RISE
Outlawz feat. Big Syke 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

"Rise" by Outlawz featuring Big Syke is a rap song that talks about the struggles and hardships of growing up in the ghetto. The song starts with a prayer to the Lord, as the artists express their frustration and despair at the lack of opportunities in their lives. They talk about their dreams of finding a better life but realize that reality is tough and they have to make the best of their current situations. The lyrics also touch upon themes of violence, crime, and hopelessness, as the artists describe the cruel world they live in and the difficult choices they have to make just to survive.


One of the most striking aspects of the song is the raw emotion that the artists pour into it. The lyrics are honest and unfiltered, and they paint a picture of a world that is often ignored or overlooked by society. The song is a powerful reminder of the struggles of the urban poor and the need for compassion and understanding.


Line by Line Meaning

Dear Lord
Addressing a higher power, expressing a sense of struggle and searching for something better.


As we down here, struggle for as long as we know
Acknowledging the continuous struggle faced in life.


In search of a paradise to touch (my nigga Johnny J)
Desiring a sense of fulfillment and happiness.


Dreams are dreams, and reality seems to be the only place to go
Recognizing that dreams may not always come true, and having to face the realities of life.


The only place for us
Feeling limited and confined to the current circumstances.


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


Seems to be my life's story
Feeling like enduring hardships is a recurring theme in life.


Ain't no glory in pain, a soldier's story in vain
Recognizing that there is no honor or pride in suffering and that the struggles may be in vain.


And can't nobody live this life for me
Understanding that one must face and navigate their own unique experiences.


It's a ride y'all, a long hard ride
Life is compared to a challenging and arduous journey.


Somebody break me, I'm dreamin', I started as a seed, the semen
Expressing a sense of disbelief and feeling overwhelmed by the circumstances of birth.


Swimmin' upstream, planted in the womb while screamin'
Metaphorically depicting the struggle against adversity from the very beginning.


On the top, was my pops, my mama screamin' stop
Describing a tumultuous family dynamic with a father figure who caused harm.


From a single drop, this is what they got
Highlighting the negative consequences that resulted from the parents' actions.


Not to disrespect my peoples, but my papa was a loser
Acknowledging the shortcomings of the father figure without intending to insult other family members.


Only plan he had for mama was to fuck her and abuse her
Describing the father's harmful and exploitative behavior towards the artist's mother.


Even as a little seed, I could see his plan for me
Realizing early on that the father had no positive intentions or aspirations for the artist.


Stranded on welfare, another broken family
Being stuck in a cycle of hardship and experiencing the consequences of a broken family structure.


Now what was I to be? A product of this heated passion
Reflecting on the uncertainty and identity struggles caused by the problematic relationship of the parents.


Mama got pregnant, and papa got a piece of ass
Highlighting the lack of care or commitment from the father in having a child.


Look how it began, nobody gave a fuck about me
Feeling neglected and unimportant from the start.


Pistol in my hand, this cruel world can do without me
Contemplating the option of suicide due to the harshness and indifference of the world.


How can I survive?
Expressing the struggle to find a way to survive in difficult circumstances.


Got me askin' white Jesus
Turning to a higher power for guidance and help, using the metaphor of a white Jesus.


Will a nigga live or die?
Questioning if there is a chance for a better life or if death is the only outcome.


'Cause the Lord can't see us
Expressing a belief that even God cannot fully understand or empathize with their struggles.


In the deep dark clouds of the projects, ain't no sunshine
Describing the oppressive and gloomy environment of the projects, devoid of hope or positivity.


No sunny days and we only play sometimes
Emphasizing the rarity of joyful moments and the overall lack of happiness in the artist's life.


When everybody's sleepin'
Taking advantage of the quiet moments when others are asleep to engage in activities outside of the norm.


I open my window, jump to the streets and get to creepin'
Engaging in illicit activities or venturing into dangerous situations in search of a better life.


I can live or die, hope I get some money 'fore I'm gone
Acknowledging the uncertainty of life and hoping to acquire some wealth or financial stability before it ends.


I'm only nineteen, I'm tryna hustle on my own
Being young and determined to find success and independence through illicit means.


On this block where everybody and they pops tryna slang rocks
Describing the prevalent drug trade and the pervasive influence it has on the neighborhood.


Rather go to college, but this is where the game stops
Having aspirations for higher education but being hindered by the dangerous environment and limited opportunities.


Don't get it wrong 'cause it's always on, from dusk to dawn
Continuously emphasizing the dangerous and relentless nature of the neighborhood and its activities.


You can buy rocks, Glocks or a herringbone
Highlighting the availability of drugs, firearms, and material possessions associated with a lavish lifestyle in the area.


You can ask my man Ishmael Reed
Referring to someone who can testify or provide evidence about the lifestyle and challenges faced.


Keep my nine heated all the time this is how we grind
Constantly carrying a firearm for personal protection and to engage in illegal activities is a way of survival.


Meet up at the cemetery then get smoked out, pass the weed, nigga
Gathering at the cemetery, a symbol of death, to indulge in drug use as a temporary escape from reality.


That Hennessey'll keep me keyed, nigga ('sho nuff)
Using alcohol, such as Hennessey, as a coping mechanism or escape from the harshness of life.


Everywhere I go niggas holla at me, 'Keep it real G'
Being recognized and respected by others for staying true to oneself and maintaining authenticity within the neighborhood.


And my reply, 'Til' they kill me'
Responding with a commitment to remaining true to oneself until death.


Act up if you feel me, I was born not to make it, but I did
Challenging others to act or react if they relate to the struggles faced, emphasizing that despite not being destined for success, the singer still overcame obstacles.


The tribulations of a ghetto kid, still I rise
Acknowledging the hardships and challenges faced as a child from the ghetto but asserting resilience and the ability to endure and overcome.


