Paradise
The Starlite Singers Lyrics
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I take a look at my life and realize there's none left
'Cause I've been brassing and laughing so long that
Even my mamma thinks that my mind is gone
But I ain't never crossed a man that didn't deserve it
Me be treated like a punk, you know that's unheard of
You better watch how you talking, and where you walking
Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk
As they croak I see myself in the pistal smoke fool
I'm the kinda G that little homies want to be like
On my knees in the night, saying prayers in the street light
They been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise
They been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise
We keep spending most our lives living in the gangsta's paradise
We keep spending most our lives living in the gangsta's paradise
They got the situation, they got me facing
I can't live a normal life, I was raised by the strip
So I gotta be down with the hood team
Too much television watching got me chasing dreams
I'm a educated fool with money on my mind
Got my ten in my hand and a gleam in my eye
I'm a loped out gangsta set trippin banger
And my homies is down so gonna rouse my anger fool
Death aint nothing but a heart beat away
I'm living life do or die, what can I say
I'm twenty three never will I live to see 24
The way things is going I don't know
Tell me why are we so blind to see
That the ones we hurt are you and me.
They been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise
They been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise
We keep spending most our lives living in the gangsta's paradise
We keep spending most our lives living in the gangsta's paradise
Power and the money, money and the power
Minute after minute, hour after hour
Everybody's running, but half of them ain't looking
What's going on in the kitchen, but I don't know what's cooking
They say I've got to learn but nobody's here to teach me
If they can't understand it, how can they reach me
I guess they can't
I guess they won't
I guess they front
That's why I know my life is out of luck fool
They been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise
They been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise
We keep spending most our lives living in the gangsta's paradise
We keep spending most our lives living in the gangsta's paradise
Tell me why are we so blind to see
That the ones we hurt are you and me.
Tell me why are we so blind to see
That the ones we hurt are you and me.
The lyrics of "Gangsta's Paradise" by The Starlite Orchestra tell a powerful story of life in the streets, specifically focusing on the struggles and consequences faced by individuals involved in gang culture. The singer reflects on the realities of their existence, walking through a dangerous and uncertain path symbolized by the valley of the shadow of death. They acknowledge the absence of a fulfilling life and the perception that their mind has been affected by their prolonged involvement in a life of crime. Their actions are driven by a desire to seek justice against those who have wronged them but also a recognition that this path is not ideal.
The song emphasizes the social and environmental factors that push individuals into a life of crime. The singer reveals that they were raised in a neighborhood where violence and gangs were prevalent from an early age, making it difficult for them to live a normal life. They express frustration at being trapped in this cycle, as their dreams are shaped by the influence of the media and the lack of positive role models. Despite their education and financial aspirations, the grip of their gang affiliation and the anger it fuels is difficult to escape. The lyrics suggest a sense of fatalism, with the singer expressing doubt that they will live to see their next birthday. The chorus explores the blindness of society, unable to realize the harm caused by their actions and the impact it has on others.
Overall, "Gangsta's Paradise" is a commentary on the perils of gang life, the systemic issues that perpetuate it, and the destructive consequences it has on individuals and communities. It raises questions about the cycle of violence and the lack of intervention and support for those trapped in this lifestyle. The lyrics aim to shed light on the realities of gang culture and encourage a deeper understanding of the human stories and struggles behind it.
Line by Line Meaning
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
As I navigate through a dangerous and uncertain situation
I take a look at my life and realize there's none left
I reflect on my life and come to the realization that it has been wasted
'Cause I've been brassing and laughing so long that
Because I have been engaging in reckless behavior and laughter for a prolonged period
Even my mamma thinks that my mind is gone
Even my own mother believes that I have lost my sanity
But I ain't never crossed a man that didn't deserve it
However, I have only confronted individuals who deserved it
Me be treated like a punk, you know that's unheard of
Being treated disrespectfully is something that I refuse to tolerate
You better watch how you talking, and where you walking
Be careful of the words you choose and the places you go
Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk
Otherwise, you and your friends might end up dead
I really hate to trip but I gotta lope
I hate to cause trouble, but I have to defend myself
As they croak I see myself in the pistal smoke fool
As my enemies perish, I witness their demise and see my reflection in the gun smoke
I'm the kinda G that little homies want to be like
I am the type of gangster that young individuals aspire to emulate
On my knees in the night, saying prayers in the street light
I find solace in prayer during the dark and difficult moments of my life
They been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise
The people around me have been trapped in a life of violence and criminality for a significant portion of their existence
They got the situation, they got me facing
They have control over the circumstances, and I am confronted with the consequences
I can't live a normal life, I was raised by the strip
I am unable to lead an ordinary life since I was brought up in the rough neighborhood
So I gotta be down with the hood team
Therefore, I have to align myself with the local gang
Too much television watching got me chasing dreams
Excessive exposure to television has deluded me into pursuing unrealistic aspirations
I'm a educated fool with money on my mind
I may be educated, but my obsession with wealth clouds my judgment
Got my ten in my hand and a gleam in my eye
I hold my firearm and display a hopeful expression
I'm a loped out gangsta set trippin banger
I am an aggressive and violent gang member
And my homies is down so gonna rouse my anger fool
My friends are loyal and ready to incite my rage, fool
Death aint nothing but a heart beat away
Death is always just one heartbeat away from the reality I face
I'm living life do or die, what can I say
I am constantly living on the edge, willing to risk everything, and there is nothing more to say
I'm twenty three never will I live to see 24
At the age of twenty-three, I don't expect to survive until my twenty-fourth birthday
The way things is going I don't know
Given the current circumstances, I am uncertain about what will happen in the future
Tell me why are we so blind to see
Why are we unable to recognize the truth
That the ones we hurt are you and me
The people we harm in this lifestyle are ultimately ourselves and each other
Power and the money, money and the power
The pursuit of power and wealth, and the reciprocal relationship between the two
Minute after minute, hour after hour
Continuously, without respite or pause
Everybody's running, but half of them ain't looking
Everyone seems to be constantly moving, yet only a fraction of them are paying attention
What's going on in the kitchen, but I don't know what's cooking
There are hidden activities and plans being made, but I am unaware of their details
They say I've got to learn but nobody's here to teach me
Others claim that I need to gain knowledge, but no one is willing or capable of instructing me
If they can't understand it, how can they reach me
If they are unable to comprehend my perspective, how can they connect with me
I guess they can't
I suppose it's beyond their capabilities
I guess they won't
I assume they will choose not to try
I guess they front
I perceive them as pretending or putting up a false front
That's why I know my life is out of luck fool
This is the reason I am certain that my life is destined for failure, fool
Tell me why are we so blind to see
Why are we unable to recognize the truth
That the ones we hurt are you and me
The people we harm in this lifestyle are ultimately ourselves and each other
Tell me why are we so blind to see
Why are we unable to recognize the truth
That the ones we hurt are you and me
The people we harm in this lifestyle are ultimately ourselves and each other
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stevie Wonder, Artis L Ivey Jr., Doug Rasheed, Lawrence Sanders
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind