The song "When Life Shows Up" by E-40 is a reflection on the struggles and challenges faced by the African American community, particularly in low-income areas. The lyrics touch on various themes such as loss, poverty, health issues, and the resilience of the community in the face of adversity. E-40 begins by describing a funeral scene, expressing his emotions and the automatic tears that come when confronted with death. He speaks about the financial burden that often accompanies funerals and how it brings people together, highlighting the unfortunate reality that many only come together during times of loss. The lyrics then shift to E-40's personal experiences and observations within his community. He mentions growing up eating traditional African American foods like collard greens, dressing, candied yams, and fried chicken. He also discusses the struggles of living in the Bay Area, with gentrification pushing out long-time residents and the high cost of living, including expensive rent prices. Health issues are also addressed in the song, emphasizing that diseases like cancer, Lou Gehrig's Disease, leukemia, and lupus can affect anyone regardless of age or status. E-40 mentions the lack of insurance for some individuals, leading them to self-medicate and seek alternative remedies like eating tomatoes to protect the prostate. He highlights the various dietary choices people make, including veganism and substituting ground turkey for ground beef. The chorus, sung by Mike Marshall, acknowledges the hardships faced by the community, highlighting the unfairness and challenges they encounter. However, the lyrics express the determination and resilience to not give up and to continue rising above the struggles with faith in God. E-40 continues to address the daily battles faced by individuals, from fights for survival to witnessing death and decay in impoverished neighborhoods. He mentions specific stores and supermarkets in the Bay Area and describes the desire for his friends' children and nephews to pursue rap as a way to escape the trap. He encourages them to broaden their horizons and consider other professions such as being an astronaut or an accountant. The song delves into personal experiences, including E-40's frustrations with missed opportunities and how life feels stacked against him. He voices his distrust in people who may betray or exploit him and warns about the temptation and deceit that can exist in relationships. He emphasizes the importance of repentance, gratitude, and confession in navigating life's challenges. The final chorus echoes the sentiments expressed earlier, acknowledging the different reality experienced by the community and the unfairness they encounter. However, it also emphasizes the community's ability to rise above these challenges and continue to persevere. Overall, "When Life Shows Up" highlights the struggles, resilience, and faith within the African American community, specifically focusing on the experiences of those living in low-income areas. The song sheds light on the various obstacles faced by individuals and advocates for overcoming adversity with determination and trust in a higher power.
