Phil’s path toward a country music career began in a childhood molded by two equally strong influences. The first was the ministry, which had shaped both sides of his family for generations. The other was music. Phil grew up singing in church and later became a member of the prestigious Lee Singers.
Intending to pursue a career in music after graduating from college, Phil was compelled to join the Navy after the attacks of September 11.
While stationed in Jacksonville, FL as lead singer of the Navy Band Southeast, he performed music by Garth Brooks, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and James Taylor, a rounding out of tastes that served him well when he finally hit Idol. Then, with Country Week, it all came full circle. "Randy said, 'Dude, you're gonna have a big career in country,' and that was the night even Simon agreed," he says. "And I was thinking, 'Thank God, because this is me. I'm finally getting to do something I love to do.'"
After the 55-city Idol tour wrapped in September 2007, Phil immediately re-enlisted in the Naval Reserves. He moved his family to Nashville, signed with Lyric Street Records, and began recording his debut album with producer Wayne Kirkpatrick.
The music they’ve recorded will give listeners a look at a man who comes into his own with a hard-won maturity and self-knowledge. "I feel my job as a singer," he says, "is part of my job as a human being. I'm supposed to be touching other people's lives, doing the best I can to be a positive force in the world."
It's Who You Know
Phil Stacey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Makes all the rules
'Cause he's super cool
And everybody wants to be
Just like him
There's a little girl in his
Homeroom class
'Cause she thinks she's fat
And lookin' for a corner she
Can hide in
Well, in life there ain't too many
Level playin' fields
It don't seem fair
But here's the deal
Buddy, here's the deal
[Chorus]
You can walk on water
You can walk on the moon
You can walk through Memphis
Wearin' blue suede shoes
When the walkin' is over
At the end of the road
It ain't what you've done, son
It's who you know, yeah, it's
Who you know
Meet the man who owns it all
Well, that's him there on the lobby wall
Now don't it look like
He's been carved from granite
His hands are soft, his heart is hard
And he only smokes the best cigars
And you'll call him Sir
Because he's earned it, man
Got a little old lady
Cleans up after him at night
She prays someday he'll see the light
Well, I think she's got it right
[Chorus: x2]
Oh, it ain't what you've done, son
It's who you know, yeah, yeah it's who you know
Oh, oh, oh
The song 'It's Who You Know' by Phil Stacey is about the reality of life and how unfair it can be. Stacey starts the song by referring to the quarterback at school who makes all the rules and is considered super cool by everyone. The quarterback is a symbol of power and status, and everyone wants to be like him. On the other hand, there's a little girl in his homeroom class who sits in the back and is looking for a corner to hide because she thinks she's fat. This girl represents the underprivileged individuals who lack power, social status, or influence to make things happen.
Stacey acknowledges the harsh reality of life, where there are not many level playing fields. The world is not fair, and some individuals are born into privilege, while others struggle and fight hard to get even an inch closer. However, in the end, Stacey reminds us that it's not what we've achieved that matters most but 'who we know.' The song emphasizes the importance of having the right connections, network, or relationships, as it determines the opportunities we get in life. Hence, he repeats, 'It's who you know, yeah, it's who you know!'
Overall, the song encourages listeners not to give up on their dreams, but to cultivate relationships that can open doors of opportunity. It's crucial to build and maintain connections because it's easier to navigate through life with the right support system behind us.
Line by Line Meaning
The quarterback down at the school
The popular quarterback in school who sets the standards for everyone else.
Makes all the rules
His power and popularity give him influence over the way things are done.
'Cause he's super cool
His coolness is what makes him popular and respected.
And everybody wants to be
His influence makes everyone want to be like him.
Just like him
They aspire to have the same popularity and influence that he has.
There's a little girl in his
In the same school as the quarterback,
Homeroom class
Who attends the same class as him.
Sits in the back
She avoids the spotlight and tries to be invisible.
'Cause she thinks she's fat
Her low self-esteem causes her to doubt her own appearance.
And lookin' for a corner she
And she tries to find a place to hide,
Can hide in
To avoid attention and not be noticed.
Well, in life there ain't too many
Life is not always fair or just,
Level playin' fields
And opportunities are not the same for everyone.
It don't seem fair
This is not a fair system.
But here's the deal
However, there is one thing you need to know.
Buddy, here's the deal
Here is the thing you need to understand, my friend.
[Chorus]
The chorus emphasizes that success in life is not solely based on one's own abilities and accomplishments.
You can walk on water
You can be capable of doing the impossible.
You can walk on the moon
You can be successful in achieving your dreams.
You can walk through Memphis
You can go through a tough and challenging experience.
Wearin' blue suede shoes
But if you have the right connections, you can do all of these things.
When the walkin' is over
When everything is said and done,
At the end of the road
And you reach the end of your journey,
It ain't what you've done, son
Your accomplishments alone will not determine your success.
It's who you know, yeah, it's
Your connections and networks are key to unlocking opportunities.
Who you know
And will ultimately determine your chances of success.
Meet the man who owns it all
The song describes a powerful and wealthy figure who has everything he could want.
Well, that's him there on the lobby wall
His picture is displayed prominently for all to see.
Now don't it look like
He appears to have it all together.
He's been carved from granite
He looks strong and unbreakable.
His hands are soft, his heart is hard
But his personality is not necessarily what it appears to be.
And he only smokes the best cigars
He enjoys the finest things in life.
And you'll call him Sir
He commands respect and admiration.
Because he's earned it, man
His power and influence have been acquired through his connections and networking abilities.
Got a little old lady
However, he still has someone to do the dirty work for him,
Cleans up after him at night
Someone who takes care of his needs and is willing to go the extra mile to keep him happy.
She prays someday he'll see the light
Despite this devotion, she still wishes he will one day see the value in treating everyone equally.
Well, I think she's got it right
In the end, the song suggests that it is the little people, not just the powerful, who can see the value in making fair connections and creating equal opportunities for those around them.
[Chorus: x2]
The chorus repeats the belief that it's not what you've done, but rather who you know, which will help you achieve success.
Oh, it ain't what you've done, son
It's not your talent alone that will get you ahead.
It's who you know, yeah, yeah it's who you know
But rather the connections and networks you build in life.
Oh, oh, oh
A final repeat of the chorus, emphasizing its message.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WENDELL LEE MOBLEY, RIVERS RUTHERFORD, KENNY BEARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind