[Verse 1 - K. Jayz]
As I listened to this song as a child, I didn’t know the meaning
Until I listened to it now
Back then it was just something to listen to
But now it’s speaking to me like there’s a mission that I have to do
Now I’m older and wiser
I’m stronger, with eyes better than the average man
Common sense that led me away from caravans from the police
n*ggas addicted to the street life, but still be looking for peace
Now tell me is there a heaven for a n*gga like me
Not a criminal, but I still be f*cking and smoking my green
The life of a minority, but I’m doing alright
As long as I push my standards, I’m good ‘til the end of my life
[Interlude x2 - K. Jayz]
Why are we so blind to see how we hurt each other’s lives?
[Verse 2 - Coolio]
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I take a look at my life and realize there's nothin' left
Cause I've been blastin' and laughin' so long
That even my momma 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 betta watch how ya talkin' and where ya walkin'
Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk
I really hate to trip but I gotta loc
As they croak, I see myself in the pistol smoke
Fool, I'm the kinda g that little homie's wanna be like
On my knees in the night sayin' prayers in the street light
[Hook - L.V.]
Been spending most our lives
Livin' in a gangsta's paradise
Been spending most our lives
Livin' in a gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives
Livin' in a gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives
Livin' in a gangsta's paradise
[Verse 3 - Coolio]
Power in the money, money in the power
Minute after minute, hour after hour
Everybody's running, but half of them ain't looking
It's goin' on in the kitchen, but I don't know what's cookin'
They say I gotta 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, foo!
[Bridge - L.V.]
Why are we so blind to see that the ones we hurt are you and me?
[Hook]
{*choir sings until the end*}