Legends
The Prodigy Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

(feat. Havoc)

[Intro:]
Respect to the ol' timers man! (yeah!)
Word up!
And the younglings man those to come, ya heard? (uh-huh!)

[Chorus:]
Gangsters don't die (nah!) we just turn to "Legends" (yeah!)
All we go through is hell, what the fuck is a heaven? (fuck is the heaven?Β !)
We live fast and store death long as possible (that's right!)
Get our cash and put threats in the hospital. [x2]

[Verse 1:]
Young P! - When I was thirteen I had dreams
To do what LL did and Run DMC!
Dirty ol' fuck! - Learnin' how to aim my pee
Older niggaz in the hood use to try to thug me.
'Til Pops gave me a knife, told me to handle my thangs
And if not, when I came back - he would handle me.
I put my first 'lil bit of fear into niggaz I was gas
Started hangin' with the others that was on the same shit. (whattup dog?)
Had my first taste of gun fire early in my years
Gang fights, we was jumpin' niggaz, we was just kids.
Takin' coats off victims, watches off people's wrist
Shootin' in the air (pop, pop!) part of tryin' to aimin' for your head.
And us young bloods and 'lil young gunz from back then
Grew up to be Raps most Infamous Clique. (uuuuhhh-ooooohhh!)
Most thugs we grew up with proud of we did it
And naturally you got others that wanna see us hit. [gun cocks & shot]

[Chorus]

[Verse 2:]
Capital P! When I was thirteen I had dreams
Now I'm all grown up and livin' out my dreams.
And my Pops ain't here now that nigga deceased (R.I.P.!)
And that being said how you gon' son me?
Niggaz bodied JMJ right there in Queens
Goes to show there's no respect for the ol' G's.
Niggaz talkin' real tough - like I'm N-E-X-T!
Like I give a fuck about shootin' up your peeps. (blat, blat!)
About gettin' hit - I'm about to show you niggaz how to bleed
Got guns in different states - you can't catch me sleep.
Put bullets in your hearts - bullets all up in the meat (blat!)
It's right behind your forehead's (blat!) bone you plead G's (blat!)
When it's on and poppin' - you be beggin' I stop it
You be beggin' for your life, 'fore that head shot stop it.
Rappers lovin' my spit! - Fans lovin' my shit
Indeed you got those that wanna see me hit. [gun cocks & shot]

[Chorus]

[Outro:]
Ki'ed up nigga!
I see you, bitch ass niggaz!
You heard?
Lil' kids-ass niggaz... fucked up!
Tools and shit... (what else?) rest of the ladies stole that.
They be hittin' you with the electric shit choppin' you back nigga!
You better calm down nigga!
Y'all broke niggaz need to give it up! Word up!
This is gangs-transfusion and shit!
World wide...
If I don't get ya, my thumb gon' get ya, be fucked up!
Real fucked up... punks!

[Sample:]




"Two old beef patties, special sauce, lettuce and cheese
Pickles and onions, on a sesame seed bun the big motherfucking Mac! " [machine gun shots]

Overall Meaning

The Prodigy's song "Legends" featuring Havoc depicts the stories of two infamous gangsters, each describing their past experiences and how they have become legends in their own right. The lyrics convey the idea that these gangsters may die, but their stories and legacies will live on forever. The chorus emphasizes this notion with the line "Gangsters don't die, we just turn to 'Legends'". The first verse is told by "Young P", who talks about growing up with a tough background and how his father gave him a knife to defend himself against the older gangsters. He describes how he and his friends started in petty crime and escalated to violent acts, becoming one of the most infamous groups in rap history. The second verse is told by "Capital P", who is now an adult and has achieved his dreams. He speaks of how the younger generation has no respect for their elders and how they are always looking to take someone out. He boasts about his own power and influence and threatens those who would oppose him.


"Legends" is a song that glorifies gang culture and violence, which is a common theme in rap music. The lyrics paint a picture of a tough society where the only way to survive is to become powerful and feared. The song is a reflection of the reality of many young people who are growing up in poverty and violence, where gangs offer them a sense of belonging and protection. However, it also raises questions about the morality of these actions and celebrates the destruction they cause. Ultimately, it is up to the listener to decide whether they find these legends heroic or tragic.


