Runnin
Tupac & The Notorious B.I.G. Lyrics
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Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
Check it, I grew up a fuckin' screw-up
Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
The nigga Biggie Smalls trying to turn into the black Frank White
We had to grow dreads to change our description
Two cops is on the milk box missing
Show they toes you know they got stepped on
A fist full of bullets a chest full of Teflon
Run from the police picture that, nigga I'm too fat
I fuck around and catch a asthma attack
That's why I bust back, it don't phase me
When he drop, take his Glock, and I'm Swayze
Celebrate my escape, sold the Glock, bought some weight
Lay back, I got some money to make, motherfucker
And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead?
Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
It's on me
But still I'm having memories of high speed when the cops crashed
As I laugh, pushing the gas while my Glocks blast
We was young and we was dumb, but we had heart
In the dark, will we survive through the bad parts
Many dreams is what I had, and plenty wishes
No hesitation in extermination of these snitches
Envious bitches, they still continue to pursue me
A couple of movies, now the whole world's trying to screw me
Even the cops tried to sue me, so what can I do?
But stay true, sipping 22's of brew
And now media is trying to test me
Got the press asking questions, trying to stress me
Misery is all I see, that's my mind state
My history with the police will shake the crime rate
My main man had two strikes, slipped, got arrested and flipped
He screamed "thug life" and emptied the clip
Got tired of running from the police
And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead?
Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
"Runnin'" is a collaboration of legendary rappers Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. that was released posthumously in 1997. Both rappers reflect on their lives in the streets, their life-changing moments, and their struggles. These lyrics are a discussion about the question of why they are fighting so hard to live and succeed when the end is death. The lyrics delve into the trials of their lives, using storytelling to describe the difficult situations they found themselves in, including dealing drugs and running from the police. In the chorus, Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. both ask why they're trying to give when no one gives them a chance, and why they're dying to live if they're just living to die.
In the verses, Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. use their lyrics to tell stories about their life and the struggles they were facing. Tupac begins by talking about the harsh reality of living in the streets and the daily struggle to survive. He also discusses the difficulty of being a young black man in America, dealing with police brutality, and the challenges he faced when pursuing his dreams, such as being judged by the media.
The Notorious B.I.G. reflects on his own experiences of growing up tough and turning to drug dealing, which led to being chased by the police. He describes how he had to grow dreadlocks to change his appearance and avoid being arrested, and in one instance, he had to run from the police, which left him with asthma. He then reflects on how his life has changed since becoming famous, stating that even though he has had success, he is still haunted by the memory of his past.
Overall, the lyrics are a powerful reflection of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G.'s lives, discussing themes of injustice, struggle, and perseverance.
Line by Line Meaning
And I wonder if they'll laugh when I'm dead?
Do people find joy in my struggles even after I've passed away?
Why am I fighting to live, if I'm just living to fight?
What is the point of living if all I do is struggle and fight for survival?
Why am I trying to see, when there ain't nothing in sight?
Why am I searching for something when it seems like there's nothing to find?
Why am I trying to give, when no one gives me a try?
Why do I keep trying to give to others when no one else is willing to help me?
Why am I dying to live, if I'm just living to die?
Why am I so desperate to survive when it feels like my life isn't worth living?
Check it, I grew up a fuckin' screw-up
Listen closely, my childhood was difficult and full of mistakes.
Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin' blew up
I was introduced to the drug game and quickly became successful after starting with a small amount.
Choppin' rocks overnight
I worked hard through the night, cutting and selling drugs to make a living.
The nigga Biggie Smalls trying to turn into the black Frank White
My friend Biggie was trying to emulate the character Frank White from the movie King of New York.
We had to grow dreads to change our description
We changed our hairstyle to avoid being stereotyped and targeted by law enforcement.
Two cops is on the milk box missing
Two police officers were killed and their photos are on the milk cartons used to find missing people.
Show they toes you know they got stepped on
If someone shows their true vulnerability or weakness, they will be taken advantage of or hurt.
A fist full of bullets a chest full of Teflon
My gun has a lot of bullets and my vest is made of Teflon, so I can protect myself in a gunfight.
Run from the police picture that, nigga I'm too fat
I can't run away from the police because I am too overweight.
I fuck around and catch a asthma attack
I may even have an asthma attack if I try to run from the police.
That's why I bust back, it don't phase me
This is why I shoot at the police, because I am not afraid of them.
When he drop, take his Glock, and I'm Swayze
When the police officer is shot and falls down, I will take his gun and act like Patrick Swayze from the movie Road House.
Celebrate my escape, sold the Glock, bought some weight
After getting away from the police, I celebrated by selling my gun and buying more drugs.
Lay back, I got some money to make, motherfucker
I'm going to relax now, because I have more money to make soon.
It's on me
I am responsible for what happens next.
But still I'm having memories of high speed when the cops crashed
I still remember when the police chased us at high speed and crashed their car.
As I laugh, pushing the gas while my Glocks blast
I laughed while speeding away from the police and shooting my gun.
We was young and we was dumb, but we had heart
Even though we were young and foolish, we were brave and courageous.
In the dark, will we survive through the bad parts
Will we be able to survive in the most difficult and dangerous situations?
Many dreams is what I had, and plenty wishes
I had a lot of dreams and wishes for my future.
No hesitation in extermination of these snitches
I have no hesitation in killing anyone who betrays me or tells on me to the police.
Envious bitches, they still continue to pursue me
Jealous women are still trying to get close to me, even though I am famous and successful.
A couple of movies, now the whole world's trying to screw me
After appearing in a couple of movies, everyone is trying to take advantage of me and use me for their own benefit.
Even the cops tried to sue me, so what can I do?
Even law enforcement has tried to take me down, so I feel powerless to fight back.
But stay true, sipping 22's of brew
I will stay true to myself and relax by drinking 22-ounce bottles of beer.
And now media is trying to test me
The media is trying to challenge me and see if I will break under pressure.
Got the press asking questions, trying to stress me
Reporters are asking me difficult questions and trying to stress me out.
Misery is all I see, that's my mind state
All I can see around me is sadness and despair, and that's how I feel mentally.
My history with the police will shake the crime rate
My past experiences with law enforcement will change the way people think about crime in this area.
My main man had two strikes, slipped, got arrested and flipped
My closest friend had two strikes against him, made a mistake, and ended up getting arrested and becoming a police informant.
He screamed "thug life" and emptied the clip
My friend yelled out "thug life" before shooting his gun until it was empty.
Got tired of running from the police
My friend was exhausted from always being on the run from the police.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: EDGAR WINTER, CHRISTOPHER WALLACE, OSTEN HARVEY, MARSHALL B III MATHERS, LUIS RESTO, TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@apblolol
"Why am i dying to live, if im just living to die." Hits me every time
@CrackZulu
Not alone
@Smash896
Word up
@lauriecook7128
Same here
@user-wg1bj6mi4c
Сложно брат
@krystalford300
@@CrackZulu sssssssss
@haloskaterkid
A friendship destroyed by media intervention. Two poets gone before their time like many others that came before them. RIP pac and big, your influence and message lives on
@quest6264
adrift dam that got me thinking KINGS RESTING NOW
@omgman2248
Brad favor with Tupac Shakur
@MHWRESTLIN
quest 626 no the friendship was destroyed by Pac getting shot and rumours that bad boy set it up and biggie knew but never warned him