runnin (dying to live) peaked at #19 on the billboard hot 100 (december 20, 2003), making it one of tupacs highest-charting singles and his second most successful posthumous release as a lead artist. internationally, it charted in numerous countries, reaching the top 20 in places like australia, germany, and switzerland. > you know, i wonder if they'll laugh when i am 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? the speaker (incorporating tupacs perspective) questions whether anyone will care or laugh when hes gone. this line highlights the paranoia and skepticism that come from a life of constant scrutiny. why am i dying to live... if im just living to die? is a powerful existential claim that lifes pursuits may feel moot in the face of inevitable death or constant threats from enemies and institutions. > 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 tryin' ta turn into the black frank white biggie references a difficult childhood, marked by instability and bad influences. got introduced to the game alludes to drug dealinggot a ounce and... blew up suggests sudden financial gain or recognition. biggies line about wanting to be the black frank white (a reference to the film character in king of new york) emphasizes the aspirational criminal persona, wanting power, respect, and control. > 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 fist full of bullets a chest full of teflon
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