Please give me to the sky (the sky)
Wishing for transcendence or a release from the current circumstances, hoping for something greater beyond.


And if (and if) I die (I die)
Accepting the possibility of death and its inevitability.


I don't want you to cry
Expressing a desire for others not to mourn or be sorrowful if the singer were to pass away.


I stay sharp as always
Remaining vigilant, alert, and mentally sharp at all times.


Runnin' ya bricks with blitz, through ya project hallways
Swiftly moving through the hallways of a housing project, potentially engaging in criminal activities.


Dumpin' crews like two's, nigga all day
Engaging in acts of violence or eliminating rival groups with ease and frequency.


Secrets of war prepare me for the worst
Having gained knowledge and experience from the violent and harsh realities of their environment, preparing for the worst-case scenarios.


A life that's lavish, full of cabbage or a life that's in a hearse
Contrasting the possibilities of a luxurious, wealthy lifestyle with the high risk of death.


But now my dreams it seems though, be placin' triple beams and things, bro
Despite the difficult circumstances, the artist's dreams involve achieving financial success through illicit means, symbolized by triple beams (drug paraphernalia).


Diamond pinky ring got the loot poppin' out my jeans
Displaying signs of wealth and prosperity through wearing a diamond pinky ring and having money overflowing from their pants.


Now I plan to keep my Glock cocked
Resolving to always keep their firearm loaded and ready for potential danger.


If trouble was searchin' for me then why not?
Posing a rhetorical question about the inevitability of trouble and the need to be prepared to confront it.


Show 'em what I'm made of plus raised on, on my block
Demonstrating one's resilience and determination, shaped by the experiences and challenges faced within the neighborhood.


Chancellor Ave, where many turn to the street, thugs snatchin' bags
Identifying the specific location where many individuals in the community resort to criminal activities and engage in theft.


We out for power, makin' cash it wasn't fast it'll make me mad
Expressing a desire for power and financial gain, even if it takes time, knowing that a lack of quick progress can be frustrating.


I'm just like, pimpin'
Identifying with the lifestyle and mindset of a pimp, embodying confidence and control over one's circumstances.


My homie on the corner with his gat tucked in
Referring to a close friend who is always armed and prepared for potential danger while standing on the street corner.


Youngest, they buckin' somethin' the life he leads
Highlighting the dangerous path that a young individual chooses to follow, engaging in acts of violence and criminal behavior.


The life he don't need, don't we all know
Recognizing that the lifestyle and choices made are unnecessary and detrimental to their well-being, questioning the reasons behind it.


He tryna rise up and we just go though, still he rise
Acknowledging the efforts of the individual to improve their circumstances, while others may continue to be stuck in a cycle of negativity and violence.


Dreams of lost hope
Having aspirations or desires that have been overshadowed by a sense of hopelessness or despair.


I hit the strip broke where the fiends get coke
Starting from a position of poverty and desperation, navigating the area where drug addicts seek cocaine.


And still I rise now I float cowards ghost
Asserting resilience and determination to overcome obstacles, even as others succumb to fear and failure.


Whenever we come around, I'm runnin' down
Causing fear and panic in others when they encounter the artist, who is swift and aggressive in their actions.


Clutchin' a pound, live as sirens, duckin' the sound
Holding onto a pound (a firearm), continually being alert and evading law enforcement.


I used to hustle with my moms til' the sun came
Engaging in illegal activities alongside the artist's mother until the morning hours.


My homie Harm doin' time from this drug game
Referring to a close friend who is currently incarcerated due to involvement in the drug trade.


Stolen cars, war scars, born a Outlaw
Being involved in car theft and experiencing the physical and emotional wounds of living a rebellious and criminal lifestyle.


Behind bars, go to sleep just to see the stars
Desiring freedom and a better life but being confined to a prison, finding solace in the night sky.


Freedom is ours, though we trapped on a firm block
Recognizing the restrictions and limitations of living in a confined and dangerous neighborhood while still holding onto the idea of personal freedoms.


Crackheads only ten learn to duck cops
Observing that even young children in the community become accustomed to avoiding law enforcement due to the prevalence of drug addiction.


In ninety-six my Glock's my plastic, passion for blastin' bastards
Referring to a firearm as their tool of choice for protection, expressing enthusiasm or dedication to retaliate against adversaries.


No faces for open caskets, peelin' ya cap backwards
Avoiding open casket funerals due to fear of retribution, specifically targeting and harming enemies by shooting them in the head.


You cowards ain't prepared for pistol practice
Challenging and taunting those who lack the necessary skills or courage to engage in gunfights.


I send my missiles through your mattress
Threatening to fire bullets through someone's bed as a form of revenge or intimidation.


Leavin' holes in your body like a cactus
Promising violence and causing bodily harm, likening the bullet wounds to the spiky texture of a cactus.


While me and my crew be boppin' more greens than topic
Boasting about their ability to accumulate wealth, specifically through involvement in illegal activities, more than a popular subject of conversation.


And loot to keep the seams in my motherfuckin' jeans poppin'
Using the acquired wealth to maintain a lavish and flashy lifestyle, demonstrated through the overflowing pockets of their jeans.


Leavin' ya spleen to pick up
Causing severe bodily harm and damage to internal organs, leaving the individual in a vulnerable and life-threatening situation.


Half of you niggas is softer than a Snicker
Mocking and belittling others for their lack of toughness or resilience, comparing them to the soft texture of a Snickers chocolate bar.


Let's go to war and see who draw quicker
Challenging others to engage in a violent conflict, testing their ability to draw their weapons swiftly.


And still I rise, and still I rise (still I rise)
Reiterating the determination and perseverance to overcome challenges, displaying resilience in the face of adversity.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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