What It's Like

Everlast

About What It's Like

"What It's Like" is a song by American musician Everlast. It was released in September 1998 as the lead single from his album Whitey Ford Sings the Blues. The song is typical of the style Everlast embraced after leaving hip hop trio House of Pain, being a combination of rock, hip-hop and blues incorporating characterization and empathy towards impoverished protagonists. The song went to number one on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart for one week and number one on the Modern Rock Tracks chart for nine weeks. It also peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the singer's only solo top 40 hit on the US chart to date. Outside the United States, the song reached number four in Iceland, number six in Canada and the top 20 in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. In the United Kingdom, the song reached number 34 on the UK Singles Chart, while in Australasia, it reached number 26 in Australia and number 31 in New Zealand. 


Year:
2007
168 

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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

[Chorus]
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

[Chorus]

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 old fight and Max lost his head
He pulled out his Colt .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

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Everlast

Erik Francis Schrody (born August 18, 1969 in Valley Stream, New York), better known by his stage name Everlast, is an American rapper and songwriter, known for his solo hit "What It's Like" and as the front-man for rap group House of Pain. He was also part of the hip-hop supergroup La Coka Nostra, which consists of members of House of Pain and other rappers. In 2000, he won a Grammy for best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal with Latin Rock musician Carlos Santana for "Put Your Lights On." more »

2 fans

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."
Chart Performance (Specific
The track reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, its highest peak position.
Artist's Previous Group
Prior to releasing "What It's Like," Everlast was a member of the hip hop group "House of Pain."
House of Pain's Hit Track
House of Pain is best known for their 1992 hit "Jump Around," which is still a party anthem today.
Stylistic Shift
With "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.
Song Themes
"What It's Like" is recognized for its socially conscious and empathetic lyrics, revolving around themes of judgment, empathy, poverty, and addiction.
Critical Response
This 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.
Everlast's Personal Journey
The 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.
Cover Versions
Since its release, "What It's Like" has been covered by several artists, demonstrating the song's lasting impact on popular culture.
Commercial Use
The song has also been used in several movies and TV shows, including "Joe Somebody," "Black and Blue," and "The Rookie."
Song Accolades
"What It's Like" won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography in 1999.
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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    What It's Like

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1999

    Billboard #13


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