[Verse One]
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I take a look at my life and realize there`s nuttin left
Cause I`ve been blastin and laughin so long that
Even my mama 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 better watch how you talkin, and where you 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 the little homies wanna be like
On my knees in the night, sayin prayers in the street light
[Chorus: L.V.]
We`ve been spending most our lives
Living in the Gangsta`s Paradise
(repeat)
We keep spending most our lives
Living in the Gangsta`s Paraside
(repeat)
[Verse Two]
Look at the situation, they got me facin
I can`t live a normal life, I was raised by the strict
So I gotta be down with the hood team
Too much television watchin got me chasin dreams
I`m a educated fool with money on my mind
Got my ten in my hand and a gleam in my eye
I`m a loc`ed out gangsta, set-trippin banger
And my homies is down, so don`t arouse my anger, fool
Death ain`t nuthin but a heartbeat away
I`m livin life do-or-die-a, what can I say?
I`m twenty-three now, but will I live to see twenty-fo`?
The way things is goin I don`t know
[Interlude: L.V.]
Tell me why are we -- so blind to see
That the ones we hurt -- are you and me
[Chorus]
[Verse Three]
Power and the money, money and the power
Minute after minute, hour after hour
Everybody`s runnin, but half of them ain`t lookin
It`s goin on in the kitchen, but I don`t know what`s cookin
They say I got ta learn, but nobody`s here to teach me
If they cain`t understand it, how can they reach me?
I guess they cain`t -- I guess they won`t
I guess they front; that`s why I know my life is outta luck, fool
[Chorus]
[Outro: L.V.]
Tell me why are we -- so blind to see
That the ones we hurt -- are you and me
Tell me why are we -- so blind to see
That the ones we hurt -- are you and me
{*choir sings until the end*}
