Gangsta's Paradise
Stevie Wonder · Other Songs - Stevie Wonder
RECORDED BY 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 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'd
better watch how you're talkin',
and where you're walkin' Or you and your homies might
be lined in chalk I really hate to trip but I gotta,
know As they group 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 streetlight
Chorus:
Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
They got the situation, they got me facin' I can't
live a normal life, I was raised by the state 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 10 in my hand and a gleam
in my eye I'm a loc'd out gangsta set trippin' banga
And my homies is down so don't arouse my anga,
fool Death ain't nothin' but a heartbeat away,
I'm livin' life, do or die,
what can I say I'm 23 now,
will I live to see 24 the way things is goin' I don't
know Tell me why are we, so blind to see That the
one's we hurt, are you and me Been spending most their
lives, living in the gangsta's paradise Been spending
most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives,
living in the gangsta's paradise Keep spending most
our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise Power and
the money, money and the power Minute after minute,
hour after hour Everybody's runnin',
but half of them ain't lookin' What'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 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, fool
Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Tell me why are we, so blind to see
That the one's we hurt, are you and me
Tell me why are we, so blind to see
That the one's we hurt, are you and me
Gangsta's Paradise
Stevie Wonder's 'Gangsta's Paradise' stands as a unique song in his discography, blending his signature soulful production with a narrative that explores themes of street life and resilience. Released in 1991, the track features a distinctive collaboration with Dr. Dre, marking a pivotal moment where Wonder engaged with hip-hop culture while maintaining his roots in R&B and funk. The song's composition showcases his ability to craft complex harmonies and rhythmic structures, creating a soundscape that bridges the gap between traditional gospel influences and emerging urban sounds. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to resonate across generational lines, offering a reflective commentary on life's challenges without relying on explicit lyrical content to convey its emotional depth.