Get By

Talib Kweli

About Get By

"Get By" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Talib Kweli. It was released on March 11, 2003 as the third single from his debut studio album Quality (2003). The song, produced by Kanye West, samples "Sinnerman" as performed by Nina Simone and features background vocals from Abby Dobson, Chinua Hawk, Kendra Ross, Vernetta Bobien and William "Na2" Taylor. The song peaked at number 77 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and at number 29 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, becoming Kweli's most successful solo hit.  


Year:
2002
3:47
541 
#3

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We sell, crack to our own out the back of our homes
We smell the musk at the dusk in the crack of the dawn
We go through "epidodes ii," like "attack of the clones"
Work 'til we break our back and you hear the crack of the bone
To get by just to get by
Just to get by, just to get by
We commute to computers
Spirits stay mute while you eagles spread rumors
We survivalists, turned to consumers
To get by just to get by
Just to get by, just to get by
Ask him why some people got to live in a trailer, cuss like a sailor
I paint a picture with the pen like norman mailer
Mi abuela raised three daughters all by herself, with no help
I think about a struggle and I find the strength in myself
These words, melt in my mouth
They hot, like the jail cell in the south
Before my nigga core bailed me out
To get by just to get by
Just to get by, just to get by
We do or die like bed-stuy through the red sky
With the window of the red eye
Let the lead fly, some g. rap shit, "livin' to let die"

This morning, I woke up
Feeling brand new and I jumped up
Feeling my highs, and my lows
In my soul, and my goals
Just to stop smokin, and stop drinkin
And I've been thinkin, I've got my reasons
Just to get (by), just to get (by)
Just to get (by), just to get (by)

Just to get (by), just to get (by)
Just to get (by by by by by by)
Just to get (by), just to get (by)
Just to get (by by by by by by)

We keeping it gangster say "fo shizzle", "fo sheezy" and "stayin crunk"
Its easy to pull a breezy, smoke trees, and we stay drunk
Yo, I activism attackin the system, the blacks and latins in prison
Numbers of prison they victim black in the vision
Shit and all they got is rappin to listen to
I let them know we missin you, the love is unconditional
Even when the condition is critical, when the livin is miserable
Your position is pivotal, I ain't bullshittin you
Now, why would I lie? just to get by?
Just to get by, we get fly
The tv got us reachin for stars
Not the ones between venus and mars, the ones that be readin for parts
Some people get breast enhancements and penis enlargers
Saturday sinners Sunday morning at the feet of the father
They need somethin to rely on, we get high on all types of drug
When, all you really need is love
To get by just to get by
Just to get by, just to get by
Our parents sing like john lennon, "imagine all the people watch"
We rock like paul mccartney from now until the last beatle drop

This morning, I woke up
Feeling brand new and I jumped up
Feeling my high's, and my low's
In my soul, and my goals
Just to stop smoking, and stop drinking
And I've been thinking, I've got my reasons
Just to get (by), just to get (by)
Just to get (by), just to get (by)

Some people cry, and some people try
Just to get by, for a piece of the pie
You love to eat and get high
We deceive when we lie, and we keepin' it fly

When, the people decide, to keep a disguise
Can't see they eyes, see the evil inside
But there's people you find
Strong or feeble in mind, I stay readin' the signs

Some people cry, and some people try
Just to get by, for a piece of the pie
You love to eat and get high
We deceive when we lie, and we keepin' it fly

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Talib Kweli

Talib Kweli Greene (October 3, 1975) is an American rapper who performs under the name Talib Kweli. His first name in Arabic means "student" or "seeker" (طالب); his middle name in Swahili means "true". Kweli gained prominent recognition through Black Star, a collaboration with fellow MC Mos Def. more »

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Written by: Nina Simone, Talib Kweli, Kanye West

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Get By" is by Talib Kweli, an American rapper known for his socially conscious and politically-inclined lyrics. He is also part of the hip-hop duo Black Star, alongside Mos Def.
Album Information
The song "Get By" is from Talib Kweli's 2002 album "Quality." The album was his first solo project after he had success as part of Black Star and Reflection Eternal.
Song's Producer
"Get By" was produced by Kanye West, who at the time was an up-and-coming producer, and is now one of the most successful and controversial figures in hip-hop.
Chart Position
"Get By" reached #77 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of Kweli's most successful singles to date.
Lyrics Context
The lyrics of "Get By" reflect on the struggle to survive in difficult circumstances. Kweli discusses themes of racial and social inequality.
Acclaim
"Get By" has received praise as a hip-hop classic, due to its politically charged lyrics and its catchy, soulful beat.
Influences
The song samples Nina Simone's "Sinnerman," an influential song in its own right that reflects on guilt and redemption.
Remix
There is a remix of "Get By" that features verses from Kanye West, Mos Def, Jay-Z, and Busta Rhymes.
Live Performances
Talib Kweli often performs "Get By" at his concerts, and it is considered one of his signature songs.
Visual Art
The music video for "Get By" is a stylish black and white piece directed by Little X, a director known for his work with numerous high-profile artists including Kanye West and Drake.
Song Impact
Though it didn't reach mainstream success, "Get By" has been highly influential in hip-hop circles, paving the way for a more politically conscious and socially aware form of rap.
Use in Media
"Get By" has been used in various popular television shows and films, like in the TV series "Entourage" and the film "Brown Sugar."

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    Get By

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2003

    Billboard #77


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