1970 Sumthin'
The Game Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

1970 somethin', 1970 somethin'
1970 somethin', 1970 somethin'
1970 somethin', 1970 somethin'
1970 somethin'

1970 somethin'
Nigga I don't sweat the date, my moms is late
So I had to plan my escape, out the skins
In this world, the fly girl
Tanqueray or Hennessy until I called Earl
Ten months in this gut, what the fuck
I wish moms would hurry up so I could get buck
While, Juvenile rippin' mics and shit
New York, New York ready for the likes of this
Uh, then came the worst date, May, 21st
2:19 is when my mama's water burst
No spouse in the house, so she rolls herself
To the hospital, to see if she could get a little help
Umbilical cord's wrapped around my neck
I'm seein' my death, and I ain't even took my first step
I made it out, I'm bringin' mad joy
The doctor looked and said "He's gonna be a Bad Boy."

I remember back in time
(1970 somethin', 1970 somethin')
Before all the homies died
Before all the dollars and nines
I knew that I was goin' somewhere
Let me take you back in time
(1970 somethin', 1970 somethin')
Before I even got the rhyme, before I had nickels and dimes,
I knew that I was goin' somewhere

Would 'Pac be alive, if you let 'Pac drive?
Swear to God, to reverse, that I'll give my Left Eye
With the right I'll visualize the king of Bed-Stuy
Checkin' his daughter, Tyanna into junior high
If I was in Brooklyn and B.I. was still alive
In 2006, it might sound like this
NY, 7-1-8's, 2-1-2's
With Sue's rendezvous, it's like Moulin Rouge
High fashion, uptown Air Force Ones and Vasquez
Puerto Ricans with fat asses
Blazed dutch masters, we dump ashes
On models in S classes for you bastards
Catch a cab to Manhattan, with that Broadway actin'
You hype, that Belly shit'll get you capped and wrapped in plastic
Tell the captain to ask Rog' what's happenin'?
I hear, nor speak no evil inside the Magnum

(1970 somethin', 1970 somethin')
I remmember back in time
Before all the homies died
Before all the dollars and nines
I knew that I was goin' somewhere
(1970 somethin', 1970 somethin')
Let me take you back in time

Now I'm thirteen, smokin' blunts makin' cream
On the drug scene, fuck a football team
Riskin' ruptured spleens by the age of sixteen
Hearin' the coach scream ain't my lifetime dream
I mean, I wanna blow up, stack my dough up
So school, I didn't show up, it fucked my flow up
Mom said that I should grow up, and check myself
Before I wreck myself, disrespect myself
Put the drugs on the shelf, nah, couldn't see it
Scarface, king of New York, I wanna be it
Rap was secondary, money was necessary
Until I got incarcerated, kinda scary
C-74, Mark 8 set me straight
Not able to move behind a great steel gate
Time to contemplate, damn, where did I fail?
All the money I stacked, was all the money for bail

I remmember back in time
(1970 somethin', 1970 somethin')
Before all the homies died
Before all the dollars and nines
I knew that I was goin' somewhere
Let me take you back in time
(1970 somethin', 1970 somethin')
Before I even got the rhyme, before I had nickels and dimes
I knew that I was goin' somewhere
And I knew that I was going somewhere




Ooh, ooh
1970 somethin', 1970 somethin'

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "1970 Sumthin'" by The Game reflect on the artist's personal journey and experiences growing up in the 1970s. The song begins with the repetition of "1970 somethin'" to emphasize the significance of that era. The artist's birth, indicated by his mother's late arrival, is seen as a turning point for him to plan his escape from the environment he was raised in.


The lyrics continue to describe the artist's time in his mother's womb, waiting for her to give birth. The anticipation and longing to "get buck" or make something of himself are palpable. The mention of Juvenile, a popular rapper at the time, highlights the influence of music in the artist's life. The specific date of May 21st and the time of 2:19 when his mother's water broke add a sense of realism and authenticity to the story.


