Dedicated
Rakim [www.studiohits.us] Lyrics

You and me
Refers to the connection between the singer (Rakim) and someone he was close to

We used to be together
Describes how they used to spend time together and the closeness of their relationship

Everyday together
Reflects the consistency of their relationship and how they spent a lot of time together

Always
Expresses the longevity and strength of their bond

You was dead from the beginning, all i had to do was survive
The person Rakim was close to was already going through tough times and Rakim had to persevere and survive through them as well

In a race against millions where they lose they die
Life is a struggle and those who can't keep up suffer the consequences

At the end of the race waiting so I used your guide
Rakim relied on the person he was close to for guidance and support through the difficult parts of life

I found heaven in you, You shared your light with me
The person Rakim was close to provided comfort and guidance, and also helped Rakim find happiness

Gave me insight way before the light hit me
The person Rakim was close to helped him understand things before he was able to see them clearly

It's more than just a bone 'cuz we inseparable
Their bond was stronger than just a physical connection because they were inseparable

Even when they cut the cord on the ambilocal
Their bond was strong even when they were physically separated

Never martyred a moment away
They always cherished their time together and never took it for granted

And fix whatever was wrong and always know what to say
The person Rakim was close to was always there to provide guidance and support for him, even in tough times

The same way to my sisters and brothers
The person Rakim was close to also provided guidance and support to Rakim's siblings

Always honest, and showed me what unconditional love is
The person Rakim was close to was truthful and demonstrated what true, unconditional love looks like

The voice of a goddess, the stars twinkle in your eyes
The person Rakim was close to had a beautiful voice and their eyes had a celestial quality to them

My heaven on Earth or angel in disguise
The person Rakim was close to brought him tremendous joy and was like a heavenly presence in his life

If you was here I'd just hug and kiss you
Expresses Rakim's desire to physically embrace the person he lost

'Cuz to me words can't explain how much I miss you
Words cannot convey how much he longs for the person he lost

I watched the ladies shine, and stay on their grind
References Rakim's observation of women working hard and achieving success

While the world weighed heavy on the lady's mind
Even though they were successful, women still faced significant challenges and burdens

It was a crazy time
Describes a chaotic period

It's like the world stopped fast with pap's pass in '89
After someone they cared about passed away, life became more difficult and uncertain for Rakim and the others close to them

The harder we cry, the harder you cry too
The pain of losing someone is felt by all who cared for them

It's hard to keep going, the harder you try to
Grief and loss can make it difficult to move forward

You tried to be strong and keep the fam together
The person Rakim lost tried to keep their family together and stay united despite the loss

While you smile with your open arms
Despite dealing with the loss, the person Rakim lost remained welcoming and accepting of others

You said it takes some time, take it slow, but time will take it's toll
The person Rakim lost advised patience in the grieving process and acknowledged that time will heal, but it will take its toll

And the stakes is high, 'till the day you die
The costs of loss are high and will last a lifetime

But I refuse to accept eventually that I would have to say goodbye
Rakim does not want to accept that he will have to say goodbye to the people he loves

I really feel that I'm losing my best friend
Acknowledges the pain of losing someone close

I can't believe this could be the end
Expresses disbelief at the finality of death

I'm starting to see how short life is
The artist is beginning to understand how fleeting and precious life is

Every second it gets shorter, but your heart get warmer
Time is running out, but the artist's love and appreciation for the person they lost grows stronger

And you get stronger
Despite dealing with death, the singer finds inner strength to cope and move on

Even when they said you need a transplant and dialysis to live longer
References the medical challenges the person Rakim lost faced

You still managed to live life to the fullest for years
Despite medical struggles, the person Rakim lost lived a full and fulfilling life

And then things got complicated
References a time when circumstances became more difficult

They found a donor so they operated
Refers to a medical procedure involving organ donation

A gift and a curse, and concern that things took a turn for the worse
The procedure had mixed results and things ultimately took a negative turn

And even if I seen the signs I doubt the actions
The artist may have seen warning signs, but did not take action

Nothing had prepared me for what was 'bout to happen
The singer was not ready for the loss they were about to experience

The hospital; the 18th floor, vivid
The singer remembers specific details about where they were when they heard the news of the loss

July 18th, 2005 I can't forget it
A specific date that holds painful significance for the artist

It's that day I'll forever know
Acknowledges the lasting emotional impact of the day they lost someone

The end; the day I hope will never come
Reflects the fear of death and loss