Copeland started out as a member of the Odd Squad, later known as the Coughee Brothaz, a group of rappers signed to Rap-A-Lot Records. The label is notable for being the home of hip-hop artists such as Geto Boys, Scarface, and Too Much Trouble. Copeland moved on to become part of Scarface's Facemob, before going solo in 1998.[1] Copeland has released six solo albums: The Dude (1998), Just Tryin' ta Live (2002), To tha X-Treme (2004), Waitin' to Inhale (2007), Landing Gear (2008), and Gotta Be Me (2010). He also made a number of guest appearances, including on Dr. Dre's "Fuck You" in 1999, and De La Soul's "Baby Phat" in 2001.[1]
In 2008, he ended his 15 year relationship with Houston based Rap-A-Lot Records because the label failed to renew his contract.[2] Later that year, he signed with indie label Razor & Tie.[3]
Despite being a critical success, Devin the Dude has not achieved success in the mainstream but continues to be a well-known underground hip-hop artist. The New York Times has called him "A brilliant oddball with a spaced-out flow."[4] In addition, he has been called "Rap's best-kept secret" and "Your favorite rapper's favorite rapper."[5] In 2007, he appeared in a documentary titled Screwed In Houston produced by VBS/Vice Magazine that details the history of the Houston rap scene.
Alright
Devin the Dude Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lord thank you for the food that I'm about to receive
May it nourrish my body and keep my mind at ease
But as far as my soul I been meanin to holler atcha
And I know you been busy with niggas steady tryina catch ya
Gotta get somethin off my mind for a while
Cause when problems start to pile it gets kinda hard to smile
But I - keep my head up
I know one day that could be me lyin there in a hearse
So I hope for the best, prepare for the worst
Swearin I curse, but really there's no harm done
Just havin fun, but there's some who wanna take it and run
I left a life of lootin and thievin, and shit
Because my friends and my family was leavin me quick
It seems everything is happenin without me knowin
Tryina stay sane, but mayn, this shit has got me goin
[CHORUS]
[Randy-Ran:]
Goin crazy
Feelin like I'm feelin
But it's gonna be alright
Alright
Alright
I'm goin crazy
Feelin like I'm feelin
But it's gonna be alright
Alright
Alright
Alright
[VERSE 2]
It's hard to keep away from sin, but you know I try
And hopefully I get it together before I die
Thinkin a drink can ease my pain and tough luck
But when I finish, it just leaves me craned and fucked up
Call my folks to tell em how I feel
Before I get to speak they tell me someone else got killed
Slowly but surely they're goin one at a time
I wish you could rewind and show em some kind of sign
I realize I put my life on the line just bein born
Gotta git up, git out, no time to be snorin
And just play with the cards I'm dealt
And if I lose I won't blame nobody else
Cause it's all about survival and the strongest survive
But even the strongest won't make it alive
Cause death sneaks up from behind without you knowin
And just the thought of it has got me goin
[CHORUS]
[VERSE 3]
We are livin on a see-sawer
And when we fall it hurts
We can't get up from the dirt
Like lotto you got a different number picked daily
Here one day, and gone the next, this shit crazy
Now I gotta work on gettin my brain back together
Be ready for whatever, rain and bad weather
Had never seen so many dark clouds around
A lotta strange looks and smiles turned to frowns
Maybe one day it'll all make sense
When everybody's chillin on that other side of the fence
But for now I just leave it up to the keeper
Be thankful for what he gave me, chill out and smoke some reefer
Set all my problems aside for a few
Before I lose my cool, do somethin I don't wanna do
Because I seen frustrations frequently flowin
All I need is your strenght to keep me from goin
[CHORUS]
Devin the Dude's song "Alright" is a contemplative song that highlights the struggles of life such as the loss of loved ones, trying to keep away from sin, and dealing with personal issues. In verse one, the singer offers a prayer of gratitude for the food. Still, he expresses the need to talk to God about something pressing that has been bothering him. He says that problems are beginning to pileup, making it harder to smile but keeps his head up despite everything. There is a realization that someday he could be the one lying in a hearse, which makes him hope for the best and prepare for the worst. With this, the artist portrays a sense of hope amidst trying situations and encourages his listeners to do the same.
