“Until The End Of Time” by 2Pac is a raw and unfiltered depiction of the rapper’s inner struggles, the realities of being raised within the confines of the ghetto, and a life doused in sorrow, fame, and mistrust. This piece is a deep dive into the remorseless mindset birthed from a life of adversity, providing a gritty and realistic viewpoint of the street soldier, 2Pac.
The first verse sees Pac expressing his addiction to the “dark side” which might signify his entanglement with the harsh realities of the streets. He talks about the toll street life has had on his innocence, as his “childhood witnessed my heart die”. His rise to fame has caused estrangement from those he once related to, marking the classic divide brought about by fame and money. He discusses the trials and tribulations of his journey and emphasizes the struggles one is willing to endure in pursuit of currency. He also highlights the true bond of brotherhood, saying “Real homies help you get through.”
The chorus resonates with a plea for redemption, healing, and liberation. Using the metaphor of “broken wings”, 2Pac may be signaling the hardships and pains that he bears, yearning for restoration and the freedom to soar once again. “Until the end of time” suggests his sense of perpetual struggle with these emotions and circumstances. It’s a reaffirmation of his steadfast resilience to endure life’s adversities.
In the second verse, Pac gives us an insight into his strained family interactions, his relentless grind, and feeling out of touch. He talks about the grind of his all-night hustle bringing him out of touch, probably feeling distanced from his roots and known lifestyle. He also mentions his strained familial relations, the toil of unexpected parenity and his solo journey. The line “Who can I trust in this cold world?” depicts his struggle with faith and mistrust.
As we step into the third verse, Pac accepts his lifestyle as an “outlaw”. He sheds light on how his success, symbolized by drinking Hennessy, has stirred envy among his enemies. However, he remains adamant to ‘keep the peace’, and encourages his fellow ‘G’s’ to be strong and follow his lead during dangerous times. His desire to be remembered as an “outcast outlaw” and for his music posthumously reflects his self-perception and 2Pac’s impact hopes respectively.
Overall, “Until The End of Time” is a lyrical examination of hardship, success, despair, and resilience. It offers a candid vision into 2Pac’s mind and life, a reflection of his unfaltering spirit that resounds with listeners to this day, ‘until the end of time’.
