Lyrics:

This song was recorded by Nate Dogg as a tribute to his late friend Tupac Shakur after his murder. The two were both signed to Death Row records and worked on a few songs together.
Why did my homie have to die?
With tears in my eyes, I came to say goodbye (Say goodbye!)
Why did my homie have to die?
With tears in my eyes, I came to say goodbye (Say goodbye!)

Just passin' through to let you know that I remember the times we shared
Your mother prayed for us both night and day
I guess this is what she feared
The picture in my room keeps your image sharply in my head
(All in my head, mhm)
I just can't let go of the memories I have; will this madness ever end?

Why did my homie have to die?
With tears in my eyes, I came to say goodbye (Say goodbye!)
Why did my homie have to die?
With tears in my eyes, I came to say goodbye (Say goodbye!)

Sometimes I wonder if it's better to be free or be in jail
Incarceration at this time, to me, is better than Heaven or Hell (Oh yeah...)
I often wonder if you'd still be here if you had worn your vest
(Worn your vest, mhm)
You'll most likely soon see me, we'll all be a memory
If we don't change this mess...
(Change it or we gone, y'all)

Why did my homie have to die?
With tears in my eyes, I came to say goodbye (Say goodbye!)
Why did my homie have to die?
With tears in my eyes, I came to say goodbye (Say goodbye!)

I'm – passing through to let you know
(Passing you through to let you know)
That I'm – gonna tell everyone I know
(Gonna tell everyone I know)
How we – used to send them to the floor
(Used to send them to the floor)
Have we – have we forgot to mourn? (Come on)
Ohh – how long – how long, how long will they mourn?
Ohh-oh-ohh-ohhh, how long – how long, how long will they mourn?

Why did my homie have to die?
With tears in my eyes, I came to say goodbye
Why did my homie have to die?
With tears in my eyes, I came to say goodbye
Why did my homie have to die?
With tears in my eyes, I came to say goodbye