Johnny
Rular Rah Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Intro: Rular Ruh]
Uh-huh, Rular Rah, hundred bars
It's a warning, for real, come on
I'm in this right now... it doesn't matter
What neighborhood...

[Chorus: sample]
Johnny didn't run, Johnny got his gun
Just like everyone, in the name of God
Ahhhhh, and Johnny didn't run...

[Rular Rah]
When I pop the trunk, that means that I'm ready to dump
With some AK hollows that'll cherish you chumps
You better give up, floating in the Hudson River
I got a real itchy finger and it loves the trigger
Don't get it twisted, this is no motion picture
Make your dreams go away with your hopes and wishes
I rose the gold, paper in the triple digits
And I stand real tall, y'all think small as midgets
I warned you dicks, Rular rep the east and west
And got goons on my payroll that'll eat your chest
I breathe respect, I told you this was dangerous
And the well known fact, you can't fuck with us
So turn me up...

[Chorus]

[Rular Rah]
Around here, it ain't nothing sweet
And I'mma let you know a couple of things, don't fuck with me
Big screen so the trucks can see, just luxury
So don't make things u-g-ly
I bust heat for the code of the streets, I'm cold as can be
And pack a mack eleven pound of weed
Breathe deep or get put to sleep, I'm playing for keeps
You suckers yap but what y'all talk is cheap
Bitch nigga, get up off of me, I'm just released
So give me room while I cock and squeeze
Splat ya brain like pasta cheese, straight Ruckerway, Queens
The ambulance'll cut you out of your jeans
The doctors returning all of your things, no heart, no pulse
Use your brains, when you're fucking with me
The doctors return all of your things
No heart, no pulse, use your brains, when you fucking with me, nigga

[Chorus]

[Rular Rah]
It's a reason why I talk like this, the way I dress
The way I look, stay focused, and I walk like this
I'm from a place where dreams don't exist
Everyday a new crime, a new body scratched off the list
This ain't love, this the way life is, it ain't the kids
It's the guns and the drugs that make life like this
The state we living is so priceless
I can't go to the park and play ball, because my moms is sick
I got a hit to lick, I'm tired of this shit
Same clothes, no food, it ain't fair, I thought my pop dukes cared
At twelve, I was considered a man
I gotta do anything to make a meal, I gotta think of a plan
It's like my feet would just sink in the sand
I'm on the streets everyday, try'nna make it, asking God for a chance
But on a mission, I gotta walk like a man
I was born by myself, so I guess I gotta go like I came, Johnny





[Chorus x4]

Overall Meaning

"Johnny" by Rular Rah is a powerful song that portrays the harsh realities of life in the inner cities of America, specifically in Ruckerway, Queens. The intro and chorus of the song feature a vocal sample that repeats the lyrics "Johnny didn't run, Johnny got his gun. Just like everyone, in the name of God." This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is about violence, survival, and the need to be tough in order to thrive in the harsh environment.


Throughout the song, Rular Rah speaks candidly about violence, guns, and survival. He talks about carrying an AK-47 in his car and being ready to use it if necessary. He speaks about the code of the streets and how he's playing for keeps. He also talks about the struggles of living in poverty and the need to do whatever it takes to survive, including making tough decisions and being willing to take risks.


Overall, "Johnny" is a gritty and honest portrayal of life in the inner city. It's a warning for those who might be tempted to cross Rular Rah and his crew, and a reminder that survival in this environment requires toughness, savvy, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to make ends meet.


Line by Line Meaning

Uh-huh, Rular Rah, hundred bars
Introduction and announcement of the song by Rular Rah


It's a warning, for real, come on
Indication that the lyrics of the song are a warning


I'm in this right now... it doesn't matter
Declaration by Rular Rah that he is present and active, regardless of the circumstances


What neighborhood...
Sentence fragment indicating that the neighborhood is not relevant to the message of the song


Johnny didn't run, Johnny got his gun
Chorus of the song, referring to the artist Johnny who stood his ground and fought back with a gun


Just like everyone, in the name of God
Explanation that Johnny's actions were a common response to difficult situations, and that he invoked religion as justification


When I pop the trunk, that means that I'm ready to dump
Threat from Rular Rah that the opening of the car trunk indicates his intention to unleash violence


With some AK hollows that'll cherish you chumps
Rular Rah boasts about using high-powered and deadly weapons


You better give up, floating in the Hudson River
Implication that not surrendering will result in a violent death and disposal of the body in the river


I got a real itchy finger and it loves the trigger
Rular Rah indicates his eagerness to shoot and his affinity for firearms


Don't get it twisted, this is no motion picture
Warning that the message and violence in the song are not fictional, but real and serious


Make your dreams go away with your hopes and wishes
Threat that violence will destroy the aspirations of those who defy Rular Rah


I rose the gold, paper in the triple digits
Boast by Rular Rah that he has accumulated wealth


And I stand real tall, y'all think small as midgets
Insult to those who underestimate Rular Rah's power and influence


