In the early 2000s, Drive-Thru re-released (818) together with the unreleased songs as bonus tracks.
Chuck
Cousin Oliver Lyrics
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She ran out on me today
Left my lying naked
In the city
And I got some change
In the palm of my hand
That's not so bad
Trying hard to catch up
With infinity
But I wore hole
In the soles of my shoes
And I got some change
In the palm of my hand
That's not so bad
I feel like a big-headed kid
Dressed in a yellow
Jagged black striped tee
Went up to kick the ball
But some bitch
Pulled it away from me
Walking down
Someone else's street
Big-ass houses
They shadow over me
And I wonder
Sho lives in there
Cause it just doesn't seem fair
I feel like a big-headed kid
Dressed in a yellow
Jagged black striped tee
Went up to kick the ball
But some bitch
Pulled it away from me
The lyrics in Cousin Oliver's song "Chuck" evoke a youthfulness and innocence that is quickly shattered by the realities of life. The first verse sets the mood of the song, with the singer lamenting the loss of luck and being left helpless in the city. However, the singer finds solace in the fact that he has "some change in the palm of my hand," reminding himself that things are not all bleak.
The second verse follows the singer's attempt to catch up with the infinite possibilities of life, but instead he finds himself falling short and leaving a hole in his shoes. The same phrase, "And I got some change in the palm of my hand, That's not so bad," repeats throughout the song, acting as a mantra for the singer to focus on the positive.
The final verse paints a picture of a young child dressed in a yellow and jagged black striped tee, trying to play with a ball only to have it snatched away by a "bitch." This image captures the frustration and unfairness of life that the singer is struggling to come to terms with.
Overall, Cousin Oliver's "Chuck" is a powerful reflection on the struggles of growing up and facing the harsh realities of the world. The simple yet evocative lyrics are enhanced by the raw emotion in the singer's voice, making for a truly moving piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Lady Luck
She ran out on me today
Left my lying naked
In the city
I had bad luck today and was left feeling exposed and vulnerable in the city.
And I got some change
In the palm of my hand
That's not so bad
But at least I have some spare change, which is a small comfort.
Trying hard to catch up
With infinity
But I wore hole
In the soles of my shoes
I'm trying my best to make progress, but sometimes it feels like I'm just wearing myself down.
I feel like a big-headed kid
Dressed in a yellow
Jagged black striped tee
Went up to kick the ball
But some bitch
Pulled it away from me
I feel powerless and frustrated, like a child who just had their toy taken away by someone mean.
Walking down
Someone else's street
Big-ass houses
They shadow over me
I feel small and insignificant compared to the fancy houses looming over me on this unfamiliar street.
And I wonder
Sho lives in there
Cause it just doesn't seem fair
I can't help feeling jealous and resentful of the people who live in those nice houses, even though I know it's not productive or rational.
Contributed by Jackson W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.