Line by Line Meaning

Respect to the ol' timers man! (yeah!)
Acknowledging and showing appreciation for older gangsters who have come before and paved the way for the new generation.


And the younglings man those to come, ya heard? (uh-huh!)
Acknowledging and showing respect for the younger generation who will continue the legacy of gangster culture.


Gangsters don't die (nah!) we just turn to "Legends" (yeah!)
Gangsters don't simply fade away or leave when they die; their legacy lives on and they become legendary figures within gangster culture.


All we go through is hell, what the fuck is a heaven? (fuck is the heaven? !)
Gangsters live through hardships and struggle on a daily basis, leading them to question the existence and relevance of a concept like heaven.


We live fast and store death long as possible (that's right!)
Gangsters live their lives with intensity and urgency, always pushing the limits and taking risks, while also looking for ways to prolong their lives and avoid death.


Get our cash and put threats in the hospital. [x2]
Gangsters make money by any means necessary and use violence to intimidate and threaten their enemies, often resulting in hospitalization for those who cross them.


Young P! - When I was thirteen I had dreams
The singer, Young P, had ambitions and aspirations at a young age.


To do what LL did and Run DMC!
Young P wanted to achieve the same level of success as LL Cool J and Run DMC, two successful rap groups from the 80s and 90s.


Dirty ol' fuck! - Learnin' how to aim my pee
The artist describes himself as dirty and immature, learning how to urinate properly as a young boy.


Older niggaz in the hood use to try to thug me.
The artist was exposed to older gangsters in his neighborhood who would try to intimidate him and make him toughen up.


'Til Pops gave me a knife, told me to handle my thangs
The singer's father gave him a weapon and encouraged him to be tough and defend himself.


And if not, when I came back - he would handle me.
The artist's father would punish him if he did not take action and defend himself when confronted with danger.


I put my first 'lil bit of fear into niggaz I was gas
The singer instilled fear in others by threatening them and making them feel intimidated.


Started hangin' with the others that was on the same shit. (whattup dog?)
The singer began associating with other gangsters who were involved in the same kind of criminal activities.


Had my first taste of gun fire early in my years
The singer was exposed to gun violence at a young age.


Gang fights, we was jumpin' niggaz, we was just kids.
The artist and his friends were involved in gang fights and violent confrontations when they were still children.


Takin' coats off victims, watches off people's wrist
The artist and his associates would steal from their victims by taking their coats and watches.


Shootin' in the air (pop, pop!) part of tryin' to aimin' for your head.
The singer and his associates would shoot their guns in the air, but were also aiming to hit their targets in the head.


And us young bloods and 'lil young gunz from back then
The singer and his associates were part of a younger generation of gangsters who were coming up at the time.


Grew up to be Raps most Infamous Clique. (uuuuhhh-ooooohhh!)
The artist and his associates became one of the most notorious and infamous groups of gangsters in the rap music world.


Most thugs we grew up with proud of we did it
The artist and his associates were admired by other gangsters who grew up with them and were proud of their achievements.


And naturally you got others that wanna see us hit. [gun cocks & shot]
Despite the admiration and respect they receive from some, the artist and his associates also have many enemies who want to hurt or kill them.


Capital P! When I was thirteen I had dreams
The singer, Capital P, also had aspirations and goals at a young age.


Now I'm all grown up and livin' out my dreams.
Capital P has achieved his dreams and is now living the life he always wanted.


And my Pops ain't here now that nigga deceased (R.I.P.!)
Capital P's father has passed away, and he pays tribute to him with the acronym R.I.P. (Rest in Peace).


And that being said how you gon' son me?
The singer challenges anyone who would try to assert their authority or dominance over him.


Niggaz bodied JMJ right there in Queens
The singer references the murder of the rapper Jam Master Jay, who was killed in Queens, New York.


Goes to show there's no respect for the ol' G's.
The murder of Jam Master Jay highlights the lack of respect and loyalty shown to older, more established gangsters in the rap music world.


Niggaz talkin' real tough - like I'm N-E-X-T!
The artist is aware that he could be the target of violence or murder, and references those who are talking tough and threatening him.


Like I give a fuck about shootin' up your peeps. (blat, blat!)
The singer is not afraid to use violence and will not hesitate to shoot those who threaten or harm him.


