Kid Rock released several studio albums from 1988 that mostly went unnoticed before his 1998 record 'Devil Without a Cause', released with Atlantic Records, sold 11 million albums behind the hits, "Bawitdaba","Cowboy," and "Only God Knows Why". In 2000, he released The History of Rock which was a compilation of remixed and remastered versions of songs from his previous albums as well as the hit single, "American Bad Ass". In 2001, he released the follow up, Cocky. After a slow start, his country-flavored hit "Picture" with Sheryl Crow resurrected the album and it went gold as a single and pushed the album's sales to more than 5 million. It was followed by 2003's self-titled release, which failed to chart a major hit. In 2006 he released Live Trucker , a live album. In 2007 Kid Rock released Rock N Roll Jesus, which produced a hit in "All Summer Long." It was his first worldwide smash hit, charting #1 in eight countries across Europe and Australia. Rock N Roll Jesus would go on to sell 5 million albums worldwide including being certified triple platinum in the US.
He has sold 22 million albums to date in the United States, which currently ranks him as the 99th best selling music artist of all time in the U.S.
Genuine Article
Kid Rock Lyrics
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I do what I had to
To break through a pick a style that sticks like glue
And as I rank I want to thank no one
'Cause I worked like a bitch to get the job done
You helped me around
My parents put me down
I stood my ground
We kept showin' up
Drinkin and throwin' up
Rap was my life
As I was growin' up
Actin a fool in school no one topped us
Smart ass in class at times abnoxious
Drivin a bronco
Runnin my own show
And pullin the look a like Marilyn Monroe hoes
And me and Bo got together
Made sense
Spent many nights in Mt. Clemens basements
I scratched records and performed a few tricks
KDC mix let the Black man talk shit
Pumpin the new sounds town to town
Who holds it down like Bad Leroy Brown
Now I won't stop cause yo I'm Kid Rock
The Genuine Article
They don't want me
'Cause I worked like a bitch to get the job done
F-F-Fames a costin the price ain't nice
Its like the roll of the dice
For a whole new life
But don't get my song wrong
I enjoy it a lot
Walkin around like a big shot
'Cause I'm Kid Rock
Smooth as an ice cube
Cool as an igloo
And more complex, than a rubix cube
A healthy wealthy young one with a quick tongue
Smart from the start and from the heart my rhymes run
And as I incline through time to get mine
I try not to slide, but walk a straight line
Though it's hard when the climb gets steep
The one who finds is the one who seeks
So I sought and fought
And a lot I got taught
And although I left those who stole got caught
Many shows I rocked
Many suckers I laughed at
And those who snapped back usually got slapped
The cat if I was strap
'Cause I was a son of a gun
Livin' life on the run
Now I pleaded 18 and outdone by none
Bold, Young, Handsome, Bad like Bronson
Pumpin' the new sounds town to town
And when in motown I cool out in Greektown
On the upside with nuthin' too high
The Genuine Article
They don't want me
'Cause I worked like a bitch to get the job done
Chuck nice break that beat down
Uh huh...Uh huh..Uh huh
KDC...huh
Six Generations of rap and I'm first
Ready to burst, the style is rehearsed
I worked and worked and worked and I worked
When many thought I was just gettin jerked
Used, abused, but I paid my dues
And now no one out there could fill my shoes
And my pants and do this dance
This shit didn't happen by chance
It went slow not quick, but now I'm your pick
Ain't that a trip when I started from zip
And now up and up and up I won't stop
The flop just pop the flat top the Kid Rock
Yes me the low key MC
With the ability to rock a party
Anywhere and make people stare
I'm lookin while I'm cookin with no care
Pumpin the new sound town to town
Who holds it down like bad Leroy Brown
And still I won't stop growin this flat top
The Genuine Article
They don't want me
'Cause I worked like a bitch to get the job done
In this song, Kid Rock speaks about the struggles he faced in his journey to success. He explains that he did whatever it took to break through and find a style that would stick. He also talks about the people who helped and hindered him along the way, including his parents who put him down but he never skipped town. He talks about how he acted up in school and drove a Bronco, but never lost sight of his passion for rap music.
As the song progresses, Kid Rock speaks about how fame can come at a cost, but he enjoys it nonetheless. He speaks about his confidence and how complex he is as a person, compared to a Rubix cube. He also highlights his determination to stay on the straight and narrow, even when the journey gets tough. Instead of sliding down a steep climb, he tries to walk a straight line. He concludes by stating that his success has been a result of his hard work and perseverance, and that nobody can fill his shoes.
