Gangsta's Paradise
Coolio
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As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I take a look at my life and realize there's none left 'Cause I've been brassing and laughing so long that Even my mamma 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 talking, and where you walking Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk I really hate to trip but I gotta lope As they croak I see myself in the pistal smoke fool I'm the kinda G that little homies want to be like On my knees in the night, saying prayers in the street light They been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise They been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise We keep spending most our lives living in the gangsta's paradise We keep spending most our lives living in the gangsta's paradise They got the situation, they got me facing I can't live a normal life, I was raised by the strip So I gotta be down with the hood team Too much television watching got me chasing 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 loped out gangsta set trippin banger And my homies is down so gonna rouse my anger fool Death aint nothing but a heart beat away I'm living life do or die, what can I say I'm twenty three never will I live to see 24 The way things is going I don't know Tell me why are we so blind to see That the ones we hurt are you and m They been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise They been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise We keep spending most our lives living in the gangsta's paradise We 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 running, but half of them ain't looking What's going on in the kitchen, but I don't know what's cooking They say I've got to 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 They been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise They been spending most their lives living in the gangsta's paradise We keep spending most our lives living in the gangsta's paradise We keep spending most our lives living in the gangsta's paradise 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
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: Stevie Wonder, Artis L Ivey Jr., Doug Rasheed, Lawrence Sanders
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Exploration Group LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc., SHELLY BAY MUSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Performance Classification"Gangsta's Paradise" was Coolio's most successful single, achieving number one on multiple international charts, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.
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Awards ClassificationIn 1996, "Gangsta's Paradise" earned Coolio a Grammy Award for the Best Rap Solo Performance.
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Release ClassificationThe song was originally released in 1995 as part of the official soundtrack for the movie "Dangerous Minds."
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Significance in Pop Culture Classification"Gangsta's Paradise" is often seen as a defining hip hop song of the 1990s, exhibiting influences of the prevailing West Coast and G-funk styles of that era.
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Film Appearance ClassificationThe song, along with the associated music video featuring Coolio and Michelle Pfeiffer, was prominently featured in the 1995 movie "Dangerous Minds," which explored issues of urban poverty and youth violence.
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Sales ClassificationThe song is one of the best-selling singles of all time, having sold over six million copies worldwide.
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Crossover Success ClassificationDespite being a rap song, "Gangsta's Paradise" found crossover success in both pop and contemporary hit radio markets, showcasing the increasing mainstream acceptance of hip-hop during the mid-1990s.
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Controversy ClassificationThere was controversy over "Gangsta's Paradise" since it sampled the chorus and music of the song "Pastime Paradise" by Stevie Wonder without obtaining his initial permission. Thankfully, Wonder eventually agreed to allow it after the track was recorded.
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Legacy ClassificationRolling Stone Magazine placed it at number 38 on its list of "100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time" in 2017.
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Parody ClassificationThe song was parodied by Weird Al Yankovic as "Amish Paradise," with Coolio originally voicing his disapproval. Years later, he admitted to having no hard feelings and even suggested that the success of “Gangsta’s Paradise” had been partly due to Weird Al’s parody.
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"Gangsta's Paradise Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2722255/Coolio/Gangsta%27s+Paradise>.
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