We Get By
Mavis Staples Feat. Ben Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We get by with a smile on our face
We get by with help from our kin
We get by through thick and through thin
We get by, we get by
No matter what happens, I'll be there for you
We get by
Was just the other day, I heard from my old friend
She was going through changes once again
Matters of the head, matters of the heart
Maybe too early to tell, but it's never to late to start
We get by, we get by
No matter how long, I'll be waiting here for you
We get by
We get by, we get by
No matter how long, I'll be waiting
We get by
Day by day, line by line
If you don't have yours
You sure got mine
We get by
We get by, day by day
We get by
And I always
We get by, we get by
No matter how it happens, I'll be there for you
We get by
We get by, we get by
No matter how long, I'll be waiting here for you
We get by
No matter how long, I'll come running
We get by
I'll be waiting
Oh
No matter what happens, I'll be there for you
What happens, I'll be there for you
Oh
Oh, oh yeah
The song “We Get By” by Mavis Staples feat. Ben Harper is all about resilience and survival. It speaks to the human experience and how we navigate life’s ups and downs. The lyrics drive home the point that no matter what happens, we can make it through with love, faith, and support from our loved ones. The song also acknowledges that life is not always easy, but we can still face difficulties with a smile on our faces.
The first verse emphasizes that love and faith are the pillars upon which we build our lives. Even when things get tough, we can rely on each other for support. The line “we get by with help from our kin” emphasizes the importance of family and community. The chorus repeats “we get by” as a reminder that no matter what happens, we can make it through.
The second verse highlights the fact that life is constantly changing, but that doesn’t mean we can’t adapt and grow. The lines “matters of the head, matters of the heart” suggest that even our innermost thoughts and feelings are subject to change, but we can always choose to start anew. The chorus repeats, reinforcing the central message of the song – that we can persevere no matter what.
Overall, “We Get By” is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. Its message is one of hope and optimism, even when the present moment may feel difficult.
Line by Line Meaning
We get by on love and faith
Our reliance on love and faith is what helps us persevere through difficult times
We get by with a smile on our face
Our ability to stay positive and optimistic helps us navigate life's challenges
We get by with help from our kin
Our family and loved ones are a source of support and strength
We get by through thick and through thin
No matter the circumstance, we are able to endure and survive
We get by, we get by
We persevere through life's obstacles
No matter what happens, I'll be there for you
I will be a constant source of support for you, regardless of the situation
Was just the other day, I heard from my old friend
Recently, I received news from a longtime friend
She was going through changes once again
My friend was experiencing significant life changes
Matters of the head, matters of the heart
These changes affected both her emotional and mental well-being
Maybe too early to tell, but it's never too late to start
While it may not be clear what the outcome will be, it's never too late to make a positive change
No matter how long, I'll be waiting here for you
I will be present and available for you, even if it takes a long time
Day by day, line by line
We take life one step at a time
If you don't have yours, you sure got mine
If you're struggling or in need, I will offer my support and resources to you
No matter how it happens, I'll be there for you
Regardless of how events unfold, I will be a constant source of support for you
No matter how long, I'll come running
I will be there for you as soon as possible, no matter how far away I am or how long it takes
We get by, and I always
I keep moving forward and persevering, no matter what
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Ben Harper
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Allisa Bennett
(We get by on love & faith.
We get by with a smile on our face.
Don't mess with us,
'Cause we get by.
Laughter)
We get by on love and faith.
We get by with a smile on our face.
We get by with help from our kin.
We get by thru thick & thin.
We get by, we get by.
No matter what happens, I'll be there for you
We get by.
Was just the other day, I heard from my old friend.
She was going thru changes, once again.
Matters of the head, matters of the heart.
May be too early to tell, but it's never too late to start.
We get by, we get by.
No matter how long I'll be waiting here for you.
We get by.
We get by, we get by.
No matter how long I'll be waiting,
We get by.
(Instrumental break)
Day by day, line by line.
If you don't have yours, you sure got mine.
We get by,
We get by day by day.
We get by, in our own way.
We get by, we get by.
No matter how it happens, I'll be there for you.
We get by.
We get by, we get by.
No matter how long , I'll be here waiting for you.
We get by.
No matter how long I'll come running.
We get by.
No matter what happens I'll be there for you.
Oh, oh yeah!
(That's a winner! What you talkin 'bout?)
Gail Becker
I am watching the "Maid" series and heard this song in the last episode. I had to find this song, and I was pleasantly surprised that a Staple sings it. The Staple singers are a legend and they were one of my favorite groups.
SeekTheWild
Same!!! What a moment. And what a wonderful series 🖤
Gail Becker
@SeekTheWild
Yes, it was a very good series! I cried while watching it because it took me back to my abusive situations as a child, watching my mother being abused, my abusive marriage, and my best friend's abusive marriage.
In some instances, I saw myself in her. In other episodes, I saw my mother and my best friend. This series may be fictional, but it is very real to a plethora of people in this world, some of whom I personally know.
When I look back, I thank GOD for bringing me out of that hell. I feel like HE was always with me because I kept having Dreams that came true and eventually set me free.
eluis333
Me 2
Bigdog734
Just heard this song on my favorite tv show... The Good Doctor... this song is amazing!.. God knows I needed this!
.. #WeGetBy
angelique Evans
Me 2
Rhoda Lugazia
Heard it on Good Doctor too and this was quite an episode.
Mafia Chayanee
So do I 🥺✨
Lorna Tw
Ahh, love that show. I heard it on Maid on Netflix which is absolutely incredible!
manic hairdo
MAID just got me here after hearing her unique, velvety voice, the bluesy male voice and the fabulous harmonies.