The Real Thing
Pearl Jam & Cypress Hill Lyrics


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It's time, I came to get mine
Runnin' through the hoods with a hand on the nine
Why do the pigs come?
Bring your ass on cross the line so I can get the blast on
Oh shit, I'm empty, but I got a shank on the side so don't even tempt me
Runnin' the program, Cypress Hill on the real
With the Pearl Jam and I'm packin' the steel
Don't come my way, 'cause it only takes one minute to reach for the AK
Then pow!, whatcha' gonna do now
Nowhere to run when my dog's on the prow
Prowlin', howlin', give it up punk, you might want to throw the towel in
I like doin' the ill thing, 'cause ain't nothin' like the real thing

It ain't nothin' like the real thing
It ain't nothin' like the real
Ain't nothin' but the real thing
Ain't nothin' but the Hill
Ain't nothin' but the real thing
Ain't nothin' but the real
Ain't nothin' but the real thing
Ain't nothin' but the Hill

Keep me a tazer up in the blazer
And the black nine by the waistline
Never know when someone'll test ya'
Let you know I got mine by my body, yes why'all
I'm the victim that became the attacker
Have my little friend waitin' for the carjacker
That'll do anything for the looper
When I leave the Hill I strack when I swoop

Clack, clack, bang, bang, 'cause it ain't no thang
When I hang with Stone and I kick that funky slang
I got the funk when I got ta' do the ill thing
'Cause ain't nothin' like the real thing
Ain't nothin' like the real thing } (2x)
Ain't nothin but the real }





Ain't nothin' like the real thing } (2x)
Ain't nothin' but the Hill }

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "Real Thing" by Pearl Jam and Cypress Hill revolve around the theme of gang violence where the artists boast about carrying weapons for self-defense and confrontations. They describe their urge to protect themselves from the police and gangs that often cross their paths. The use of "nine" refers to the 9mm gun, which is popular among gang members. The lyrics convey a sense of toughness, arrogance, and readiness to confront anything that comes their way. They also mention that there is nothing like doing the "real thing" which can be interpreted as an act of self-preservation or violent altercations.


The lines "Keep me a tazer up in the blazer, and the black nine by the waistline" highlight the artists' preparedness for any situation, and the mention of "Stone" refers to Stone Gossard, the guitarist of Pearl Jam. The use of slang and expletives adds to the authenticity and rawness of the lyrics, which are typical of the 90s rap music style. The repetition of "Ain't nothin' but the Hill" at the end of the song reinforces the invincible and confident attitude portrayed by the artists.


Line by Line Meaning

It's time, I came to get mine
I am ready to take what I deserve


Runnin' through the hoods with a hand on the nine
I am in dangerous territory and prepared to defend myself


Why do the pigs come?
Why are the police always interfering in my business?


Bring your ass on cross the line so I can get the blast on
Cross me and you will receive violent consequences


Oh shit, I'm empty, but I got a shank on the side so don't even tempt me
My gun is empty, but I am still willing to use a knife if provoked


Runnin' the program, Cypress Hill on the real
I am in charge, and Cypress Hill represents my true identity


With the Pearl Jam and I'm packin' the steel
Even with the company of Pearl Jam, I am still armed with a gun


Don't come my way, 'cause it only takes one minute to reach for the AK
Stay away from me, or I will get my AK-47


Then pow!, whatcha' gonna do now
I will attack without hesitation when threatened


Nowhere to run when my dog's on the prow
There is no escape when I am on the hunt


Prowlin', howlin', give it up punk, you might want to throw the towel in
I am searching and ready to fight, so surrender before it's too late


I like doin' the ill thing, 'cause ain't nothin' like the real thing
I enjoy committing violent acts, as it is the most authentic expression of who I am


It ain't nothin' like the real thing
Nothing is as satisfying as true, genuine behavior


Keep me a tazer up in the blazer
I always have a tazer on me in case I need to use it


And the black nine by the waistline
I also keep a gun holstered to my waistline


Never know when someone'll test ya'
I am always prepared for someone to challenge me


Let you know I got mine by my body, yes why'all
I am willing to show that I am armed to intimidate others


I'm the victim that became the attacker
I have been wronged in the past and am now seeking revenge


Have my little friend waitin' for the carjacker
I keep a weapon ready in case someone tries to steal my car


That'll do anything for the looper
I am willing to go to any lengths to protect my money


When I leave the Hill I strack when I swoop
When I leave my neighborhood, I remain cautious and alert


Clack, clack, bang, bang, 'cause it ain't no thang
I fire my gun without hesitation or remorse


When I hang with Stone and I kick that funky slang
When I am with my crew, I make use of our unique dialect


I got the funk when I got ta' do the ill thing
I feel a rush of excitement when engaging in violent behavior


Ain't nothin' but the real thing
The truest version of myself is the most genuine


Ain't nothin' but the Hill
My identity and experiences within Cypress Hill represent who I truly am




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID ABBRUZZESE, JEFF AMENT, STONE GOSSARD, SENAN REYES, LOUIS FREESE, LAWRENCE MUGGARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jimmyplenderleith9471

This album was 5-6 years before its time. Before rap-rock became a thing......I remember getting this as a 15 year old and being blown away by how solid every track on it was

@sebaFear

Me tooo .. was 15 .. or something

@princesssolace4337

Rap - Rock was Aerosmith + Run DMC
Rap - Core was Anthrax + Public Enemy
Ice T Body Count is standing on its own.
So does RATM and FNM.
.. as for the rest of post 2000 ..it gave birth to what the rest of the world knew

@MikeMike-wr7zi

Yup, got this CD from the old BMG mail order shit. Me and my twin brother came home from school and opened the old school cardboard pack of CDs and jammed this nonstop.

@mr.hostetter855

This album was rap-rock becoming a thing. This is the birth of that...

@dexterhuntington2495

​@@mr.hostetter855Run-dmc disagree.
King of rock!

2 More Replies...

@Pokerface-tr1ds

This Soundtrack is a rare diamond which has to be kept until the end of our days.... Rock / Hard Rock / Metal + Hip Hop = BOOOOOOM!!!! These 2 get along just fine :)

@dragoncoin171

was and still is absolutely bad ass

@jamesrabbitt

Oddly, this song sounds better today than it did 29 years ago.

@heinrichdude

Such a awesome soundtrack ... holds up well 15 years later

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