It's Like That
De La Soul Lyrics


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[Dave]
It's like, New York without a New York yanks
Better yet, New York without the New York franks
It's like hot summers without no A.C
Or never hitting numbers when you go to A.C
It's like six years of your life, go ask Rob
I'm like "Yo how is it?" he like "It's like hard"
Trying for that queen but you nothing but a man
You want to keep it clean but you can't
Why it gotta be, like, that
And what the life, see life is like a J shot
Shooters son, they got
One point one second, you half court
I'm feeling the adrenaline like you half court
Like pink slips and dipping these ink tips to paper
Imagine if we fuck around and lose Hip-hop
Imagine if it didn't exist
Imagine nothing shining your wrist
See, imagining to you is a risk
But think about it, like no chrome rims
And tims would be construction boots (ill)
We probably wouldn't even substitute (ill)
For words we use defining our likes
I'm coal mining these mics
To keep that gold nugget like Dave Megget
Giant like a motherfucker, like Dave said it
But ya ain't listening, ya paper gon' stack
Why it gotta be like that?

That, tha-tha-that, tha-that, tha-that, tha-that, tha-that, tha-that, tha-that, that
That, tha-tha-that, tha-that, that, tha-tha-that, tha-tha-that, that, that, tha-that, tha-that

[Chorus:]
Just running, running, fast as I can
I'm trying to be a person but I gotta be the man
If I, can't stand the life that I'm in
I gotta keep running 'cause I'm still gon' win
Yes I got to go on (it's like that, it's like that)
Yes I got to go on (it's like that, it's like that)

[Posdonus]
It's like, Slick Rick without the eye patch
More like, saying slick shit you won't catch
It's like bed time without your PJ's
Or no fed timing in out the PJ's
It's like, one minute you got it, then you broke
Like what I do with it? I copped a few with it
Looking like a problem, but you won't get it solved
You working but you won't get the job
It's like, who would of thought (thought)
It you would of bought (bought)
Into my religion you'd be more like God
But you were steady swimming so you more like cod
See these fools is fish scale, converting to ish male
See I see it like, A alike, be alike
I was taught, if you play alike, be alike
How they don't see it for one to go pop
And this is how you treat Hip-hop?
Imagine if you didn't have that phantom chrome sitting on a curb nigga
The word nigga wouldn't be a bit disturbing nigga
See them roots are like begging for the rain
You entering my kingdom just a begging for the reign
Putting shit stain to paper
Ink pain feeling like fifty-five licks on a slave niggas back
And not a one of y'all stopping to hate
But why it gotta be like that?

That, tha-tha-that, tha-that, that, that, tha-that, that, tha-tha-that, that, that
Tha-tha-that, tha-that, tha-tha-that, that, that, that, that, that, tha-that, tha-that, that





[Chorus: x2]

Overall Meaning

The song "It's Like That" by De La Soul is a commentary on difficult situations in life, conveyed through witty lyrics and an energetic beat. The first verse by Dave highlights the feeling of being incomplete without certain things that are taken for granted, like air conditioning in hot summers or the thrill of winning in gambling. He also references the struggle of chasing after a goal, such as winning the heart of a woman, and dealing with the obstacles that come along the way. Dave compares life to a basketball game, where every second counts and the adrenaline pumps you up.


Posdonus follows up with his verse, stating that life is like missing one key element and falling apart as a result. He mentions the rapper Slick Rick and his signature eye patch, saying that without it, Rick would simply blend into the background. Posdonus also touches on the idea of hard work without reaping the benefits, and how that can lead to frustration and unfulfillment. He questions why some people don't give hip-hop the respect it deserves and makes a parallel between the struggles of the genre and the mistreatment of slaves in the past.


Overall, "It's Like That" is a song that reflects on the paradoxes and complexities of life. It encourages listeners to keep fighting and pushing forward, even when things seem tough.


Line by Line Meaning

It's like, New York without a New York yanks
It's like having New York without its celebrated baseball team, the New York Yankees.


Better yet, New York without the New York franks
It's like having New York without its traditional hot dog, the New York frankfurter.


It's like hot summers without no A.C
It's like going through hot summers without any air conditioning.


Or never hitting numbers when you go to A.C
It's like going to Atlantic City to gamble and continuously failing to win.


It's like six years of your life, go ask Rob
It's like wasting six years of your life, as Rob would say.


I'm like "Yo how is it?" he like "It's like hard"
I ask Rob how it is, and he responds that it is difficult.


Trying for that queen but you nothing but a man
Attempting to impress a woman and win her over, but ultimately realizing that you are just human.


You want to keep it clean but you can't
You want to maintain a pure and moral lifestyle, but it's not possible for you to do so.


Why it gotta be, like, that
Why does life have to be so difficult and unfair?


And what the life, see life is like a J shot
Life is akin to taking a high-pressure, game-winning jump shot in basketball.


Shooters son, they got
Skilled shooters, like successful people, understand how to succeed when it matters most.


One point one second, you half court
In just over a second, you can make a game-changing play in basketball.


I'm feeling the adrenaline like you half court
I feel the same adrenaline rush as you might when making a clutch play in basketball.


Like pink slips and dipping these ink tips to paper
It's like gambling your car and writing with ink on paper - risky and intense.


Imagine if we fuck around and lose Hip-hop
Hypothetically, if the genre of music known as Hip-hop ceased to exist, we would be deeply affected.


Imagine if it didn't exist
Just imagine the world without Hip-hop music!


Imagine nothing shining your wrist
Imagine having nothing to show off on your wrist, like a fancy watch or jewelry.


See, imagining to you is a risk
For you, the act of imagining is taking a risk.


But think about it, like no chrome rims
Consider the possibility of cars without shiny chrome rims.


