UGK, from Port Arthur, TX, the neighboring city to Beaumont, TX, released their debut EP The Southern Way in 1992. It was distributed by local record label Bigtyme Recordz and only available as an audio cassette. They quickly caught the attention of Jive Records, and were signed to a five album record contract. Their major label debut album Too Hard to Swallow was released later that same year, on November 10. While it featured several new recordings, it also featured several songs that had been culled from The Southern Way. However, several songs that had been intended to be included on the album were excised at the last minute, apparently due to their overly explicit content. Five of these songs would surface two months before Too Hard to Swallowβs release, on an EP distributed by Bigtyme Recordz; appropriately enough, the EP was titled Banned.
Their sophomore album Super Tightβ¦ was released two years later, on August 30. Unlike their previous effort, it managed to break into the Billboard Hot 200, but ultimately peaked at a disappointing #95. Two more years passed before the release of their third album, Ridinβ Dirty. It performed better than either of its predecessors, and almost broke into the Hot 200βs top-ten, before stopping short at #15. Ridinβ Dirty would also be UGKβs last album for the time being, as they went on a five year hiatus not long afterward.
In the interim, UGK made a high-profile guest appearance on Jay-Zβs 2000 smash hit βBig Pimpinβ and also appeared on Three 6 Mafiaβs hit βSippinβ on Some Sizzurpβ later the very same year. Both of these collaborations greatly increased their reputation, and helped fuel anticipation for their next project. Unfortunately, Jive failed to capitalize on this new-found interest in the duo, as their sixth album, 2001βs Dirty Money, came and went with little or no fanfare.
Further problems arose in 2002, when Pimp C was incarcerated for an aggravated gun assault charge on January 28. Throughout the time of his incarceration, Bun B carried on the UGK name by making numerous guest appearances on songs by other artists, with every appearance either mentioning Pimp C or featuring a βFree Pimp C!β or βFree the Pimpβ chant. Many of UGKβs peers did the same, and mentioned Pimp C in their own songs with or without Bun B. During this period, Jive released a Best of UGK album, as well as a Chopped & Screwed remix album.
As a result of Pimp Cβs incarceration, both members of UGK began solo careers out of necessity. Rap-A-Lot Records released Pimp Cβs solo debut, Sweet James Jones Stories, on March 1, 2005. Bun B later released his own solo foray, Trill, on October 18, 2005. It opened at #6 on the Billboard Hot 200, and also peaked at #1 on Billboardβs Top R&B/Hip-hop Album chart. It was quickly certified gold by the RIAA.
On December 30, 2005, Pimp C was released from prison and was scheduled to be on parole until December 2009. He released his first post-incarceration album, titled Pimpalation, on July 25, 2006.
UGK released Underground Kingz, their 7th studio album in August 2007. The two-disc, 26-track album hit #1 on the Billboard charts after selling 157,000 copies in its first week, strongly supported by the hit single Intβl Players Anthem (I Choose You). The single featured OutKast, and used a beat created by Three 6 Mafiaβs DJ Paul and Juicy J, which was originally used in a song by Project Pat.
On December 4th, 2007, Pimp C was found dead at age 33 in his room at Hollywoodβs La Mondrian hotel in Los Angeles, California, where he had been playing shows with Too $hort. According to the Los Angeles County Coronerβs Office Pimp C died from accidental overdose of Promethazine/Codeine βsyrupβ combined with a preexisting medical condition known as sleep apnea, which causes a person to stop breathing during sleep. He was buried on December 11th, 2007 in his hometown of Port Arthur, TX.
How Long Can It Last
UGK Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dear Lord,
I know You don't condone the things I be doin out here in these streets
(Help me, Lord) And I hope that, I pray that You can overlook
(Help me, Lord) the wrong that I had done in my life...
I don't know no other way to survive out here
(Wrap your arms around me, Lord)
I got a whole bunch of people dependin on me...
Walk with me...
