Runnin
The Pharcyde feat. Mark 1 and the Funky Fresh Few Lyrics
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Come on, come on, come on, come on (uh huh, check it out, check it out )
Come on, come on, come on, come on, yeah
(One-two, one-two, one-two, one-two, one two)
Come on, come on, come on, come on
(Check the sound, check the sound, check the sound yeah)
Come on, come on, come on, come on, yeah
(One-two, one-two, one-two, one-two, one two)
(Check the sound, check the sound, check the sound yeah)
Come on, come on, come on, come on, yeah
(One-two, one-two, one-two, one-two, one two)
Come on, come on, come on, come on
(Check the sound, check the sound, check the sound yeah)
Come on, come on, come on, come on, yeah
(One-two, one-two, one-two, one-two, one two) uh-huh
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
I must admit on some occasions
I went out like a punk and a chump
Or a sucka or something to that effect
Respect I used to never get
'Cause all I got was upset
When niggas used to be like
(What's, up fool?)
And tried to sweat a nigga like the Lip (nigga, what's up?)
For no reason at all I can recall 'cause niggas throwin' Cs in my face
Down the hall, I'm kicking it in the back of the school eating chicken at three
Wonderin' why is everybody always pickin' on me
I tried to talk and tell 'em, "Chill I did nothin' to deserve this"
But when it didn't work I wasn't scared just real nervous and unprepared
To deal with scrappin' no doubt
My pappy never told me how to knock a nigga out
But now in '95 I must survive as a man on my own
Fuck around with Fatlip, yes, ya get blown
I'm not tryin' to show, no macho is shown
But when it's on, when it's on, then it's on
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
One, two, so listen here (come on)
There comes a time in every man's life
When he's gotta handle shit up on his own
Can't depend on friends to help you in a squeeze
Please, they got problems of their own
Down for the count on seven chickenshits don't get to Heaven
'Til they faced these fears in these fear zones
Used to get jacked back up in high school, I played it cool
Just so some real shit won't get full blown bein' where I'm from
They let the smoke come quicker than an evil redneck
Could lynch a helpless colored figure and
As a victim I invented low-key
'Til the keyhole itself got lower than me
So I stood up and let my free form form free (uh-huh)
Said I'm gonna get some before they knockin' out me
I don't sweat it I let the bullshit blow in the breeze, yeah
In other words just debris
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
It's 1995
And now that I'm older, stress weighs on my shoulders
Heavy as boulders but I told y'all (told y'all)
Until the day that I die I still
Will be a soldier and that's all I told ya
And that's all I showed ya and that's all I sold ya
And all this calamity is rippin' my sanity
Can it be that I am a celebrity
Who's on the brink of insanity?
Now don't be wishin' of switchin' any positions with me (me)
'Cause when you in my position, it ain't never easy
To do any type of maintainin'
'Cause all the gamin' and famin' from entertainin'
Is hella strainin' to the brain and
But I can't keep runnin', I just gotta keep keen and cunnin' (cunnin')
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away (uh, yeah)
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
Can't keep running away, running away, running away
Can't keep running away, running away, running away (yeah, yeah)
Can't keep running away, running away, running away
You can't keep running away, running away, running away (yeah, yeah)
(Yeah) you can't keep on
Running away, running away, running away (ahh, ahh, ahh)
You can't keep running away
Can't keep running away
The Pharcyde's song "Runnin'" deals with themes of self-discovery, self-reliance, and facing one's fears. The repeated chorus "Can't keep running away" reflects the motivation to confront one's problems head-on. The verses detail the personal struggles the rappers have faced with feeling like an outcast and not knowing how to handle confrontations. Their journeys of growth lead them to realize they must rely on themselves and stand up for what they believe in. The song ends with a message that while success in the entertainment industry may be challenging and mentally taxing, they will continue to face it head-on.
"Runnin'" was released in 1995 as a part of The Pharcyde's album "Labcabincalifornia" and was produced by Jay Dee (J Dilla). The song has been sampled in various hip hop tracks, including J Dilla's "Oblighetto" and "Runnin' With No Ends" by Hieroglyphics. The song's music video, directed by Spike Jonze, includes a unique visual effect where the rappers' faces are distorted and stretched.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on, come on
Encouraging someone to move forward with determination
Can't keep running away
Avoiding problems or responsibilities is not a long-term solution
I must admit on some occasions
Admitting to past mistakes and shortcomings
When niggas used to be like
Describing how others treated the artist rudely and without respect
Wonderin' why is everybody always pickin' on me
Feeling like a victim of constant harassment and bullying
But now in '95 I must survive as a man on my own
Taking personal responsibility for one's own survival and well-being
There comes a time in every man's life
Recognizing the need to take control of one's own life and situation
Down for the count on seven chickenshits don't get to Heaven
Acknowledging that avoiding challenges or difficulties leaves one unprepared and ultimately unsuccessful
Said I'm gonna get some before they knockin' out me
Taking action and pursuing goals before it is too late
In other words just debris
Refusing to let negative experiences or setbacks define or defeat the artist
And all this calamity is rippin' my sanity
Describing the intense pressure and stress that the singer is under
But I can't keep runnin', I just gotta keep keen and cunnin'
Acknowledging the need to face problems head-on with a clear mind and strategic approach
Lyrics © FRANAM PUB ADMINISTRATION, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Derrick Lemel Stewart, Emandu Wilcox, Luiz Bonfa, Maria Helena De Toledo Chermont, Romye Robinson, Tre Vant Hardson, James Yancy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Desertpunk1986
As a victim I invented low-key
Till the keyhole itself got lower than me
So I stood up and let my free form form free
Said I'm gonna get some before they knockin' out me
I don't sweat it I let the bullshit blow in the breeze
In other words just debris
Love those bars.
@ashleymartin83
I like how 90s rappers always tell you what year it is
@meegleeto
To be fair, "it's nine-ty-ninety-X" has a really good flow
@NoalFarstrider
It's for the time traveling industry...
@aleksiesko885
@@meegleeto now that were in the 20s maybe this trend will come back
@panchohalo2158
@@aleksiesko885 With how rough the world is, probably not
@cbernz
Back in the good old days when people actually believed society would continue to progress every year.
@mikepeirano810
Heard this in 95 and I'm 62 and still bumping it
@endercastman
i wanted to like but it was the holy number
@graciousdeak
message is still correct
@justinwright2045
Good stuff bruva 👍🏻