C.R.E.A.M.
RZA Lyrics

What that nigga want God?
Asking what someone wants or needs, possibly in reference to the struggles of the urban community in which RZA grew up.

Word up, look out for the cops (Wu-Tang five finger shit)
Be cautious and stay alert for any police presence.

(Cash Rules) Word up, two for fives over here baby
Reference to drug deals and prices on the street.

Word up, two for fives them niggas got garbage down the way, word up
Describing the poor quality of drugs sold in nearby areas and emphasizing the importance of getting good product for a good price.

Know what I'm sayin'?
Asking if the listener understands and can relate to the experiences being described.

(Cash Rules Everything Around Me C.R.E.A.M. get)
Explaining the concept of 'Cash Rules Everything Around Me' which means that money is the driving force behind many actions and decisions.

Yeah, check this ol' fly shit out Word up
Starting a new section of the song and encouraging the listener to pay attention to what follows.

(Cash Rules Everything Around Me) Take you on a natural joint (C.R.E.A.M. get the money) Here we here we go (Dolla dolla bill y'all) Check this shit, yo!
Announcing the start of the chorus and describing the importance of money in society.

I grew up on the crime side, the New York Times side Staying alive was no jive
Growing up in a poor, dangerous area of New York and facing constant struggles for survival.

Had second hands, moms bounced on old men So then we moved to Shaolin land
Growing up in a broken family and being forced to move to a different part of New York.

A young youth, yo rockin' the gold tooth, 'Lo goose Only way, I begin to G off was drug loot
Starting to make money through selling drugs as a young person, and using it to buy flashy clothing and accessories.

And let's start it like this son, rollin' with this one And that one, pullin' out gats for fun
Hanging out with friends who carry guns and using them recklessly.

But it was just a dream for the teen, who was a fiend Started smokin' woolas at sixteen
Becoming addicted to drugs at a young age and letting it consume his life.

And running up in gates, and doing hits for high stakes Making my way on fire escapes
Committing robberies and other dangerous acts to make money and survive.

No question I would speed, for cracks and weed The combination made my eyes bleed
Addicted to drugs and willing to do anything to get them, even if it causes physical harm.

No question I would flow off, and try to get the dough all Sticking up white boys in ball courts
Continuing to engage in criminal activity and targeting a specific demographic for robbery.

My life got no better, same damn 'Lo sweater Times is ruff and tuff like leather
Life continues to be difficult and unpleasant, and wearing the same clothing is a symbol of poverty and stagnation.

Figured out I went the wrong route So I got with a sick ass click and went all out
Realizing that a change in lifestyle is necessary and joining a new group of people with similar problems and goals.

Catchin' keys from across seas Rollin in MPV's, every week we made forty G's Yo nigga respect mine, or here go the TEC-9 Ch-chick-POW! Move from the gate now
Engaging in international drug trafficking and making large amounts of money. Threatening anyone who doesn't show respect and uses violence as a means of protecting oneself and one's business.

It's been twenty-two long hard years, I'm still strugglin' Survival got me buggin', but I'm alive on arrival
Reflecting on the hardships and struggles of life and acknowledging that survival is a constant struggle.

I peep at the shape of the streets And stay awake to the ways of the world 'cause shit is deep
Being aware of the dangers and complexities of life and remaining vigilant.

A man with a dream with plans to make C.R.E.A.M. Which failed I went to jail at the age of 15
Having aspirations to make a lot of money but being unsuccessful and ultimately ending up in jail as a teenager.

A young buck sellin' drugs and such who never had much Trying to get a clutch at what I could not
Being poor and turning to selling drugs as a means of making money and surviving.

The court played me short, now I face incarceration Pacin' going upstate's my destination
Being unfairly treated by the justice system and facing punishment in the form of jail time.

Handcuffed in back of a bus, forty of us Life as a shorty shouldn't be so rough
Being taken to jail and witnessing the harsh realities of life at a young age.

But as the world turns I learned life is hell Living in the world no different from a cell
Realizing that life is full of difficulties and struggles, and that even outside of jail, life can feel like imprisonment.

Everyday I escape from Jakes givin' chase, sellin' base Smokin' bones in the staircase
Continuing to engage in criminal activity and using drugs to cope with the stress and danger of the lifestyle.

Though I don't know why I chose to smoke sess I guess that's the time when I'm not depressed
Using drugs as a coping mechanism and as a way to temporarily escape from the challenges of life.

But I'm still depressed, and I ask what's it worth? Ready to give up so I seek the Old Earth
Feeling hopeless and wondering if the pain and struggles of life are even worth enduring. Seeking wisdom and guidance from someone older and wiser.

Who explained working hard may help you maintain To learn to overcome the heartaches and pain
Learning that hard work and perseverance can help overcome challenges in life and provide a sense of stability.

We got stickup kids, corrupt cops, and crack rocks And stray shots, all on the block that stays hot
Describing the constant dangers and threats of living in a poor area with high crime rates and drug use.

Leave it up to me while I be living proof To kick the truth to the young black youth
Using one's own experiences and struggles as a way to educate and inspire young people in similar situations.

But shorty's running wild smokin' sess drinkin' beer And ain't trying to hear what I'm kickin' in his ear
Young people are often too focused on instant gratification and pleasure, and are not receptive to advice or guidance from adults or peers.

Neglected, for now, but yo, it gots to be accepted That what? That life is hectic
Acknowledging that young people face many challenges and obstacles, and that despite being neglected, they must accept the reality of the world and work towards overcoming challenges.

Cash, Rules, Everything, Around, Me C.R.E.A.M. Get the money Dollar, dollar bill y'all
Repeating the chorus and emphasizing the importance of money and its influence in society.