I warned you dicks, Rular rep the east and west
Reminder that Rular Rah is a formidable figure who represents both the east and west sides of a territory


And got goons on my payroll that'll eat your chest
Claim that Rular Rah has henchmen who will cause physical harm


I breathe respect, I told you this was dangerous
Statement that Rular Rah commands respect and that his actions should be taken seriously


And the well known fact, you can't fuck with us
Assertion that Rular Rah and his associates are impervious to intimidation and retaliation


So turn me up...
Request for the listener to increase the volume of the song


Around here, it ain't nothing sweet
Acknowledgment that the environment is harsh and unforgiving


And I'mma let you know a couple of things, don't fuck with me
Warning from Rular Rah that he should not be provoked or challenged


Big screen so the trucks can see, just luxury
Reference to Rular Rah's wealth and extravagant lifestyle


So don't make things u-g-ly
Injunction to avoid causing conflict or discord


I bust heat for the code of the streets, I'm cold as can be
Assertion that Rular Rah abides by the rules of the street and is fiercely ruthless


And pack a mack eleven pound of weed
Claim by Rular Rah that he carries an illegal firearm and large quantity of marijuana


Breathe deep or get put to sleep, I'm playing for keeps
Threat from Rular Rah that he will use deadly force if necessary


You suckers yap but what y'all talk is cheap
Insult to those who talk but do not act on their words


Bitch nigga, get up off of me, I'm just released
Defiant response to those who attempt to disrespect Rular Rah


So give me room while I cock and squeeze
Demand from Rular Rah to be given space to prepare and use his firearm


Splat ya brain like pasta cheese, straight Ruckerway, Queens
Graphic and violent image of shooting someone in the head and mentioning the location of the act


The ambulance'll cut you out of your jeans
Image of a rescue team removing the clothes of a victim to provide medical care


The doctors returning all of your things, no heart, no pulse
Mention of the futility of medical intervention in cases of fatal violence


Use your brains, when you're fucking with me
Warning from Rular Rah that anyone who challenges him should reconsider their actions and decisions


It's a reason why I talk like this, the way I dress
Explanation that Rular Rah's demeanor and appearance are indications of his violent and dangerous lifestyle


The way I look, stay focused, and I walk like this
Further explanation of how Rular Rah's attributes convey his persona


I'm from a place where dreams don't exist
Statement that the environment where Rular Rah grew up is not conducive to aspirations or goals


Everyday a new crime, a new body scratched off the list
Description of the frequency and severity of criminal activity in Rular Rah's neighborhood


This ain't love, this the way life is, it ain't the kids
Clarification that the hardship and violence in the neighborhood are not due to love or affection, and that children are impacted negatively


It's the guns and the drugs that make life like this
Assertion that the main culprits of the environment's harshness are firearms and narcotics


The state we living is so priceless
Sarcastic comment that the quality of life in the neighborhood is valuable and desirable


I can't go to the park and play ball, because my moms is sick
Personal anecdote about Rular Rah's inability to engage in a recreational activity due to his mother's illness


I got a hit to lick, I'm tired of this shit
Statement that Rular Rah has a plan to make money and is frustrated with his current situation


Same clothes, no food, it ain't fair, I thought my pop dukes cared
Indication that Rular Rah lacks basic necessities and is disillusioned with his father


At twelve, I was considered a man
Explanation that Rular Rah had to grow up quickly and assume adult responsibilities at a young age


I gotta do anything to make a meal, I gotta think of a plan
Declaration that Rular Rah is willing to take drastic measures to survive and improve his situation


It's like my feet would just sink in the sand
Simile portraying the difficulty and hopelessness of Rular Rah's circumstances


I'm on the streets everyday, try'nna make it, asking God for a chance
Explanation of Rular Rah's daily routine and his reliance on divine intervention


But on a mission, I gotta walk like a man
Determination to pursue his goals and act like an adult


I was born by myself, so I guess I gotta go like I came, Johnny
Acceptance of his self-reliance and toughness, and reference to the singer from the chorus


Chorus x4
Reiteration of the chorus four times at the end of the song




Contributed by Camilla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@grime2shineautodetailing235

One of the most underrated song ever recorded

@kytrina22

Derailed is one of my favorite movies. I liked this song the first time I heard it.

@jaimewalls8416

Just watched Derailed, HAD to find this song, bless whoever uploaded it!!! Bad ass song!!!

@lnanimateCarbonRod

I bought the record by fleming rasmussen just to hear the original sample

@Daraxiel

I just watched "Derailed" the other day and just as i was about to turn off the whole thing this song rolled with the credits...what should i say it's so frickin'good, can't help but listen to it everyday

@998576999

You just watched Derailed a couple of...12 years ago?!

@LaGeRcs

Just watched and loved the song. ;D

@reggiewolfpac7711

@@LaGeRcs Yeah I got the DVD.

@dslking

@@998576999 same

@dslking

Exactly the same

2 More Replies...
More Comments

More Versions