In the second verse, the artist touches on how life is unpredictable and how it is hard to escape sin despite trying. He mentions that drinking might temporarily ease his pain, but the aftermath leaves him confused and messed up. The singer tells of how he made peace with the fact that he was born on a battlefield and has to deal with whatever life throws at him. The strongest often survive, but even that disintegrates with the inevitable arrival of death. The artist admits that the mere thought of death can stir up confusion and deep thoughts, which could be overwhelming.
Verse three emphasizes the concept of life being a seesaw, where one day, you could be here, and the next day, you are gone. The uncertainty of life and the fact that we do not know what will happen tomorrow can be unnerving. Still, there is a need to work on "getting the brain back together" and be ready to face whatever comes one’s way. The writer mentions seeing a lot of dark clouds around, and even though things may not make sense now, he is hopeful that someday they will.
Overall, the song encourages one to put their faith in a higher power and to stay hopeful despite the odds.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord thank you for the food that I'm about to receive
Expressing gratitude to God for the nourishment provided
May it nourrish my body and keep my mind at ease
Hoping the food will provide physical and mental comfort
But as far as my soul I been meanin to holler atcha
Acknowledging a desire to connect with God on a deeper level
And I know you been busy with niggas steady tryina catch ya
Recognizing the idea of God being constantly sought after by others
Gotta get somethin off my mind for a while
Feeling the need to express thoughts and emotions
Cause when problems start to pile it gets kinda hard to smile
Acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining a positive outlook during tough times
But I - keep my head up
Maintaining a positive attitude despite challenges
And try to hold on until my kids all grown
Striving to persevere for the sake of his children's futures
I know one day that could be me lyin there in a hearse
Realizing the inevitability of death and its impact on loved ones
So I hope for the best, prepare for the worst
Striving to remain optimistic while being realistic about potential outcomes
Swearin I curse, but really there's no harm done
Using explicit language for comedic effect and not intending harm
Just havin fun, but there's some who wanna take it and run
Enjoying life, but also being aware of those who may try to exploit or harm him
I left a life of lootin and thievin, and shit
Acknowledging a past filled with criminal behavior
Because my friends and my family was leavin me quick
Realizing the negative impact of criminal activity on personal relationships
It seems everything is happenin without me knowin
Feeling out of touch or disconnected from current events and personal relationships
Tryina stay sane, but mayn, this shit has got me goin
Struggling to maintain mental stability in the face of challenging circumstances
We are livin on a see-sawer
Life is full of ups and downs
And when we fall it hurts
Acknowledging the pain and difficulty that comes with failure or hardship
We can't get up from the dirt
Feeling stuck or helpless in difficult situations
Like lotto you got a different number picked daily
Comparing life's unpredictability to a lottery draw
Here one day, and gone the next, this shit crazy
Reflecting on the fragility and fleeting nature of life
Now I gotta work on gettin my brain back together
Acknowledging the need for personal growth and development
Be ready for whatever, rain and bad weather
Prepared to face challenges and adversity
Had never seen so many dark clouds around
Feeling overwhelmed by negative circumstances
A lotta strange looks and smiles turned to frowns
Experiencing unexpected negativity from others
Maybe one day it'll all make sense
Holding onto hope that life will eventually become clearer and more meaningful
When everybody's chillin on that other side of the fence
Speculating about the afterlife and the possibility of greater understanding
But for now I just leave it up to the keeper
Accepting the current state of uncertainty and putting trust in a higher power
Be thankful for what he gave me, chill out and smoke some reefer
Appreciating one's blessings and taking a moment to relax
Set all my problems aside for a few
Temporarily letting go of worries or stressors
Before I lose my cool, do somethin I don't wanna do
Taking a moment to calm down and prevent negative actions or reactions
Because I seen frustrations frequently flowin
Observing the negative impact of frustration and attempting to avoid it
Contributed by London J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Earl tolefree
These youngster's don't have the capacity to drop it like this. This is a TRUE CLASSIC!!!
Samira Saleh
Cruisin to Devin with my aunt is one of my fondest memories with her. Taken to soon from this world by her creator at only 33. RIP tia Kari. Miss you every damn day.
BOMBAYBUBB
ITS 2020 AND I STILL BUMP THIS ALBUM!!!!!!! CLASSIC!!!
Belinda Carter
Man this is my favorite by Devin very underrated
Shawna Rose
There's always a Devin song to hit the spot
Hookah Pack
What!
Felix Doyle Hammond 2
You're damn right
Steve Waters
One of my favorite songs of all time!
Belinda Carter
Mine too
todd joseph
Song hits different when you get older, truly a great.