Everlast’s song “What It’s Like” is a powerful and moving song that speaks to the struggles of those living in poverty, those struggling with addiction, and those who are often forgotten by society. The song was featured on his 1998 album Whitey Ford Sings the Blues and has become a classic of his work. The song starts out by painting a bleak picture of day-to-day life, from the coldness of the world to the difficulties of finding hope. It is a song that speaks to the struggles of many and offers a glimmer of hope.
The song begins with the lines “It’s like a jungle sometimes/It makes me wonder how I keep from goin’ under”. These lyrics set the tone for the entire song and the emotion Everlast wants to convey. He is speaking to those who are struggling, those who feel like they are lost in the jungle and are unable to find their way out. He wants to let them know that they are not alone and that there is hope out there.
The chorus of the song is incredibly powerful and speaks to the feeling of hopelessness that many feel. Everlast sings “What it’s like to be poor and it’s like to cry and it’s like to be lonely and it’s like to be high and it’s like to never know why”. He is expressing the pain, confusion, and suffering of those who are living in poverty, struggling with addiction, and feeling forgotten. He acknowledges the struggles of these people and shows that he understands their pain.
The song continues as Everlast speaks to the struggles of those living in poverty. He sings “It’s like living in a powder keg and giving off sparks/Inside your head is aching, just to keep from crying out loud”. He is expressing the feelings of hopelessness and frustration that come from living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet. He wants people to know that he understands their struggles and is there to support them.
The song continues to speak to the struggles of those struggling with addiction. He sings “It’s like jumping off the twelfth floor and nobody there to call your bluff/It’s like living in a bottle, when there’s nothing left to pour”. He is expressing the loneliness and desperation that can come from addiction and how it can make it hard to reach out for help. He wants people to know that he understands their struggle and is there to offer support.
The song continues to speak to the struggles of those who feel forgotten by society. He sings “It’s like the only thing you got left is your self-esteem/It’s like you’re always looking for a way out”. He is expressing the feelings of isolation and desperation that can come from feeling forgotten and unheard. He wants people to know that he understands their struggle and is there to offer support.
The song ends on a hopeful note as Everlast sings “It’s like a blind man searching for a shadow in the night/It’s like a king without a castle, it’s like a soldier without a fight”. He is speaking to those who feel lost and hopeless and offering a glimmer of hope. He wants people to know that they are not alone and that there is hope out there.
Conclusion
Everlast’s song “What It’s Like” is a powerful and moving song that speaks to the struggles of those living in poverty, those struggling with addiction, and those who are often forgotten by society. The song paints a bleak picture of day-to-day life, but also offers a glimmer of hope. It is a song that speaks to the struggles of many and offers a message of hope and understanding.
