Running (Dying Da Live) Lyrics – 2Pac
Between you and Biggie it was like, who’s gon’—who’s gon’— who rules the nigga kingdom and shit, basically, you know what I’m saying? I was like, this is like a fucking
It is like that
Election. It’s an election and shit
It is that
You know what I am saying?
Me and Biggie’s situation is smaller than that. Me and Biggie’s situation is like…[Chorus]
You know, I wonder if they’ll laugh when I’m dead
Why am I fighting to live if I’m just living to fight?
(You don’t know?)
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?
[Verse 1: The Notorious B.I.G.]
Check it, I grew up a fuckin’ screw-up
Got introduced to the game, got a ounce and fuckin’ blew up
Choppin’ rocks overnight
The nigga Biggie Smalls tryna turn into the black Frank White
We had to grow dreads to change our description
Two cops is on the milk box missin’
Show they toes, you know they got stepped on
A fistful 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 faze 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
You know, 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? (t’s on me)[Verse 2: 2Pac]
But still I’m havin’ memories of high speed when the cops crashed
As I laugh, pushin’ 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 tryna screw me
Even the cops tried to sue me, so what can I do?
But stay true, sippin’ 22’s of brew
And now media is tryna test me
Got the press askin’ questions, tryna 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 runnin’ from the police
You know, 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?[Outro: 2Pac & The Notorious B.I.G.]
They wanted a new regime
And my regime includes East Coast, includes West Coast
I was more shocked than anything
You know what I’m sayin’?
But I wasn’t more shocked of him dying
I was more shocked of him—
Pac is a strong dude, yo
I know dude, you know what I’m sayin’? Real strong
So when they was like “he got shot”
I was just more like, “Again?” you know what I’m sayin’?
He always gettin’ shot, or shot at
He goin’ to pull through this one, again
Make a few records about it, and it’s goin’ to be over
You know what I’m sayin’?
But when he— when he died, I was just like
“Woah,” you know what I’m saying? Kinda took me by
I mean, even though we was going through our drama
I would never wish death on nobody
You know what I’m sayin’?
Because there ain’t no comin’ back from that
Running (Dying Da Live) by 2Pac Meaning
“Runnin’ (Dying to Live)” is a powerful song by the iconic rapper 2Pac, featuring The Notorious B.I.G., released posthumously in 2003. The track is part of the album “Loyal to the Game,” which showcases 2Pac’s profound lyrical prowess and his ability to convey deep emotional and social messages.
Quick summary
The song delves into themes of struggle, mortality, and the harsh realities of life, reflecting on the internal conflict between the desire to survive and the futility of existence in a violent environment.
In-depth lyrics analysis
The song opens with a sense of urgency, immediately immersing the listener in the chaotic world that 2Pac and Biggie inhabit. The repeated line, “Runnin’ from the police,” sets the tone for the narrative, illustrating the constant threat of law enforcement and the fear that permeates their lives. This line is not just about physical running; it symbolizes a deeper flight from the systemic oppression and violence that defines their existence.
As the verses unfold, 2Pac’s introspection becomes evident. He questions the purpose of his struggles, poignantly asking, “Why am I fighting to live, if I’m just living to fight?” This line encapsulates the existential crisis faced by many in his community, where survival often feels like a never-ending battle against insurmountable odds. The imagery of gunfights and police encounters paints a vivid picture of street life, where violence is a daily reality and death is a constant companion.
The collaboration with The Notorious B.I.G. adds a rich layer to the song. Biggie’s verse complements 2Pac’s narrative, as he recounts his own experiences with crime and the pressures of fame. Together, they create a dialogue that reflects the shared struggles of young Black men in America, highlighting their dreams and the harsh realities that often shatter those dreams.
The chorus serves as a haunting reminder of the fragility of life, with the line, “And I wonder if they’ll laugh when I’m dead?” This question reveals a deep-seated fear of being forgotten, of leaving no legacy behind amidst the chaos. The desire for remembrance is a powerful theme throughout the song, as both artists grapple with their mortality and the impact of their lives on the world around them.
The outro of the song shifts the focus slightly, suggesting a yearning for unity and understanding across different communities. This broader message of hope amidst despair resonates deeply, as it calls for solidarity in the face of adversity. The song ultimately serves as a poignant commentary on the struggles of life, the quest for purpose, and the desire for connection in a world that often feels isolating and hostile.
