The band signed a record deal with Profile Records in 1983, and Run's older brother, Russell "Rush" Simmons, signed Run-D.M.C. to his newly formed management company Rush Productions that same year. On their first major United States tour, the group set new fads by performing dressed in baggy black clothing, Adidas Sneakers (always with shoelaces removed), and Fedora hats.
Their mainstream success continued as the group performed at the famous Live Aid concert in 1985, and their 1986 album ''Raising Hell'' became the highest-selling rap album in history (this record was later broken as rap gained more popularity with artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Eminem), reaching number 3 on the ''Billboard magazine'' album charts and selling over 3 million copies. The album featured the famous cover version of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way", a rap-rock collaboration performed with Aerosmith members Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. The song was the first hip-hop track to make the Top 10 on Billboard's singles charts.
Run-D.M.C. were renowned for breaking new ground in rap music. "It's Like That" and "Sucker MC's" (1983) were the first hip hop tracks that relied on electronic beats and nothing else. "Peter Piper" (1986) was the first rap record in which the DJ cut up a record (in this case, "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" by jazz musician Bob James. Run-D.M.C. became the first rap act with a platinum album and multi-platinum album, as well as the first rappers to appear on the cover of ''Rolling Stone'' magazine, to receive a Grammy nomination and to appear on Saturday Night Live] and American Bandstand.
After a period of lackluster commercial success after the ''Raising Hell'' album, the group made a comeback in 1993 with their album ''Down With the King'', which made Billboard's Top 10 for album and the Pete Rock assisted single "Down With the King".
Jam-Master Jay was shot and killed in October 2002, leading Run-D.M.C. to announce their retirement.
For a complete biography and the most up-to-date information on Run DMC, visit www.RunDMC.com.
Wherever I Lay My Hat
Run-D.M.C. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
this old box, full of hats
I dust off the grime, all the time my grandfather spent
working his life away, just so he and his wife could make
good memories and children
this old box, full of good memories
fond as the day they were made
working his life away, so he could come home and say
this is where i lay my hat down
i come around strong and willing
working so hard to keep it
cause, this is where i lay my hat down
i come around strong and willing
and thatโs why i keep working so hard
these old hats, worn by many men
that a family in the country made
no regular hand-me-downs, theyโre valued like family crowns
in a cardboard treasure box, so these men could come home and say
this is where i lay my hat down
i come around strong and willing
working so hard to keep it
cause, this is where i lay my hat down
i come around strong and willing
and thatโs why i keep working so hard
The lyrics to Run-D.M.C.'s song "Wherever I Lay My Hat" tell the story of a cherished box filled with hats that represents the hard work and devotion of the singer's grandfather. The box, described as old and dusty, holds more than just physical items; it holds memories and the dedication of a man who worked tirelessly to provide for his family.
The singer reflects on the time his grandfather spent working his life away, emphasizing the sacrifices he made so that his wife and children could have a good life. The hats in the box are symbols of these sacrifices and the memories created by the family. The singer recognizes and values the significance of these hats, describing them as more than mere hand-me-downs, but as treasured possessions that hold the weight of family history and pride.
The chorus, "this is where I lay my hat down, I come around strong and willing, working so hard to keep it," conveys the singer's strong determination to carry on his grandfather's legacy. He is determined to work hard and create his own path, honoring the values instilled in him by his grandfather. The repeated mention of working hard signifies the importance of perseverance and commitment in the singer's life.
Overall, "Wherever I Lay My Hat" is a tribute to the singer's family heritage, the strength of their bond, and the values they hold dear. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations and the responsibility to carry on their legacy through hard work and dedication.
Line by Line Meaning
this old box, full of hats
This box is filled with various hats.
I dust off the grime, all the time my grandfather spent
I clean the dirt that accumulated over the years, representing the hard work my grandfather put in.
working his life away, just so he and his wife could make
My grandfather dedicated himself to laboring tirelessly so that he and his wife could create a better life for themselves.
good memories and children
They aimed to build a collection of beautiful memories and raise a family.
this old box, full of good memories
The box contains cherished memories that bring joy and nostalgia.
fond as the day they were made
These memories hold sentimental value and are reminiscent of the day they were created.
so he could come home and say
After laboring, my grandfather could return home and proudly declare
this is where I lay my hat down
This is the place I find comfort and security.
i come around strong and willing
I approach with determination and readiness.
working so hard to keep it
Putting in immense effort to maintain and protect this cherished place.
cause, this is where I lay my hat down
Because this is the location where I find solace and a sense of home.
these old hats, worn by many men
These hats have been worn by numerous individuals.
that a family in the country made
These hats were crafted by a rural family.
no regular hand-me-downs, they're valued like family crowns
These hats hold substantial significance and are treasured, comparable to royal crowns within the family.
in a cardboard treasure box, so these men could come home and say
These men stored the hats in a special cardboard box, allowing them to proudly declare upon returning home
this is where I lay my hat down
This is the place I find comfort and security.
i come around strong and willing
I approach with determination and readiness.
working so hard to keep it
Putting in immense effort to maintain and protect this cherished place.
cause, this is where I lay my hat down
Because this is the location where I find solace and a sense of home.
i come around strong and willing
I approach with determination and readiness.
and that's why I keep working so hard
This is the reason I continue to exert great effort and dedication.
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOSHUA SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The120376
My favorite part of this hip hop classic 4:13 - 4:53
"We got all the lines
and all the rhymes
We don't drop dimes
and we don't do crimes
We bake a little cake with Duncan Hines
and never wear the vest they call the Calvin Kleins
Cause Calvin Klein's no friend of mine
Don't want nobody's name on my behind
Lee on my legs, sneakers on my feet
D by my side and Jay with the beat"
RLFLOWS
Damn almost 40 years later & still hits hard. Legends.
Timothy Black
I'm sweat suit
Billy
โญ
Blackhaze3000
STILL
Capital City NJ
๐ฏ
Lace Krooz
๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅโค๐๐ฝโค๐๐ฝ
Ripper1488
I get goosebumps listening to this because itโs genius. The music, the rap, the presentationโฆtotal package. RIP Jam Master Jay
Timothy Black
The shit
Muhammad
Facts๐ฅณ
Ghost No.5
Lol same just takes u str8 back thereโค