Line by Line Meaning
Do what you have to
I do what was necessary
I do what I had to
I did what was required
To break through a pick a style that sticks like glue
To succeed, choose a style that stands out and becomes popular
And as I rank I want to thank no one
I achieved success on my own, without needing anyone's help, gratitude or recognition
'Cause I worked like a bitch to get the job done
My hard work and determination were what helped me achieve my goals, despite obstacles
You helped me around
I had some assistance along the way, but it was minor compared to my own efforts
My parents put me down
My family didn't believe in me or my dreams
I never skipped town
I remained in my hometown while I worked towards my goals
I stood my ground
I refused to be deterred or discouraged by setbacks or criticisms
We kept showin' up
I and those who supported me continued to persevere and work towards success
Drinkin and throwin' up
I partied hard sometimes, but it didn't interfere with my goals
Rap was my life
Hip hop music and culture were my passion and my calling
As I was growin' up
During my formative years
Actin a fool in school no one topped us
I was a rebellious student who entertained and impressed my peers
Smart ass in class at times abnoxious
I could be arrogant or disruptive, but also intelligent
Drivin a bronco
I owned and drove a Ford Bronco car
Runnin my own show
I was in charge of my own career and destiny
And pullin the look a like Marilyn Monroe hoes
I surrounded myself with attractive women who resembled the classic actress
And me and Bo got together
I collaborated with a partner named Bo
Made sense
Our teamwork and friendship was beneficial and productive
Spent many nights in Mt. Clemens basements
We rehearsed and practiced our music in local basements
I scratched records and performed a few tricks
I was a skilled DJ who entertained crowds with my mixing and techniques
KDC mix let the Black man talk shit
Our music mix and performances included elements of African American culture and expression
Pumpin the new sounds town to town
We showcased and spread our innovative and exciting music style in various locations
Who holds it down like Bad Leroy Brown
We were confident and successful in our music scene, like the fictional character Bad Leroy Brown
Now I won't stop cause yo I'm Kid Rock
I won't stop my pursuit of success and achievements because of my identity and stage name
The Genuine Article
I am authentic and the real deal, despite any doubts or criticisms
They don't want me
Some people or groups may reject or dislike me or my music style
F-F-Fames a costin the price ain't nice
Fame has its drawbacks and sacrifices, not just benefits or rewards
Its like the roll of the dice
Success in the entertainment industry can be unpredictable and random
For a whole new life
Achieving fame and success can change one's life completely
But don't get my song wrong
My music expresses my true feelings and reflections, not just a shallow or fabricated image
I enjoy it a lot
I truly love and appreciate my music and career
Walkin around like a big shot
I feel confident and proud of my accomplishments and talents
'Cause I'm Kid Rock
My identity and stage name are part of my success and reputation
Smooth as an ice cube
I am charming, persuasive and cool
Cool as an igloo
I am composed, resilient and unaffected by criticism or hate
And more complex, than a rubix cube
My personality and music style are intricate and multifaceted, not easy to solve or understand
A healthy wealthy young one with a quick tongue
I am healthy, successful and talented, with a quick wit and persuasive speech
Smart from the start and from the heart my rhymes run
My lyrics are clever and meaningful, drawn from my own experiences and emotions
And as I incline through time to get mine
As I become more successful and experienced, I strive to achieve even more
I try not to slide, but walk a straight line
I aim to remain focused and honest, despite temptations or setbacks
Though it's hard when the climb gets steep
Success and progress can be challenging and difficult at times
The one who finds is the one who seeks
Those who are determined and persistent in their goals are more likely to achieve them
So I sought and fought
I searched and struggled for success and recognition
And a lot I got taught
I learned many valuable lessons and skills along the way
And although I left those who stole got caught
I distanced myself from bad influences and unethical people, who later faced consequences
Many shows I rocked
I performed many great concerts and events
Many suckers I laughed at
I mocked and dismissed those who underestimated or opposed me
And those who snapped back usually got slapped
I defended myself and my reputation against those who attacked me or my music
The cat if I was strap
I was cool and confident, even in risky or challenging situations
'Cause I was a son of a gun
I was rebellious, tough and resilient
Livin' life on the run
I had a fast-paced and dynamic lifestyle, often travelling and performing
Now I pleaded 18 and outdone by none
I proved my success and talent at a young age, and was not inferior to anyone
Bold, Young, Handsome, Bad like Bronson
I was confident, attractive and rebellious, like the actor Charles Bronson
And when in motown I cool out in Greektown
I relaxed and enjoyed myself in different neighborhoods and cities, such as Detroit's Motown and Greektown areas
On the upside with nuthin' too high
I was content and grateful with my success, without being excessively arrogant or greedy
Chuck nice break that beat down
I acknowledge and praise my DJ, Chuck Nice, for his skills and contribution
Six Generations of rap and I'm first
I am proud and honored to be a pioneer and influencer in the rap music genre, continuing a legacy of innovation and creativity
Ready to burst, the style is rehearsed
I am prepared and eager to show my music style, after practicing and perfecting it
I worked and worked and worked and I worked
I put a lot of effort and dedication into my music and career, with no shortcuts or laziness
When many thought I was just gettin jerked
Despite doubters or naysayers, I believed in myself and my potential for success
Used, abused, but I paid my dues
I suffered hardships, criticism or exploitation, but I also earned and proved my abilities and achievements
And now no one out there could fill my shoes
My uniqueness and talent cannot be duplicated or replaced by anyone else
And my pants and do this dance
I express myself and my personality through my clothing and dance style
This shit didn't happen by chance
My success is the result of my hard work, talent and dedication, not simply luck or coincidence
It went slow not quick, but now I'm your pick
My success was gradual and earned, not overnight, but now I am popular and in demand
Ain't that a trip when I started from zip
It is amazing and surreal to think how far I've come from a humble or disadvantaged beginning
And now up and up and up I won't stop
I will continue to strive for even greater success and impact
The flop just pop the flat top the Kid Rock
My unique and iconic hairstyle is now part of my identity and brand, as Kid Rock
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SYLVESTER STEWART, R.J. RITCHIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Teresa Louise Crowder
on So Hott
YES HE IS