What It's Like
Everlast
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We've all seen a man at the liquor store beggin' for your change The hair on his face is dirty, dread-locked, and full of mange He asks a man for what he could spare, with shame in his eyes "Get a job you fucking slob," is all he replies God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes 'Cause then you really might know what it's like to sing the blues Then you really might know what it's like Then you really might know what it's like Then you really might know what it's like Then you really might know what it's like Mary got pregnant from a kid named Tom that said he was in love He said, "don't worry about a thing, baby doll I'm the man you've been dreaming of." But three months later he say he won't date her or return her calls And she swear, "god damn, if I find that man I'm cuttin' off his balls" And then she heads for the clinic and she gets some static walking through the door They call her a killer, and they call her a sinner and they call her a whore God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in her shoes 'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to choose Then you really might know what it's like Then you really might know what it's like Then you really might know what it's like Then you really might know what it's like I've seen a rich man beg I've seen a good man sin I've seen a tough man cry I've seen a loser win and a sad man grin I heard an honest man lie I've seen the good side of bad and the downside of up And everything between I licked the silver spoon drank from the golden cup And smoked the finest green I stroked the fattest dimes at least a couple of times Before I broke their heart You know where it ends, yo, it usually depends on where you start I knew this kid named Max who used to get fat stacks out on the corner with drugs He liked to hang out late he liked to get shit-faced and keep the pace with thugs Until late one night there was a big gun fight and max lost his head He pulled out his chrome .45, talked some shit, and wound up dead Now his wife and his kids are caught in the midst of all of this pain You know it comes that way at least that's what they say when you play the game God forbid you ever had to wake up to hear the news 'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to lose Then you really might know what it's like Then you really might know what it's like Then you really might know what it's like to have to lose
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Erik Schrody
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Song Origin"What It's Like" is a song by the American musician Everlast, released as the lead single for his 1998 album "Whitey Ford Sings the Blues."
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Chart Performance (SpecificThe track reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, its highest peak position.
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Artist's Previous GroupPrior to releasing "What It's Like," Everlast was a member of the hip hop group "House of Pain."
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House of Pain's Hit TrackHouse of Pain is best known for their 1992 hit "Jump Around," which is still a party anthem today.
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Stylistic ShiftWith "What It's Like," Everlast showcased a major stylistic departure from his earlier, more rap-based work, turning more towards blues, rock, and acoustic music.
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Song Themes"What It's Like" is recognized for its socially conscious and empathetic lyrics, revolving around themes of judgment, empathy, poverty, and addiction.
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Critical ResponseThis track was praised by critics for its mature and nuanced take on difficult topics, which was a departure from the more party-oriented music of House of Pain.
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Everlast's Personal JourneyThe shift in Everlast’s music style was influenced by a near-death experience as he suffered a heart attack due to a congenital defect just after the breakup of House of Pain. He underwent surgery and started focusing on creating more meaningful music.
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Cover VersionsSince its release, "What It's Like" has been covered by several artists, demonstrating the song's lasting impact on popular culture.
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Commercial UseThe song has also been used in several movies and TV shows, including "Joe Somebody," "Black and Blue," and "The Rookie."
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Song Accolades"What It's Like" won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography in 1999.
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Album Performance"Whitey Ford Sings the Blues" achieved multi-platinum status, largely supported by the success of "What It's Like," thereby marking Everlast's successful transition from hip-hop to a more varied musical style.
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Citation
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"What It's Like Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2311661/Everlast/What+It%27s+Like>.
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