Lyrical Breakdown of What Can I Do - A Journey through Words and Rhymes

Welcome to the detailed analysis of "What Can I Do" on Lazyjot. Here, we unravel the lyrical complexity and artistic brilliance that define this iconic song.

• Lyric Overview: Witness how Ice Cube weaves words into powerful emotions and vivid imagery. From intricate rhyme schemes to compelling storytelling, every line in "What Can I Do" is a testament to masterful songwriting.
• Rhyme and Rhythm Analysis: Our Lazyjot editor highlights the ingenious use of multi-syllabic rhymes and the rhythm pattern that Ice Cube employs. Understand the construction of each verse and how it contributes to the song's overall impact.
• Syllable Pattern Insights: Dive deeper into the structural elements of the lyrics. See how the syllable count varies across the song, adding a unique rhythm and flow to Ice Cube's narrative.

This lyrical analysis of "What Can I Do" not only celebrates Ice Cube's artistic prowess but also serves as an educational tool for aspiring songwriters. If this analysis inspires you and you'd like to see your own songs analyzed in this way, join the Lazyjot community. Register at Lazyjot and start exploring the full potential of your lyrical creativity. Turn your thoughts into rhymes and your rhymes into songs with Lazyjot!

In any country, prison is where society sends it's failures But in this country, society itself is failing Today, how you like me now, I'm in the mix? It's 1986 and I got the fix with the chicken and a quota Got the baking soda, let the water boil, workers all loyal Dropped out the twelveth 'Cause my wealth is shorter than a midget on his knees, now I slang keys Infest my hood with crack, 'cause I'm the mack Take a nation of millions to hold me back Too big for my britches, and I got bitches Now I'm hittin' switches, brutha's want my riches Used to get 18 when my G was alive, now a key is 13, 5 '89s the number, another summer Police ain't get no dumber Streets dried up, used to think it would last But being a king pin is a thing of the past They tried to blast me for selling a boulder Now I got my ass in minnesota Got my own crew, it's on brand new Damn what can I do? Today... Already done stack me half a mill ticket Bought a house next to Prince, so now I can kick it Now I got ends, wavin' to my friends, rollin' in my benz Goin' to see the twins Play at the dome police are tappin' my mobile phone, i'm almost home Gettin' excited, indicted, spent a grip and a year tryin' to fight it Lawyer got paid, plea, no contest And everything I own got repossessed Now take a look at the dust And I'm happy 'cause I only got 36 months I never picked up a book But my arms are 16 inches, homies look Can't wait for '92 so I can get with my crew And see, what can I do Today... Messed up in the pen, now it's 94 Back in L.A., and I'm bailin' in the dough Everybody, now I gotta start from scratch So where to work at, and homies smirk at Me say ain't nuttin' poppin' from here to the L.B, what you tell me? No it ain't crack, and everybody's jackin' for a coupe 'Cause, they sent in the troops Even tho I got muscle, that ain't my hustle Takin' somebody car in a tussle No skills to pay the bills Takin' about education to battle inflation No college degree, just a dumb ass G (yeah you nigga) Who me? I got a baby on the way, damn it's a mess Have you ever been convicted of a felony? "yes" Took some advice from my uncle Fester all dressed up in polyester "Welcome to McDonalds may I please help you?" Damn, what can I do Today... The white man has broke every law known to man to establish American But he'll put you in the state penitentiary, he'll put you in the federal Penitentiary for breaking these same laws. now we gonna look and see if This devil is guilty for the laws he'll put you in jail for; Drug using, drug selling, armed robbery, strong armed robbery, grand larceny Rape, racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder, extortion Aggravated assault, mayhem, sodomy of the black man, trespassing, Embezzlement, purgery, kidnapping, smuggling, grand theft, brandishing a firearm Carrying a concealed weapon, breaking and entering, and Premeditated cold-blooded murder "Guilty" on every charge!