Still I Rise
Outlawz & 2Pac Lyrics


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Dear Lord
As we down here, struggle for as long as we know
In search of a paradise to touch (my nigga Johnny J)
Dreams are dreams, and reality seems to be the only place to go
The only place for us
I know, tryna make the best of bad situations
Seems to be my life's story
Ain't no glory in pain, a soldier's story in vain
And can't nobody live this life for me
It's a ride y'all, a long hard ride

Somebody break me, I'm dreamin', I started as a seed, the semen
Swimmin' upstream, planted in the womb while screamin'
On the top, was my pops, my mama screamin' stop
From a single drop, this is what they got
Not to disrespect my peoples, but my papa was a loser
Only plan he had for mama was to fuck her and abuse her
Even as a little seed, I could see his plan for me
Stranded on welfare, another broken family
Now what was I to be? A product of this heated passion
Mama got pregnant, and papa got a piece of ass
Look how it began, nobody gave a fuck about me
Pistol in my hand, this cruel world can do without me
How can I survive?
Got me askin' white Jesus
Will a nigga live or die?
'Cause the Lord can't see us
In the deep dark clouds of the projects, ain't no sunshine
No sunny days and we only play sometimes
When everybody's sleepin'
I open my window, jump to the streets and get to creepin'
I can live or die, hope I get some money 'fore I'm gone
I'm only nineteen, I'm tryna hustle on my own
On this block where everybody and they pops tryna slang rocks
Rather go to college, but this is where the game stops
Don't get it wrong 'cause it's always on, from dusk to dawn
You can buy rocks, Glocks or a herringbone
You can ask my man Ishmael Reed
Keep my nine heated all the time this is how we grind
Meet up at the cemetery then get smoked out, pass the weed, nigga
That Hennessey'll keep me keyed, nigga ('sho nuff)
Everywhere I go niggas holla at me, "Keep it real G"
And my reply, "Til' they kill me"
Act up if you feel me, I was born not to make it, but I did
The tribulations of a ghetto kid, still I rise

Still I (still I) I rise (I rise)
Please give me to the sky (the sky)
And if (and if) I die (I die)
I don't want you to cry

I stay sharp as always
Runnin' ya bricks with blitz, through ya project hallways
Dumpin' crews like two's, nigga all day
Secrets of war prepare me for the worst
A life that's lavish, full of cabbage or a life that's in a hearse
But now my dreams it seems though, be placin' triple beams and things, bro
Diamond pinky ring got the loot poppin' out my jeans

Now I plan to keep my Glock cocked
If trouble was searchin' for me then why not?
Show 'em what I'm made of plus raised on, on my block
Chancellor Ave, where many turn to the street, thugs snatchin' bags
We out for power, makin' cash it wasn't fast it'll make me mad
I'm just like, pimpin'
My homie on the corner with his gat tucked in
Youngest, they buckin' somethin' the life he leads
The life he don't need, don't we all know
He tryna rise up and we just go though, still he rise

Dreams of lost hope
I hit the strip broke where the fiends get coke
And still I rise now I float cowards ghost
Whenever we come around, I'm runnin' down
Clutchin' a pound, live as sirens, duckin' the sound
I used to hustle with my moms til' the sun came
My homie Harm doin' time from this drug game
Stolen cars, war scars, born a Outlaw
Behind bars, go to sleep just to see the stars
Freedom is ours, though we trapped on a firm block
Crackheads only ten learn to duck cops

In ninety-six my Glock's my plastic, passion for blastin' bastards
No faces for open caskets, peelin' ya cap backwards
You cowards ain't prepared for pistol practice
I send my missiles through your mattress
Leavin' holes in your body like a cactus
While me and my crew be boppin' more greens than topic
And loot to keep the seams in my motherfuckin' jeans poppin'
Leavin' ya spleen to pick up
Half of you niggas is softer than a Snicker
Let's go to war and see who draw quicker
And still I rise, and still I rise (still I rise)

Still I (still I) I rise (I rise)
Please give me to the sky (the sky)
And if (and if) I die (I die)
I don't want you to cry

Still I (still I) I rise (I rise)
Please give me to the sky (the sky)
And if (and if) I die (I die)
I don't want you to cry

Y'all niggas be fake
All day, everyday
So now I got roller blades, bitch
Thought you knew




Your mouth is rich (ooh yeah)
C'mon pops, let's go

Overall Meaning

The song “Still I Rise” by Outlawz featuring 2pac is an emotional, introspective take on 2pac’s life story from being born to his rise to fame. The song begins with a prayer to the Lord to help them find a paradise to touch while acknowledging the harsh realities of life. 2pac talks about his father being a loser while his mother was on welfare and that he wants to rise above the brokenness of his family. He also talks about his struggles growing up in the projects of Harlem and how it was a cruel world where nobody cared about him.


2pac then talks about how he hustled on the streets and how he kept his glock cocked, always prepared for trouble. He also speaks about Chancellor Ave, where he and his friends were out for power and making cash no matter the cost. They were the ones who were rising in the world, though society doesn't always see it that way. No matter what he faced, he believes that he will rise above it.


The song comes full circle at the end with the repetition of the phrase "Still I rise" as a sign of hope and determination. He doesn't want anyone to cry for him if he dies; he just wants them to remember him as the one who rose from the ashes.


Line by Line Meaning

Dear Lord
I am reaching out to a higher power for guidance and support.


As we down here, struggle for as long as we know
We are enduring hardships and difficulties in our lives.


In search of a paradise to touch (my nigga Johnny J)
We are looking for a better, more fulfilling life.


Dreams are dreams, and reality seems to be the only place to go
Although we have dreams, we often have to face the harsh realities of life.


The only place for us
We have no other option but to face reality.


I know, try to make the best of bad situations
I strive to find positivity and make the most out of difficult circumstances.


Seems to be my life's story
This experience of trying to make the best out of bad situations is a recurring theme in my life.


Ain't no glory in pain, a soldier's story in vain
There is no honor or pride in suffering; a soldier's tale of hardship can often feel futile.


And can't nobody live this life for me
No one else can experience and understand the struggles I face in my life.


It's a ride y'all, a long hard ride
Life is a challenging journey that we must endure.


Somebody break me I'm dreamin', I started as a seed the semen
I feel overwhelmed and disbelief, realizing that I began as a small seed in my mother's womb.


Swimmin' upstream, planted in the womb while screamin'
I faced challenges and resistance right from the start, as if I was swimming against the current.


on the top, was my pops, my momma screamin' stop
My father was in control, while my mother pleaded for him to stop his destructive behavior.


From a single drop, this is what they got
Despite the circumstances, I emerged as a result of their actions.


Not to disrespect my peoples but my poppa was a loser
I don't mean to offend my family, but my father was unsuccessful and unreliable.


Only plan he had for momma was to fuck her and abuse her
My father's only intention for my mother was to engage in sexual acts with her and mistreat her.


Even as a little seed, I could see his plan for me
From a young age, I could sense that my father had no positive intentions for my future.


Stranded on welfare, another broken family
We were left reliant on government assistance, just another example of a fractured and troubled family.


Now what was I to be, a product of this heated passion
I wondered what my future held, being a result of my parents' tumultuous relationship.


Momma got pregnant, and poppa got a piece of ass
My mother became pregnant, and my father only saw her as a means for sexual gratification.


Look how it began, nobody gave a fuck about me
This is how my life started, with no one showing care or concern for my well-being.


Pistol in my hand, this cruel world can do without me
Feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, I contemplate taking my own life, believing the world wouldn't miss me.


How can I survive? Got me askin' white Jesus
I question how I can continue to endure, seeking guidance from a higher power.


will a nigga live or die, cause the Lord can't see us
I wonder if I will survive or perish, as it feels like God has abandoned us in the harsh realities of life.


in the deep dark clouds of the projects, ain't no sunshine
In the impoverished and dangerous neighborhood where I live, there is no hope or positivity.


No sunny days and we only play sometimes
We rarely experience happiness or joy; our lives are filled with struggle and hardship.


When everybody's sleepin'
During the nighttime when others are unaware, I am awake and active.


I open my window jump to the streets and get to creepin'
I take risks and venture out into the streets, engaging in illicit activities.


I can live or die, hope I get some money 'fore I'm gone
I am torn between life and death, hoping to secure financial stability before my potential demise.


I'm only 19, I'm tryin' to hustle on my own
I am still young, yet I am forced to engage in illicit activities to provide for myself.


on the spot where everybody and they pops tryin' to slang rocks
In the same location where everyone, including adults, is attempting to sell drugs.


I'd rather go to college, but this is where the game stops
Ideally, I would pursue higher education, but my circumstances prevent me from doing so.


Don't get it wrong cause it's always on, from dusk to dawn
Don't misinterpret the situation; there is constant danger and illicit activities taking place day and night.


You can buy rocks glocks or a herringbone
In this environment, you have the option to purchase drugs, firearms, or flashy jewelry.


You can ask my man Ishmael Reed
You can consult my acquaintance named Ishmael Reed for confirmation.


Keep my nine heated all the time this is how we grind
I always keep my firearm ready for use; this is how we survive and make a living.


Meet up at the cemetery then get smoked out, pass the weed nigga
We gather at the cemetery to smoke marijuana in order to temporarily escape our harsh reality.


That Hennessey'll keep me keyed nigga
Drinking Hennessey helps me cope and maintain my sanity in this challenging environment.


Everywhere I go niggas holla at me, 'Keep it real G'
Wherever I go, people remind me to remain true to myself and my circumstances.


And my reply til they kill me
My response to their request is that I will stay true to myself until my eventual demise.


Act up if you feel me, I was born not to make it but I did
If you can relate to my struggles, you can act out or protest against the unfairness of this world. Despite the odds, I have managed to survive and succeed.


The tribulations of a ghetto kid, still I rise
I have faced numerous challenges and hardships as a child from the ghetto, yet I continue to persevere and overcome.


Please give me to the sky
I ask for my soul to be elevated to heaven upon my death.


And if I die
In the event of my demise


I don't want you to cry
I don't want those close to me to mourn my death.


I stay sharp as always
I remain vigilant and alert at all times.


Runnin' ya bricks with blitz, through ya project hallways
Swiftly and aggressively conducting illegal activities in the hallways of your housing projects.


Dumpin' crews like two's, nigga all day
Engaging in violent confrontations and defeating opponents with ease throughout the day.


Secrets of war prepare me for the worst
My understanding of war tactics and strategies mentally prepares me for the worst situations.


A life that's lavish full of cabbage or a life that's in a hearse
I have the potential to lead a luxurious and wealthy life, but I could also end up dead or imprisoned.


But now my dreams it seems though, be placin' triple beams and things bro
However, my aspirations are centered around acquiring wealth and material possessions through illegal means.


Diamond pinkie ring got the loot poppin' out my jeans
I flaunt my wealth with a diamond ring on my pinkie finger, as I carry large amounts of money in my jeans.


Now I plan to keep my glock cocked
Moving forward, I intend to always have my firearm ready for use.


If trouble was searchin' for me then why not?
If I am constantly being targeted by trouble and adversaries, it only makes sense to be ready to defend myself.


Show em what I'm made of plus raised on, on my block
I will demonstrate my resilience and strength, as I was raised and molded by the experiences of my neighborhood.


Chancellor Ave, where many turn to the street, thugs snatchin' bags
Chancellor Avenue, where a significant number of individuals resort to criminal activities, stealing from innocent people.


We out for power, makin' cash it wasn't fast it'll make me mad
We are striving for power and wealth, even if it takes time and patience, as the lack of quick success can lead to frustration.


I'm just like pimpin'
In a similar manner to a pimp, I navigate the streets and engage in illicit activities for profit.


My homey on the corner with his gat tucked, in
My friend stands on the street corner, concealing his firearm in his waistband.


Youngest they buckin' somethin' the life he leads
Even at a young age, he is willing to engage in violent activities, reflecting the lifestyle he leads.


the life he don't need, don't we all know
We are aware that the life he lives and the choices he makes are unnecessary and detrimental.


He tryin' to rise up and we just go doe, still he rise
He is attempting to overcome his circumstances, while the rest of us are stagnant or engaged in detrimental activities, yet he continues to persevere.


Dreams of lost hope
I have dreams, but they often feel unattainable and out of reach.


I hit the strip broke where the fiends get coke
I go to the impoverished area where drug addicts purchase cocaine, not having much money myself.


and still I rise now I float cowards ghost
Despite the challenges and obstacles, I continue to persevere and overcome, while those who doubted me are left in disbelief.


Whenever we come around, I'm runnin' down
When we appear in the vicinity, I am always in a hurry to engage in criminal activities.


clutchin' a pound, live as sirens, duckin' the sound
Holding onto a firearm tightly, prepared to defend ourselves from law enforcement and avoid their attention.


I used to hustle with my moms til the sun came
My mother and I used to engage in illegal activities together until the early hours of the morning.


My homey Harm doin' time from this drug game
My friend named Harm is currently serving a prison sentence due to his involvement in the drug trade.


Stolen cars, war scars, born a Outlaw
We steal cars and have physical marks and scars from violent confrontations, as we were born as outlaws.


Behind bars, go to sleep just to see the stars
While incarcerated, I find solace in looking at the stars as I lay in bed.


Freedom is ours, though we trapped on a firm block
We may be confined to a specific area, but we still possess the freedom of mindset and spirit.


Crackheads only ten learn to duck cops
Even at a young age, individuals exposed to drug addiction quickly learn how to evade law enforcement.


In ninety-six my glock's my plastic, passion for blastin' bastards
In 1996, my firearm becomes my only reliable tool for protection, and my intense desire is to eliminate my enemies.


No faces for open caskets, peelin' ya cap backwards
I have no intention of seeing my enemies in open caskets at their funerals; instead, I aim to shoot and kill them, causing their heads to snap back.


Ya cowards ain't prepared for pistol practice
My adversaries are not ready to face gunfire or violence.


I send my missiles through your mattress
I fire bullets towards your sleeping area, intending to harm or kill you.


Leavin' holes in your body like a cactus
Upon shooting you, there will be multiple bullet wounds in your body, resembling the holes in a cactus.


While me and my crew be boppin' more greens than topic
My crew and I accumulate more money and wealth than we engage in mere conversation.


and loot to keep the seams in my motherfuckin' jeans poppin'
I obtain substantial wealth and money to the point where it bulges and stretches the seams of my jeans.


Leavin' ya spleen to pick up
My bullets cause severe internal organ damage, particularly to your spleen.


Half of you niggas is softer than a Snicker
Many of my rivals or enemies are weak and lack toughness, comparable to the softness of a Snickers candy bar.


Let's go to war and see who draw quicker
Let's engage in a conflict and find out who can draw their weapon and fire more rapidly.


and still I rise, and still I rise
Despite the violence and danger, I continue to persevere and overcome.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Tupac Shakur, Bruce Washington, Yafeu Fula, Rufus Cooper, Mutah Beale, Kotari Cox, Tyruss Himes, Johnny Jackson

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