It is ranked among the 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone at #83. The song is noted for carrying a melody almost identical to that heard on The Beatles' "Lady Madonna", while the song itself is an adaptation of the track "Loving" by Half-Pint. Half-Pint has since performed songs with the Long Beach Dub Allstars, which includes the two surviving members of Sublime. It can be heard on the movie, Fun with Dick and Jane. A shortened, clean version of the song was also included in the video game Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX.
The guitar solo was played by Michael “Miguel” Happoldt, the founder of Skunk Records.
The song was covered by Michael Franti & Spearhead feat. Gift of Gab on the tribute album Look at All the Love We Found.
The song contains a sample of the words "too short" from "Life Is... Too Short" by the American rapper Too Short. The song also contains a sample from a Richard Pryor quote, the same Richard Pryor quote that is used in Ol' Dirty Bastard's Shimmy Shimmy Ya.
The sentence "Never had to battle with no bulletproof vest" is taken from "Nappy Heads" by The Fugees.
What I Got
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Early in the mornin', risin' to the street
Light me up that cigarette and I'll strap shoes on my feet
Got to find a reason, reason things went wrong
Got to find a reason why my money's all gone
I got a dalmatian, and I can still get high
I can play the guitar like a motherfuckin' riot
Well, life is (too short), so love the one you got
'Cause you might get run over or you might get shot
Never start no static, I just get it off my chest
Never had to battle with no bulletproof vest
Take a small example, take a ti-ti-ti-tip from me
Take all of your money, give it all to charity-ty-ty-ty
Love is what I got
It's within my reach
And the Sublime style's still straight from Long Beach
It all comes back to you, you finally get what you deserve
Try and test that, you're bound to get served
Love's what I got
Don't start a riot
You'll feel it when the dance gets hot
Lovin', is what I got
I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got
And remember that
Lovin', is what I got
I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got
(I got, I got, I got)
Why I don't cry when my dog runs away
I don't get angry at the bills I have to pay
I don't get angry when my mom smokes pot
Hits the bottle and goes right to the rock
Fuckin' and fightin', it's all the same
Livin' with Louie Dog's the only way to stay sane
Let the lovin', let the lovin' come back to me
Lovin', is what I got
I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got
And remember that
Lovin', is what I got
I said remember that
Lovin', is what I got
(I got, I got, I got)
We're not that far off
So that's
See, but
Yeah, we're done there
The song "What I Got" by Sublime starts off describing a typical morning of the singer rising from bed and attempting to make sense of things that went wrong in his life. He sings about his dog, dalmatian, and about still being able to get high and play the guitar "like a motherfuckin' riot." The chorus emphasizes the importance of love and not taking life for granted as it can end at any moment. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been through some tough times, but has learned to find peace in his life by focusing on what really matters - love.
The second verse of the song talks about the singer's perspective on life. He doesn't get angry or upset about things he can't control, such as his dog running away or his mother smoking pot. He emphasizes that love is what he has and it's what's important to him. The song ends with the chorus repeating the importance of love in his life.
"What I Got" by Sublime is a powerful song with a deep message. It emphasizes the importance of love and how it can bring peace and happiness to an individual. The lyrics suggest the singer has been through some tough times, but by focusing on love and not letting anger or frustration take over, he's been able to find peace in his life. This song has become an anthem for many people who have struggled with depression, addiction, or other personal issues.
Line by Line Meaning
Early in the mornin', risin' to the street
Every morning, I wake up and head straight outside to start my day
Light me up that cigarette and I'll strap shoes on my feet
I start my day by smoking a cigarette and getting ready to tackle whatever comes my way
Got to find a reason, reason things went wrong
I'm searching for the reason why things aren't going right for me lately
Got to find a reason why my money's all gone
I need to figure out why I'm always broke
I got a dalmatian, and I can still get high
Despite everything else going on in my life, I can still have some fun and get high with my dog
I can play the guitar like a motherfuckin' riot
I'm really good at playing the guitar and can get a crowd going with my talent
Well, life is (too short), so love the one you got
Life is too short to waste time not appreciating what you already have
'Cause you might get run over or you might get shot
You never know when life will take a turn for the worse and you may not have another chance to show love
Never start no static, I just get it off my chest
I don't like confrontations, so I just speak my mind and get things out in the open
Never had to battle with no bulletproof vest
I'm lucky to have not faced any life-threatening situations
Take a small example, take a ti-ti-ti-tip from me
Let me give you a little advice
Take all of your money, give it all to charity-ty-ty-ty
I recommend donating all of your money to charity, it will make you feel really good
Love is what I got
Love is the most important thing in my life
It's within my reach
I know that I can always find love no matter where I am in life
And the Sublime style's still straight from Long Beach
My music will always be representative of where I come from
It all comes back to you, you finally get what you deserve
Karma is real, what goes around comes around
Try and test that, you're bound to get served
If you try to challenge the laws of karma, you'll get what's coming to you
Love's what I got
Love is the most important thing to me, always
Don't start a riot
Avoid conflict when possible
You'll feel it when the dance gets hot
You know when things get really intense, that's when you feel the true power of love
Why I don't cry when my dog runs away
I don't let little things bother me anymore
I don't get angry at the bills I have to pay
Even though bills are a hassle, I don't let them get me down
I don't get angry when my mom smokes pot
I don't judge or criticize my mother for doing something that makes her happy or helps her relax
Hits the bottle and goes right to the rock
She may drink or use drugs sometimes, but that doesn't change how much I love and care for her
Fuckin' and fightin', it's all the same
People always seem to be arguing and fighting, but ultimately it's not worth it
Livin' with Louie Dog's the only way to stay sane
Living with my dog, Louie, is the only thing that keeps me grounded
Let the lovin', let the lovin' come back to me
I want to let go of negative emotions and let love fill my life again
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lindon Roberts, Bradley James Nowell, Eric John Wilson, Floyd IV Gaugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Frantzen79
A track that celebrates life from a guy that didn't get much of it. Peace mate.
@stronkman9157
I hope Brad is in a better place. He's probably had the best 28 years of his entire life. RIP
@ElliotK2
Justin McCoy if your were a fan you would know that his ashes were scattered and also atheism depresses me
@masonpink3992
Justin McCoy dude chill
@Anomaly-uz9pr
Justin McCoy Just because there is no evidence of gods existence does not mean that we know for sure what happens after death because we don’t know I personally don’t believe god is real but I like to hope for something after I die
@sweetkarma1345
"God" is the air you breathe everyday.
@boredincan
RIP Lou Dog. November 25th, 1989 - September 17, 2001
@lilywilkinson6808
🙏
@dougsmith6262
Damn. So that dog was born when I was in kindergarten and died when I was a sophomore.
@dougsmith6262
@Rigo Dude I was half way to 15 when you were born, lol. Shit.