Get By
Talib Kweli, DJ Revolution
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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 Me and willa 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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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.
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Album InformationThe 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.
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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.
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Chart Position"Get By" reached #77 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of Kweli's most successful singles to date.
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Lyrics ContextThe lyrics of "Get By" reflect on the struggle to survive in difficult circumstances. Kweli discusses themes of racial and social inequality.
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Acclaim"Get By" has received praise as a hip-hop classic, due to its politically charged lyrics and its catchy, soulful beat.
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InfluencesThe song samples Nina Simone's "Sinnerman," an influential song in its own right that reflects on guilt and redemption.
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RemixThere is a remix of "Get By" that features verses from Kanye West, Mos Def, Jay-Z, and Busta Rhymes.
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Live PerformancesTalib Kweli often performs "Get By" at his concerts, and it is considered one of his signature songs.
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Visual ArtThe 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.
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Song ImpactThough 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.
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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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Citation
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"Get By Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6882423/Talib+Kweli/Get+By>.
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