Furthermore, the artist reflects on his childhood and dreams of a different life. He mentions the deaths of his friends, the struggles of poverty, and the allure of street life. However, he also knows that he is destined for something greater and believes in his own potential.


In the second verse, the artist imagines what the world would be like if influential figures such as Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G were still alive. He paints a vivid picture of his hometown, Brooklyn, and the cultural melting pot that it is. The mention of specific area codes, places, and people adds a sense of nostalgia and yearning for better times. The artist acknowledges the dangers of street life but also expresses pride in his roots and the unique energy of his city.


Line by Line Meaning

1970 somethin', 1970 somethin'
Reflecting on the past, reminiscing about the events that took place in the 1970s.


Nigga I don't sweat the date, my moms is late
Not concerned with the specific date because my mother was delayed in giving birth to me.


So I had to plan my escape, out the skins
Had to find a way to navigate my way out of difficult situations and circumstances.


In this world, the fly girl
Among all the people in this world, the attractive and fashionable girl stands out.


Tanqueray or Hennessy until I called Earl
Enjoying alcoholic beverages like Tanqueray or Hennessy until I had to call a close friend named Earl.


Ten months in this gut, what the fuck
Spending ten months inside the womb, wondering what's going on.


I wish moms would hurry up so I could get buck
Eager for my mother to give birth so I can start living my life to the fullest.


While, Juvenile rippin' mics and shit
At a young age, showcasing my talent in microphone skills.


New York, New York ready for the likes of this
The city of New York eagerly anticipating someone like me with my talent and potential.


Then came the worst date, May, 21st
Unfortunately, experiencing the worst day of my life on May 21st.


2:19 is when my mama's water burst
At 2:19, my mother's water broke, signaling the imminent arrival of my birth.


No spouse in the house, so she rolls herself
With no partner present, my mother managed to transport herself to the hospital.


To the hospital, to see if she could get a little help
Seeking medical assistance and support at the hospital during the birthing process.


Umbilical cord's wrapped around my neck
Upon exiting the womb, the umbilical cord was wrapped around my neck, posing a potential danger.


I'm seein' my death, and I ain't even took my first step
Having a near-death experience before even taking my first physical step in this world.


I made it out, I'm bringin' mad joy
Luckily, I survived and now I'm spreading immense happiness to those around me.


The doctor looked and said 'He's gonna be a Bad Boy.'
The doctor observed and predicted that I would grow up to be rebellious or mischievous in nature.


I remember back in time
Recalling memories from the past.


Before all the homies died
Before my close friends passed away.


Before all the dollars and nines
Before the acquisition of wealth and firearms became significant.


I knew that I was goin' somewhere
I had a strong belief that I was destined for success and a better future.


Let me take you back in time
Allow me to transport you to an earlier period.


Before I even got the rhyme, before I had nickels and dimes
Before I even started my career in music or had any financial stability.


Would 'Pac be alive, if you let 'Pac drive?
Considering the possibility of Tupac Shakur still being alive if his life weren't cut short due to tragic circumstances.


Swear to God, to reverse, that I'll give my Left Eye
Making a solemn promise, using a play on words, to sacrifice something important (like the rapper Left Eye) to alter the course of history.


With the right I'll visualize the king of Bed-Stuy
Using my imagination and visionary skills to envision myself as the prominent figure of Bed-Stuy (Bedford-Stuyvesant).


Checkin' his daughter, Tyanna into junior high
Witnessing the proud moment of checking his daughter, Tyanna, into a new school phase.


If I was in Brooklyn and B.I. was still alive
Speculating how things would be different if I were in Brooklyn and the legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G. were still alive.


In 2006, it might sound like this
Imagining how my music would sound in the year 2006, with a different vibe and flavor.


NY, 7-1-8's, 2-1-2's
Representing the phone area codes of New York City, specifically 718 and 212.


With Sue's rendezvous, it's like Moulin Rouge
Referring to romantic encounters with a woman named Sue, comparing them to the atmosphere and allure of the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris.


High fashion, uptown Air Force Ones and Vasquez
Embracing trendy and fashionable clothing styles, particularly wearing Air Force Ones shoes uptown and being associated with Vasquez, a symbolic figure.


