[Verse 1: Notorious B.I.G.]
1970 somethin'
N***a I don't sweat the date, my moms is late
So I had to plan my escape, out the skins
In this world, the fly girl
Tanqueray or Hennessy until I called Earl
Ten months in this gut, what the fuck
I wish moms would hurry up so I could get buck
While, Juvenile rippin' mics and shit
New York, New York ready for the likes of this

[Verse 2: Faith Evans]
Every single day, I'm blessed to look into his eyes
And I can't help but see no-one, but you
You gave the gift of motherhood
And I raised him up, the best I could
Never got to know you, but he's so much like you

[Pre-Hook]
And it's a damn shame
Why you're not here today
I try my best to explain
Why did you go?
But a child just don't understand
Ohh
No-way
And I'm never let 'em forget you
You're forever in their hearts
[Hook]
One in the same
So glad you came
To carry on the name
I know that you're lookin' down, and you're so proud
I know you're lookin' down
I can see your smile
You left a special part of you, with me
Duh nuh, duh nuh

[Verse 3: Notorious B.I.G. + Faith Evans]
Uh, then came the worst date, May, 21st
2:19 is when my mama's water burst
No spouse in the house, so she rolls herself
To the hospital, to see if she could get a little help
(Heart-racing, and God only knows what was on her mind)
Umbilical chord's wraped around my neck
I'm seein' my death, and I ain't even took my first step
(Luckily she made it, must have been right on time. Through his grace, everything was fine)
I made it out, I'm bringin' mad joy
The doctor looked and said "He's gonna be a Bad Boy."

[Hook]
One in the same
So glad you came
To carry on the name
I know that you're lookin' down, and you're so proud
I know you're lookin' down
I can see your smile
You left a special part of you, with me
Duh nuh, duh nuh
[Outro]
And it's a damn shame
Why you're not here today
I try my best to explain
Why did you go?
But a child just don't understand
Ohh
No-way
And I'm never let 'em forget you
You're forever in our hearts