Gangsta's Paradise Lyrics - Coolio feat. L.V.

“Tell me why are we so blind to see, That the ones we hurt are you and me?”
— A hauntingly honest masterpiece that remains the ultimate anthem of street life, survival, and deep social reflection.

Song: Gangsta's Paradise
Artist: Coolio (feat. L.V.)
Label: Tommy Boy Records
Genre: West Coast Hip Hop / G-Funk

Gangsta's Paradise - Coolio (feat. L.V.) Official Music Video

📝 Gangsta's Paradise Lyrics In English

[Verse 1] 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 momma 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 [Hook] Been spending most our lives Livin' in a gangsta's paradise Been spending most their lives Livin' in a gangsta's paradise [Verse 2] Look at the situation they got me facin' I can't live a normal life, I was raised by the street 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 loc'd out gangsta, set trippin' banger And my homies are down, so don't arouse my anger [Bridge] Tell me why are we so blind to see That the ones we hurt are you and me? [Verse 3] Power and the money, money and the power Minute after minute, hour after hour Everybody's running, but half of them ain't lookin' It's going on in the kitchen, but I don't know what's cookin' They say I gotta learn, but nobody's here to teach me If they can't understand it, how can they reach me?

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📖 Meaning & Context

Released in 1995 for the movie 'Dangerous Minds,' "Gangsta's Paradise" is a dark, cinematic exploration of life in the inner city. Built around a sample of Stevie Wonder's "Pastime Paradise," the song discusses the cycles of violence, the lack of institutional support ("nobody's here to teach me"), and the tragic reality of young men wondering if they will live to see age 24. It’s a plea for vision in a world that is often "blind to see."

💡 Gaanerbol Thoughts

Coolio’s legacy is forever cemented by this track. It’s rare for a song to be a massive commercial hit while carrying such heavy, spiritual, and social weight. L.V.’s gospel-inspired hook provides a chilling contrast to Coolio’s gritty verses. Decades later, its message and that iconic minor-key string arrangement still send shivers down your spine. RIP Coolio.

💬 Does this legendary track still hit as hard today as it did in the 90s? Share your thoughts below!

Gangsta's Paradise Lyrics - Coolio feat. L.V.