Puerto Ricans with fat asses
Appreciating the attractive physical features of Puerto Rican women and their curvaceous bodies.


Blazed dutch masters, we dump ashes
Smoking cigarillos known as Dutch Masters, and casually disposing of the ashes afterwards.


On models in S classes for you bastards
Showing off and displaying affluence by being surrounded by attractive models in high-end Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars, aimed at those who doubt or criticize.


Catch a cab to Manhattan, with that Broadway actin'
Taking a taxi to Manhattan while engaging in a charismatic and dramatic persona as if performing on Broadway.


You hype, that Belly shit'll get you capped and wrapped in plastic
If you continue to act arrogant and boastful like the characters in the movie 'Belly,' you'll end up facing fatal consequences and being disposed of like trash.


Tell the captain to ask Rog' what's happenin'?
Instructing someone to ask a figure named Rog' about the current situation or events taking place.


I hear, nor speak no evil inside the Magnum
Choose not to engage in or promote negative actions or behaviors while inside a luxury car known as a Magnum.


Now I'm thirteen, smokin' blunts makin' cream
At the age of thirteen, engaged in smoking marijuana and making money by any means necessary.


On the drug scene, fuck a football team
Involved in the drug scene, prioritizing illicit activities over traditional activities like playing on a football team.


Riskin' ruptured spleens by the age of sixteen
Engaging in dangerous activities that risk severe injury or harm to bodily organs, such as the spleen, at a young age of sixteen.


Hearin' the coach scream ain't my lifetime dream
Having no desire or aspiration to hear a coach shout and criticize, as it doesn't align with my long-term goals.


I mean, I wanna blow up, stack my dough up
Desiring to become successful and accumulate a significant amount of wealth.


So school, I didn't show up, it fucked my flow up
Neglecting school and failing to attend, which negatively impacted my overall progress and disrupted my rhythm or groove.


Mom said that I should grow up, and check myself
My mother advised me to mature and evaluate my behavior and actions.


Before I wreck myself, disrespect myself
Taking caution to avoid detrimental consequences by refraining from disrespecting or harming myself.


Put the drugs on the shelf, nah, couldn't see it
Despite suggestions to quit or abandon drugs, I couldn't envision myself doing so at that time.


Scarface, king of New York, I wanna be it
Aspired to be like Scarface, a dominant figure in a crime empire, often associated with New York City.


Rap was secondary, money was necessary
Although music was important to me, financial success and stability took precedence.


Until I got incarcerated, kinda scary
The experience of being imprisoned was quite intimidating and frightening.


C-74, Mark 8 set me straight
Being confined within the walls of Correctional Facility 74, known as C-74, played a significant role in correcting my behavior and mindset.


Not able to move behind a great steel gate
Being physically restricted and confined behind the solid barrier of a steel gate.


Time to contemplate, damn, where did I fail?
Having ample time for introspection and reflection, contemplating the reasons for personal failures and shortcomings.


All the money I stacked, was all the money for bail
Realizing that the accumulated wealth I had managed to save was ultimately used to secure my release from jail.


And I knew that I was going somewhere
Despite the setbacks and mistakes, I still maintained the belief that I was destined for a better future.


Ooh, ooh
Expressing a sound of satisfaction or excitement.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@kikobuss26

RIP BIG we never forget you even you are dead you still on top

@coltLFC

The Game is so ahead of his time!

@smittybob100

I downloaded this on my phone first and i was like is that The Game!!?? and it was!!
Such a sick song.

@Boussnina

This and Shook ones (part 2) are my favorite songs

@demoncorpus9623

Still watchin this 2022 ☝🏽

@Fordy211

i love this song biggie is a legend the game is on fire in this song

@paacs_

Thanks for your music Biggie

@nelly713

Los Angeles confidential the game old school 2000s

@Yawn124Bitch

damn games part is so fuckin tight.. shit gives me chills..

@Sslyone

Notorious Is the BEST !!

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