What It's Like
Carlos Santana feat. Everlast Lyrics

We've all seen a man at the liquor store beggin' for your change
We have seen a man at the liquor store asking for money.

The hair on his face is dirty, dread-locked, and full of mange
The man has dirty dreadlocks on his face and his hair is not well kept.

He asks a man for what he could spare, with shame in his eyes
The man asks someone for money while looking ashamed.

"Get a job you fucking slob," is all he replies
The person being asked for money replies harshly, telling the man to get a job.

God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes
One cannot truly understand the struggles of another person without experiencing it themselves.

'Cause then you really might know what it's like to sing the blues
Experiencing the difficulties of financial struggle can be compared to the sadness conveyed in blues music.

Mary got pregnant from a kid named Tom that said he was in love
Mary became pregnant by a boy named Tom who claimed to love her.

He said, "Don't worry about a thing, baby doll I'm the man you've been dreaming of"
Tom tells Mary not to worry and that he is the man she's been hoping for.

But three months later he say he won't date her or return her calls
After three months, Tom confirms that he will not date Mary or answer her calls.

And she swear, "Goddamn, if I find that man I'm cuttin' off his balls"
Mary is angry at Tom and vows to harm him if she ever finds him.

And then she heads for the clinic and she gets some static walking through the door
Mary goes to a clinic for an abortion and faces scrutiny from others while entering.

They call her a killer, and they call her a sinner and they call her a whore
People criticize Mary and insult her by calling her names like 'killer,' 'sinner,' and 'whore.'

'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to choose
Experiencing the difficult decision to get an abortion or have a child can only be understood through personal experience.

I've seen a rich man beg
The singer has seen a wealthy person beg for money.

I've seen a good man sin
The singer has witnessed someone who was considered a good person do something morally wrong.

I've seen a tough man cry
The artist has observed a strong or tough person become emotional and cry.

I've seen a loser win
The artist has seen someone who was typically a loser become successful or victorious.

And a sad man grin
The singer witnessed a sad or depressed person smile or laugh.

I heard an honest man lie (uh)
The singer overheard an honest person telling a lie.

I've seen the good side of bad
The artist has witnessed good coming from a bad situation or person.

And the downside of up
The artist has seen the negative aspects of success or progress.

And everything between
The artist has seen a wide range of experiences and situations.

I licked the silver spoon
The singer has experienced a privileged and wealthy lifestyle.

Drank from the golden cup
The artist has had access to the finest things in life, like wealth and luxury.

And smoked the finest green
The singer has used the highest quality marijuana.

I stroked the fattest dimes at least a couple of times
The singer has had sexual encounters with attractive women.

Before I broke their heart
The singer has caused emotional pain to some of the women he was involved with.

You know where it ends, yo, it usually depends on where you start
One's life outcomes and experiences are often heavily influenced by their initial circumstances and opportunities.

I knew this kid named Max
The artist knew a person named Max.

Who used to get fat stacks out on the corner with drugs
Max used to sell drugs and make a lot of money doing it.

He liked to hang out late
Max enjoyed staying out late at night.

He liked to get shit-faced and keep the pace with thugs
Max enjoyed drinking heavily and socializing with dangerous people.

Until late one night, there was a big gunfight and Max lost his head
One night, there was a dangerous situation involving weapons and Max was killed.

He pulled out his chrome .45, talked some shit, and wound up dead
Max brought a gun to a fight, spoke aggressively, and was killed.

Now his wife and his kids are caught in the midst of all of this pain
Max's family is suffering and struggling due to his death and involvement in drugs.

To have to lose
Only those who have experienced loss can truly understand how it feels.