my favorite subject
The singer did not connect with history classes, perhaps due to feelings of excluded representation or identified with a different narrative.

I used to flip through the pages and get upset
Reading about historic events made the singer feel negative emotions, perhaps due to a sense of exclusion or a lack of connection.

Seein' little of black and too much of the other
The singer saw a lack of black representation in history education and felt that other groups were prioritized.

(They tried to brainwash you) Picture that, a jungle brother
The suggestion that there was an attempt to manipulate the singer's perceptions and loyalties is seen as insulting for someone who identifies as a member of their immediate community.

Read this, read that, answer question three
The traditional school curriculum was comprised of rote memorization and standardized test taking.

But when I got to three, it had nothin' to do with me
The singer found that the questions and answers in school did not relate to their own life experience or struggles.

Somethin' was wrong, and I knew it all along
The singer had a sense that something was not right with the way history education was being presented.

Now tell me (please) what's goin' on
The singer is asking the listeners to think critically about social issues and the root causes of ongoing problems like crime and inequality.

My mother, hallelujah, she called the shots
The singer's mother was a strong influence in their life and made sure they followed rules and made good decisions.

She said, 'Don't play with guns and play with knives
The singer's mother advised them to avoid violence and dangerous activities.

When you're walkin' down the street, pay the pushers no mind
The singer's mother warned them to ignore people trying to sell drugs or encourage criminal activity when walking around.

Put your head up high and your feet on the ground
The singer's mother encouraged them to have confidence and stability in themselves.

You don't have to be like everybody else to be down
The singer's mother told them to resist peer pressure and be themselves, rather than trying to fit in with the crowd.

Stay in school (don't be no fool)
The singer's mother emphasized the importance of education and warned them not to make foolish decisions.

Don't lose your temper (and keep your cool)
The singer's mother advised them to stay calm and level-headed in difficult situations.

Follow your heart (and not your friends)
The singer's mother encouraged them to be true to themselves and not let their friends define who they are.

And some of your friends (could lead you into dead ends)
The singer's mother cautioned them that some friends may not have their best interests at heart and could end up hurting them or leading them down a bad path.

The other day my father said, 'son, God bless your soul
The singer's father expressed love and concern for their well-being.

Our life is gettin' tougher and the world is cold'
The singer's father acknowledged the difficulty of current circumstances and enduring hardships in life.

I said, daddy, daddy, daddy, what do you mean?
The singer was seeking clarification and elaboration from their father on this statement.

He said ('you ain't got nothin' 'less you got the green')
The singer's father emphasized the importance of money and resources in the world.

I realize to myself things are gonna be hard
The singer has come to terms with the difficult realities they face.

So each and every day I pray to God
The singer turns to faith and prayer for strength and guidance in their life.

If I should die before I wake
The singer is expressing the fragility of life and the possibility of an early death.

(Take me to heaven 'cause I need a break)
The singer is suggesting that death would be a relief or a break from the hardships of life.

But if you let me live to another morn'
The singer hopes to continue living and experiencing more of life.

(I'd like to know what's goin' on)
The singer continues to question and seek answers about the challenges and problems in society.