Gangsters Paradise
The Film Score Dance Band Lyrics

As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
In times of great danger and despair, I reflect on my life and realize that there is little left.

I take a look at my life and realize there's nothin' left
Upon introspection, I come to the realization that there is little substance remaining in my existence.

'Cause I've been blasting and laughing so long,
Due to my long-term involvement in destructive behavior and amusement, others, including my own mother, believe my sanity is compromised.

That even my mama thinks that my mind is gone
My actions have caused my own mother to doubt the stability of my mental state.

But I ain't never crossed a man that didn’t deserve it
However, I have never initiated conflict with an individual who did not deserve their fate.

Me be treated like a punk you know that's unheard of
It is inconceivable that I, an individual often associated with criminal activities, would be treated with disrespect or inferiority.

You better watch how you're talking and where you're walking
It is advisable that you exercise caution in your speech and the paths you traverse.

Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk
Failure to do so may result in you and your companions meeting a tragic demise and becoming outlines on the pavement.

I really hate to trip but I gotta loc
Though I despise displaying irrational behavior, I must adopt a certain demeanor associated with the street culture.

As they croak, I see myself in the pistol smoke, fool
As individuals meet their untimely end through acts of violence, I witness the hazy aftermath, realizing the potential fate that awaits me.

I'm the kinda G the little homies wanna be like
I embody the persona that younger individuals within my community aspire to emulate.

On my knees in the night saying prayers in the streetlight
In moments of vulnerability, I find solace in offering prayers, illuminated only by the dim glow of the streetlight.

Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
The majority of individuals have dedicated their existence to dwelling in a world governed by the principles of a criminal lifestyle.

Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
We continue to devote the majority of our lives to residing within the confines of an environment defined by criminal behavior.

Look at the situation they got me facin'
Observe the circumstances that have enveloped me and the predicament I find myself in.

I can't live a normal life, I was raised by the streets
My upbringing within the streets has rendered it impossible for me to pursue an ordinary way of life.

So I gotta be down with the hood team
Hence, I am compelled to align myself with the community and associates originating from the same neighborhood.

Too much television watching got me chasing dreams
The excessive consumption of television has led me to constantly pursue unrealistic aspirations.

I'm an educated fool with money on my mind
Contrary to expectations, I possess knowledge but seem foolish due to the overwhelming preoccupation with wealth.

Got my 10 in my hand and a gleam in my eye
I carry a firearm in my possession, alongside a glimmer of ambition and determination in my gaze.

I'm a loc'd out gangsta set trippin' banger
I am an individual deeply entrenched in the gang culture and provoke rival sets or groups through my actions.

And my homies is down so don't arouse my anger, fool
Furthermore, my companions are loyal and fully supportive, therefore, it is advisable not to incite my wrath.

Death ain't nothing but a heartbeat away
The event of death is merely a fraction of a moment from one's present state.

I'm living life, do or die, what can I say
I exist in a perpetual state of taking risks and embracing the possibility of death—an unavoidable aspect of my reality.

I'm 23 now, but will I live to see 24
Although I am currently 23 years old, the likelihood of my survival to witness my 24th year is uncertain.

The way things are going I don't know
Considering the current trajectory of events, it is impossible for me to predict the outcome and my ultimate fate.

Tell me why are we so blind to see
I implore you to explain why we, as a society, are unable to perceive the truth that eludes us.

That the ones we hurt are you and me
It is deeply ironic that the very people we harm through our actions are ourselves.

Power and the money, money and the power
Power and wealth go hand in hand, forming a mutually reinforcing cycle.

Minute after minute, hour after hour
This cycle persists relentlessly, consistently accumulating as the minutes and hours pass.

Everybody's running, but half of them ain't looking
Many individuals are constantly in motion, yet fail to truly observe or comprehend their surroundings.

What's going on in the kitchen, but I don't know what's cookin'
There are hidden activities and schemes taking place behind closed doors, although I am unaware of their specifics.

They say I gotta learn, but nobody's here to teach me
Although I am advised to expand my knowledge, there is an absence of suitable mentors or educators to guide me in this process.

If they can't understand it, how can they reach me
In the absence of comprehension, it becomes increasingly difficult for others to establish a connection with me.

I guess they can't, I guess they won't
Ultimately, it appears that others possess neither the capability nor the willingness to bridge this gap.

I guess they front, that's why I know my life is out of luck, fool
Their insincerity and pretense reinforce my understanding that my life is plagued with misfortune and devoid of opportunities.

Tell me why are we so blind to see
Once again, I inquire as to why we as individuals or as a collective fail to perceive the truth that evades us.

That the ones we hurt are you and me
It is a tragic reality that the individuals we cause harm to are ultimately ourselves and those within our community.