And tims would be construction boots (ill)
The popular fashion footwear, Timberland boots, would be reduced to just a work boot.


We probably wouldn't even substitute (ill)
We likely wouldn't even have a need to substitute things in our lives.


For words we use defining our likes
For example, we wouldn't need to use fancy words to describe what we like or enjoy.


I'm coal mining these mics
I am working hard, like a miner mining coal, to create music with my microphones.


To keep that gold nugget like Dave Megget
To attain success and riches, like the successful football player, Dave Megget.


Giant like a motherfucker, like Dave said it
I, like Dave, strive to be successful and powerful like a giant contender.


But ya ain't listening, ya paper gon' stack
Although no one is listening, I will continue to work hard and make money.


It's like Slick Rick without the eye patch
It's similar to Slick Rick, a popular rapper known for his eye patch, without the use of this signature accessory.


More like, saying slick shit you won't catch
More closely related to saying slick words that others won't understand or be able to catch.


It's like bed time without your PJ's
Similar to going to bed without pajamas on.


Or no fed timing in out the PJ's
Or even not having scheduled police raids while you're sleeping in your pajamas.


It's like one minute you got it, then you broke
It's like the sudden and unpredictable nature of seeing success turn into complete failure.


Like what I do with it? I copped a few with it
After gaining some success, I spent the money on a few new things.


Looking like a problem, but you won't get it solved
Appearing like a concern or issue, but unable to be resolved.


You working but you won't get the job
Despite working hard, you may not always end up with the position you strive for.


It's like, who would of thought (thought)
It's unbelievable or unexpected.


It you would of bought (bought)
If you had knowledge of it beforehand and did something to prevent it.


Into my religion you'd be more like God
If you followed my teachings and sought to emulate me, you might be more like a deity.


But you were steady swimming so you more like cod
You swam along with others, following the current, so you are more like a fish.


See these fools is fish scale, converting to ish male
Some people are phony or fake, attempting to appear more dominant or powerful than they truly are.


See I see it like, A alike, be alike
I believe that like attracts like, and that we should strive to be around and align ourselves with people similar to ourselves.


I was taught, if you play alike, be alike
I learned that if you are similar to someone in terms of your mindset and behavior, you're likely to treat them kindly and build a positive relationship.


How they don't see it for one to go pop
How some people fail to realize that for one person to become successful and reach celebrity status, many others must also uplift or guide them to that point.


And this is how you treat Hip-hop?
Is this the way you choose to show respect to the musical genre of Hip-hop, by downplaying or overlooking those who contributed to its success?


Imagine if you didn't have that phantom chrome sitting on a curb
Think about a world where you don't have a flashy, expensive car with shiny rims parked on the side of the road.


The word nigga wouldn't be a bit disturbing nigga
If we didn't use the word 'nigga' so frequently and casually, it wouldn't have the power to hurt or offend others.


See them roots are like begging for the rain
Just as tree roots in a dry area desperately need water, some people need nourishment and help to grow and endure.


You entering my kingdom just a begging for the reign
When you enter my territory or realm, you are asking to be dominated or ruled over by me.


Putting shit stain to paper
Writing crude or offensive words or phrases on paper, essentially dirtying the page.


Ink pain feeling like fifty-five licks on a slave niggas back
Writing these words down feels like causing the same amount of pain and damage as 55 lashes on a slave's back.


And not a one of y'all stopping to hate
Despite other people judging or disliking me, I won't let that affect me or slow me down.


Why it gotta be like that?
Why does life have to be so challenging or difficult?


Just running, running, fast as I can
I am trying my hardest to escape my current situation and be successful.


I'm trying to be a person but I gotta be the man
I wish to behave as a regular or average person, but circumstances have made me feel the need to act like a more powerful and successful figure.


If I can't stand the life that I'm in
If I am unhappy or dissatisfied with my current situation or lifestyle.


I gotta keep running 'cause I'm still gon' win
I will keep persevering and working hard because I know that eventually, I will succeed and achieve my goals.




Lyrics © JELLYBEAN MUSIC GROUP, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CARL THOMAS, DAVE WEST

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@carlgraham6507

Thank God, in like every way,
This is the way
To start day.
And they can be long,
Journey not for the weak or strong
But for those that go on
And put toes on
Hold on
To all that cherished
Like dela check my soul
Of old school love and hip hop
Before it perish!

Like socks to shoes to feet
Sunbathing in dela heat



All comments from YouTube:

@marcocasillo67

I was 10 where my father bought me the album still today am playin this big up from Germany

@sweetcherry4282

This is my favorite cd of all time. De La will always be close to my heart. I grew up listening to this group do what they do. Mainstream loses out when they overlook groups like this

@PSALM1212

Just running, running fast as i can...i'm trying to be a person but i gotta be the man. If i--can't stand the life that i'm in, i gotta keep running because (i'm still gone win) Yes! i got to go on...it's like that, it's like that...Yes! I got to go on...it's like that, it's like that.

@11kful

words to live by...

@KOFICOMPANY

Rest In Paradise Dave!!!🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

@annou23

so what it will never make it mainstream its just the way the world is (except it) this is a gem that has to be searched for those who look will find those who are satisfied with mainstream enjoy it for us that listen to this want nourishment to our soul we want something more we are in search of truth and love the art

@PSALM1212

Everything is on point with this track...because "It's like that" Thanks De La for signing my (3 Feet High & Rising Album Cover) Much props to you guy's for grinding it out after all these years. ~One!

@grenkuts

I've been rocking this shit since march 2004! I love this album!!

@Eons000

i MISS DE LA SOUL SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH !

@staywildnthought6504

I love this track, DOPE

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