Lyrical Breakdown of How I Got Over - A Journey through Words and Rhymes

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

  • Lyric Overview: Witness how The Roots weaves words into powerful emotions and vivid imagery. From intricate rhyme schemes to compelling storytelling, every line in "How I Got Over" 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 The Roots 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 The Roots's narrative.

This lyrical analysis of "How I Got Over" not only celebrates The Roots'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!

Uh, uh Uh, uh-huh Out in the streets where I grew up First thing they teach us, not to give a fuck That type of thinking can't get you nowhere Someone has to care How I got over where the people come apart Don't nobody care about you; only thing you got is God Out here in these streets if you get down on your luck You can stand out with a hand out, but nobody give a fuck Out here in these streets every man is for himself They ain't helpin' no one else; it's a hazard to your health Livin' life in these cold streets Hey, who's worryin' 'bout you, babe When you whylin' out, runnin' 'round in these streets? Out in the streets where I grew up (how I got over) First thing they teach us is not to give a fuck (how I got over) That type of thinking can't get you nowhere (how I got over) Someone has to care Yo, when you on the corner, it's too much drama Livin' with the police right behind ya It's always more than a slight reminder We livin' in a war zone like Rwanda Before I go back to the Heavenly Father Pray for me if it ain't too much bother Whatever don't break me or make me stronger I feel like I can't take too much longer It's too much lyin' and too much flyin' I'm all cried out 'cause I grew up cryin' They all got a sales pitch I ain't buyin' They tryin' to convince me that I ain't tryin' We uninspired, we un-admired And tired and sick of being sick and tired Of livin' in the hood where the shots are fired We dyin' to live, so to live we dyin' You just like I am Out on the streets where I grew up (how I got over) First thing they teach us is not to give a fuck (how I got over) That type of thinking can't get you nowhere (somebody, somewhere) Someone has to care Somebody's gotta care And I swear it isn't fair In suspended animation, we ain't tryin' to go nowhere Out here in these streets We're so young and all alone We ain't even old enough to realize we're on our own Livin' life in these hard streets Where it's like they lost they mind Is there anyway to find Are we runnin' out of time out here? Listen Hey, who's worryin' 'bout you, babe When you whylin' out, runnin' 'round in these streets? Out on the streets where I grew up (how I got over) First thing they teach us is not to give a fuck (how I got over) That type of thinking can't get you nowhere (somebody, somewhere) Someone has to care Out in the streets where I grew up First thing they teach us, not to give a fuck That type of thinking can't get you nowhere Someone has to care Out in the streets where I grew up First thing they teach us, not to give a fuck That type of thinking can't get you nowhere Someone has to care Out in the streets where I grew up First thing they teach us, not to give a fuck That type of thinking can't get you nowhere Someone has to care