Busslin and gamblin, hit licks scramblin
Bricks I'm out here handlin, I'm pimpin and I'm payin the rent
Didn't choose this dirty game, this dirty game it chose me
Every city love cocaine, they'll get it from him if they don't get it from me
So I get cross-country with that thang, makin that crisp, lettin 'em hang
Bangin that 'Pac, if I die tonight, least mama know I didn't die in vain
Cause I put up sum from every sale, so all my chil'ren can live well
Might go to heaven, might go to hell, but just put me in wood grain lane Deville
I wonder sometime how life would be, if it was no such thing as D
But then I put that Sweet down, cause that bullshit don't apply to me
Cause out here on the real streets, a dreamer always stay sleep
Cause out here the strong survive, and now they didn't die from thankin weak
Gotta play for keeps, gotta play it HARD, still tryna get right with GOD
Still read my Bible lone, cause Reverend do wrong, still livin fraud
Tonight if I get down on my knees and ask the Lord to forgive me, please
You thank He gon' hear me? Cause tomorrow I'm still gon be slangin keyyyyys...
(Ohhhh Lorrrrd...)
[Chorus: Charlie Wilson]
Lord, I'm just a G (Lord, I'm just a G)
Out here livin fast (livin fast)
How long can it last? (I don't know, I don't know)
I juuuust can't give it up (But I'm prayin to Your love right now)
I'm riskin all out in the streets (I'll give it all up for Your love right now)
Out here livin fast (livin too fast)
How long can it last? (How long, how long, how long, will it last, baby?)
[Bun B:]
See I was born in the ghetto manye I was raised in the hood
And unless you lived it yourself, it just can't be understood
People think hustlin is cool (cool), all hustlin is live
They don't understand hustlers only hustlin to survive
They wished they lived in the 'burbs ('burbs), wished they didn't have to hang (hang)
Out on corners in low-income house in projects and slang
They wish their daddy was home (home), mama wasn't on drugs (drugs)
And they didn't have to grow up to be dealers and thugs (thugs)
Po' children got aspirations and dreams just like the wealthy (wealthy)
But it's hard when that environment you live in ain't healthy (healthy)
You ain't givin no hope (hope), nobody showin you pride (pride)
And you live with all this anger and frustration inside (side)
Dog, don't let nobody tell you what you can or you cain't do
Just cause they funky ass couldn't do it - (Why?) They ain't you
You can be who you wanna be (uh), live life how you feel
Just put your faith in the Lord (yep), now that's keepin it Trill, fo' real!
(Ohhhh Lorrrrd...)
[Chorus: Charlie Wilson]
Lord, I'm just a G (Just a G)
Out here livin fast (Out here livin fast)
How long can it last? (How long can it last? How long can it LA-AST?)
I juuuust can't give it up
I'm riskin all out in the streets (I risk it all)
Out here livin fast (livin too fast, livin too fast)
How long can it last? (How long can it last, how long can it last right now?)
[Pimp C:]
UHHHHH! I wonder if it's a heaven up there for real G's
For all the niggaz in the game that's been slangin cheese
For all them boys on them swangers and the fifth wheel
I'm out here riskin my life, niggaz shife but I stay Trill
I pray so much, I wonder if the Lord love me
I think He do, but I'm so caught up in my thug deep
The feds bug me, followin me around for three
Niggaz couldn't catch me so they hit me with conspiracy
(Uh) You know that that's the other level of the GAME
Ain't got shit on me but some niggaz said my NAAAAAME...
So here they COOOME, they thang TIIIIIIGHT
They playin shife, no Bun givin me life
(Uhh!) I ain't goin back, I'm a make 'em kill me
(Uhh!) I'm a bust back, fuck the pen, you FEEL ME?
Wish I can hug my momma and kiss my baby girl
I know it's a better place than livin in this dirty WOOOORLD
(Lorrrrd...)
[Chorus: Charlie Wilson]
Lord, I'm just a G (Lord I'm just a G)
Out here livin fast (Out here livin fast)
How long can it last? (How long can it last? How long can it last?)
I juuuust can't give it up (HOW LONG can it last?)
I'm riskin all out in the streets (PLEASE FORGIVE ME, LORD)
Out here livin fast (I don't mean to disrespect You right now)
How long can it last? (I'm out here in the streets, tryna make a mil for a better deal)
[Singing interlude: repeat]
Some people win (win), some people lose (lose)
Some al-ways cryin the blues...
Yeah...
Some people win (win), some people lose (lose)
Some al-ways bein misused...
[Chorus: repeats many times during the remainder of the song]
[Charlie Wilson overlaps]
Yeeaaaaaaaahhhh-yeaaha...
What am I supposed to do, Lord?...
I'm tryin my best out here
But it's getting kinda HARD for me, Lord
What am I supposed to do?
WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?
Can you WRAP YOUR ARMS AROUND ME, LORD?
Cause I need You, Lord right noooooowww...
I NEED You, right now
NEED ya, I NEED ya, I NEED Ya
I NEED YA, cause I'm goin and livin too fast
YEAH-EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHH...
Oooooohhhhhhhhh, yeah... Lord have mercy
Charlie Wilson, Pimp C, Bun, I need You
Can You help us, Lord?
Can You help us right
Right now, right now, right now, right noooowwwwwwwwww, yeah... woo!
[Outro: Charlie Wilson]
Out here livin too fast, how long can it last? I can't get up, Lord can You help me?
LORD, can You help me?
Can You help me? Can You HELP me
Right noooooowwwww, yeah
Mmmmmmmm... mmmmmm...
Hmmmmmmmmmmm... hmmmmmmmm...
The song "How Long Can It Last" by UGK featuring Charlie Wilson tells the story of the struggles and difficulties that come with living in poverty and turning to illegal activities to survive. The song starts with a plea for forgiveness from the Lord, acknowledging that the lifestyle is wrong but necessary in order to provide for loved ones. The lyrics explore the psychological toll that this lifestyle takes on a person, questioning how long they can continue to live this way and whether or not there is a higher power out there that can help them.
The song includes three different verses, each sung by a different member of the group. While each verse is unique, they all touch on the same themes of survival, desperation, and the search for something greater than oneself. The first verse sung by Pimp C is particularly poignant, as he talks about the choices he has made and the sacrifices he has had to make in order to provide for his community. The chorus sung by Charlie Wilson emphasizes the desperation of the situation and the need for help from a higher power. The final verse sung by Pimp C delves into the idea that there is a better place waiting for us after this life, and that all we can do is hold on and do the best we can in the meantime.
Overall, "How Long Can It Last" is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the struggles of those living in poverty and the difficult choices that are sometimes necessary for survival.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear Lord,
I know You don't condone the things I be doin out here in these streets
(Help me, Lord) And I hope that, I pray that You can overlook
(Help me, Lord) the wrong that I had done in my life...
The singer acknowledges that what he is doing is wrong, but he doesn't see any other way to survive. He asks God for forgiveness and help to overcome his struggles.
Busslin and gamblin, hit licks scramblin
Bricks I'm out here handlin, I'm pimpin and I'm payin the rent
Didn't choose this dirty game, this dirty game it chose me
Every city love cocaine, they'll get it from him if they don't get it from me
The singer describes the life of a hustler who engages in illegal activities such as drug trafficking to make ends meet. He believes that the illicit game chose him, and he has no option other than to play it to pay his rent. He acknowledges that people will always look for cocaine, and if they don't get it from him, they will find it somewhere else.
So I get cross-country with that thang, makin that crisp, lettin 'em hang
Bangin that 'Pac, if I die tonight, least mama know I didn't die in vain
Cause I put up sum from every sale, so all my chil'ren can live well
Might go to heaven, might go to hell, but just put me in wood grain lane Deville
The singer continues to describe his hustling business, where he moves across the country to sell drugs and make money. He listens to Tupac's music and hopes that if he dies, his kids can use the money he made to have a good life. However, he acknowledges that he doesn't know where he will go after he dies.
Cause out here on the real streets, a dreamer always stay sleep
Cause out here the strong survive, and now they didn't die from thankin weak
Gotta play for keeps, gotta play it HARD, still tryna get right with GOD
Still read my Bible lone, cause Reverend do wrong, still livin fraud
The artist reflects on the harsh realities of the streets, where those who dream don't survive, only the strong do. He emphasizes that he needs to play hard to survive and make something of himself. He also acknowledges his struggle with faith and religion, where the religious leaders don't lead by example.
See I was born in the ghetto manye I was raised in the hood
And unless you lived it yourself, it just can't be understood
People think hustlin is cool (cool), all hustlin is live
They don't understand hustlers only hustlin to survive
Bun B shares his experience growing up in the ghetto and emphasizes that those who have not experienced it cannot understand the challenges. He addresses the narrative that hustling is cool, explaining that people only engage in it to survive.
They wished they lived in the 'burbs ('burbs), wished they didn't have to hang (hang)
Out on corners in low-income house in projects and slang
They wish their daddy was home (home), mama wasn't on drugs (drugs)
And they didn't have to grow up to be dealers and thugs (thugs)
Bun B further explains the struggles of growing up in low-income housing projects, where children dream of living in the suburbs and not worrying about survival. He highlights the challenges of growing up without a stable family, with parents who are on drugs and resorting to drug dealing and crime to survive.
(Uhh) You know that that's the other level of the GAME
Ain't got shit on me but some niggaz said my NAAAAAME...
So here they COOOME, they thang TIIIIIIGHT
They playin shife, no Bun givin me life
(Uhh!) I ain't goin back, I'm a make 'em kill me
(Uhh!) I'm a bust back, fuck the pen, you FEEL ME?
Pimp C reflects on the challenge of facing legal charges, where some people said his name in a negative context. He expresses his frustration with the authorities who are determined to ruin his life, but he is willing to fight them to the death and not end up in jail again.
Some people win (win), some people lose (lose)
Some al-ways cryin the blues...
Yeah...
Some al-ways bein misused...
The singing interlude reflects on life's struggles and the fact that some people win while others struggle to make it through. It highlights that some people always feel used and abused by the system.
Out here livin too fast, how long can it last? I can't get up, Lord can You help me?
LORD, can You help me?
Can You help me? Can You HELP me
Right noooooowwwww, yeah
The chorus repeats, with Charlie Wilson emphasizing his struggles of living in a fast-paced world and asking God for help. He acknowledges that he cannot survive on his own and needs God's intervention, and he begs for help right now.
Contributed by Riley G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Michael Sandoval
Dear Lord
I know You don't condone the things I be doin out here in these streets
(Help me, Lord) And I hope that, I pray that You can overlook
(Help me, Lord) the wrong that I had done in my life...
I don't know no other way to survive out here
(Wrap your arms around me, Lord)
I got a whole bunch of people dependin on me...
Just walk with me...
Walk with me...
[Verse 1: Pimp C]
Busslin and gamblin, hit licks scramblin
Bricks I'm out here handlin, I'm pimpin and I'm payin the rent
Didn't choose this dirty game, this dirty game it chose me
Every city love cocaine, they'll get it from him if they don't get it from me
So I get cross-country wit that thang, makin that crisp, lettin 'em hang
Bangin that 'Pac, if I die tonight, least mama know I didn't die in vain
Cause I put up sum from every sale, so all my chil'ren can live well
Might go to heaven, might go to hell, but just put me in wood grain lane Deville
I wonder sometime how life would be, if it was no such thing as D
But then I put that Sweet down, cause that bullshit don't apply to me
Cause out here on the real streets, a dreamer always stay sleep
Cause out here the strong survive, and now they didn't die from thankin weak
Gotta play for keeps, gotta play it HARD, still tryna get right with GOD
Still read my Bible lone, cause Reverend do wrong, still livin fraud
Tonight if I get down on my knees and ask the Lord to forgive me, please
You thank He gon' hear me? Cause tomorrow I'm still gon be slangin keyyyyys...
(Ohhhh Lorrrrd...)
[Hook - Charlie Wilson]
Lord, I'm just a G (Lord, I'm just a G)
Out here livin fast (livin fast)
How long can it last? (I don't know, I don't know)
I juuuust can't give it up (But I'm prayin to Your love right now)
I'm riskin all out in the streets (I'll give it all up for Your love right now)
Out here livin fast (livin too fast)
How long can it last? (How long, how long, how long, will it last, baby?)
[Verse 2: Bun B]
See I was born in the ghetto mayne I was raised in the hood
And unless you lived it yourself, it just can't be understood
People think hustlin is cool (cool), all hustlin is live
They don't understand hustlers only hustlin to survive
They wished they lived in the 'burbs ('burbs), wished they didn't have to hang (hang)
Out on corners in low-income house in projects and slang
They wish their daddy was home (home), mama wasn't on drugs (drugs)
And they didn't have to grow up to be dealers and thugs (thugs)
Po' children got aspirations and dreams just like the wealthy (wealthy)
But it's hard when that environment you live in ain't healthy (healthy)
You ain't givin no hope (hope), nobody showin you pride (pride)
And you live with all this anger and frustration inside (side)
Dog, don't let nobody tell you what you can or you can't do
Just cause they funky ass couldn't do it - (Why?) They ain't you
You can be who you wanna be (uh), live life how you feel
Just put your faith in the Lord (yep), now that's keepin it Trill, fo' real!
(Ohhhh Lorrrrd...)
[Hook - Charlie Wilson]
Lord, I'm just a G (Just a G)
Out here livin fast (Out here livin fast)
How long can it last? (How long can it last? How long can it LA-AST?)
I juuuust can't give it up
I'm riskin all out in the streets (I risk it all)
Out here livin fast (livin too fast, livin too fast)
How long can it last? (How long can it last, how long can it last right now??)
[Verse 3: Pimp C]
UHHHHH! I wonder if it's a heaven up there for real G's
For all the niggas in the game that's been slangin cheese
For all them boys on them swangers and the fifth wheel
I'm out here riskin my life, niggas shife but I stay Trill
I pray so much, I wonder if the Lord love me
I think He do, but I'm so caught up in my thug deep
The feds bug me, followin me around for three
Niggas couldn't catch me so they hit me wit conspiracy
(Uh) You know that that's the other level of the GAME
Ain't got shit on me but some niggas said my NAAAAAME..
So here they COOOME, they thang TIIIIIIGHT
They playin shife, no Bun givin me life
(Uhh!) I ain't goin back, I'mma make 'em kill me
(Uhh!) I'mma bust back, fuck the pen, you FEEL ME?
Wish I can hug my momma and kiss my baby girl
I know it's a better place than livin in this dirty WOOOORLD
(Lorrrrd...)
[Hook - Charlie Wilson]
Lord, I'm just a G (Lord I'm just a G)
Out here livin fast (Out here livin fast)
How long can it last? (How long can it last? How long can it last?)
I juuuust can't give it up (HOW LONG can it last?)
I'm riskin all out in the streets (PLEASE FORGIVE ME, LORD)
Out here livin fast (I don't mean to disrespect You right now)
How long can it last? (I'm out here in the streets, tryna make a mil for a better deal)
[Singing interlude - repeat]
Some people win (win), some people lose (lose)
Some al-ways cryin the blues..
Yeah..
Some people win (win), some people lose (lose)
Some al-ways bein misused..
[Hook - repeats many times during the remainder of the song]
[Charlie Wilson overlaps]
Yeeaaaaaaaahhhh-yeaaha..
What am I supposed to do, Lord?...
I'm tryin my best out here
But it's getting kinda HARD for me, Lord
What am I supposed to do??
WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO??
Can you WRAP YOUR ARMS AROUND ME, LORD?
Cause I need You, Lord right noooooowww..
I NEED You, right now
NEED ya, I NEED ya, I NEED Ya
I NEED YA, cause I'm goin and livin too fast
YEAH-EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHH..
Oooooohhhhhhhhh, yeah...Lord have mercy
Charlie Wilson, Pimp C, Bun, I need You
Can You help us, Lord?
Can You help us right
Right now, right now, right now, right noooowwwwwwwwww, yeah..woo!
[Charlie Wilson - Outro]
Out here livin too fast, how long can it last?I can't get up, Lord can You help me?
LORD, can You help me?
Can You help me? Can You HELP me
Right noooooowwwww, yeah
Mmmmmmmm...mmmmmm..
Hmmmmmmmmmmm..hmmmmmmmm..
Osiah Shakur
Pimp C my #1 Nigga learned alot from dis man
Barre Baby
Osiah Ramesses Bey you can learn alot of real sht from his lyrics..the whole aspect of the game
Jerico Najera
straight up. pimp c lives forever. respect to a real g
john douglas
Jerico Najera yeah pimp was dope
Redone 2135
Osiah Ramesses Bey trill
Jorge Flores
Benito Guerrero jajajajjaa
Rod B
If you don't feel this in your body, mind, soul, then you were never part of the game
Caezar
I feel this in my soul, heart, body and mind. #100 % proof
O
π―
Brian Crawford
Facts