 " Temptations " deals with a male @-@ female relationship , where Shakur is — in Mo Bee 's word 's — basically saying to his significant other , " I like the time I 'm spendin ' with [ you ] , but baby , I 'm busy . " Other than the theme of the relationship issues , the song also focuses on the ability for anyone to feel lonely . The lines " ' cause even thugs get lonely , understand . Even the hardest of my homies need attention ; catch you blowin ' up the telephone , reminiscing . " from the third verse , are explained by William Buckholz in his 2011 book , Understand Rap : Explanations of Confusing Rap Lyrics You and Your Grandma Can Understand . He states that despite having a " tough " attitude and exterior , thugs are not emotionless . Buckholz goes on to say that there are times where everyone longs for the company of someone — be a friend or significant other — so they can share feelings and troubles with . 