About gettin' hit - I'm about to show you niggaz how to bleed
The singer is confident in his ability to fight back and harm those who would try to hurt him.


Got guns in different states - you can't catch me sleep.
The artist is well-prepared for any threats and has weapons in different locations to avoid being caught off guard.


Put bullets in your hearts - bullets all up in the meat (blat!)
The artist is describing his willingness and ability to shoot people and cause serious bodily harm.


It's right behind your forehead's (blat!) bone you plead G's (blat!)
The artist knows where to aim his shots to cause the most damage, and those who are shot will beg for mercy from gangsters (G's).


When it's on and poppin' - you be beggin' I stop it
Those who are targeted by the singer and his associates will beg for mercy and to stop the violence.


You be beggin' for your life, 'fore that head shot stop it.
The people who are targeted will beg for their lives and try to avoid being shot in the head, which is usually fatal.


Rappers lovin' my spit! - Fans lovin' my shit
The singer is successful in the rap music industry, and is well-liked by both other rappers and his fans.


Indeed you got those that wanna see me hit. [gun cocks & shot]
Despite his success, the singer has many enemies who want to harm or kill him.


Ki'ed up nigga!
The singer is armed and ready for action.


I see you, bitch ass niggaz!
The artist is addressing his enemies and calling them out as weak or cowardly.


Lil' kids-ass niggaz... fucked up!
The artist is insulting his enemies and calling them immature or childish.


Tools and shit... (what else?) rest of the ladies stole that.
The singer is listing the weapons and resources he has at his disposal, including guns and possibly stolen tools or equipment.


They be hittin' you with the electric shit choppin' you back nigga!
The singer is describing a tactic that his enemies might use to harm or torture him, which involves electric shocks or other painful methods.


You better calm down nigga!
The artist is threatening his enemies and telling them to back down or face the consequences.


Y'all broke niggaz need to give it up! Word up!
The artist is insulting his enemies' finances and telling them to give up their criminal pursuits.


This is gangs-transfusion and shit!
The artist is referencing the dangerous and violent nature of gang culture.


World wide...
The singer is emphasizing the global reach and influence of gangster culture.


If I don't get ya, my thumb gon' get ya, be fucked up!
The artist is threatening his enemies with violence and harm, and is confident in his ability to carry out his threats.


Real fucked up... punks!
The singer is insulting his enemies and calling them weak or cowardly.


"Two old beef patties, special sauce, lettuce and cheese Pickles and onions, on a sesame seed bun the big motherfucking Mac! " [machine gun shots]
This line is a sample from a McDonald's commercial, but is followed by machine gun shots to emphasize the violent nature of the song and its themes.




Contributed by Ruby S. 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
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@valerieboynton53

PRODIGY πŸ‘‘πŸ’‚πŸŽ€
LEGENDS
BRAVO !
HIP HOP CLASSIC
INFAMOUS MOBB DEEP
SALUTE TO :πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
A TRUE LEGEND
MR. ALBERT JOHNSON
Aka PRODIGYπŸ’‚
SALUTE TO :πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
HAVOCπŸ’‚
I LOVE πŸ’˜ YOU
R. I. P 🌹
CAPITAL ' P ' πŸ–€
YOU SERENADED
WORLDWIDE
PUT NIGGAS
TOO SLEEP
" WHAT " !
MISS YOU MUCH
NOW ,
BUST A SHOT
FOR ' P '
πŸ’₯ πŸ”«



All comments from YouTube:

@soraheart5556

"Gangsters dont die we just turn to legends" RIP Prodigy

@AJ-cs3cx

RIP Prodigy and Kobe. Two GOATS of my childhood and to this day. Legends don't die...πŸ™

@ezekwu

mine too...

@moo-moo74

THE ALCHEMIST IS A FUCKIN GENIUS!!

@javonroberson87

1 of his best songs

@TheMrGunit

Facts

@jeancharles3318

Gangsters don't die they just turn to legends...RIP

@jazzman4218

Prodigy didn't die he turned into a Legend R.I.P.

@kennyray5694

Fcts

@lilwineo

FACTS πŸ’― #RIPBANDANAP πŸ™πŸ‘πŸ’―

More Comments

More Versions