Jean moved to Brooklyn, New York when he was nine, then to Northern New Jersey, where he began playing the guitar and studying jazz in his high school. In 1987, Jean, his friend (so close they told people they were cousins growing up) Prakazrel Michel (Pras) and his classmate, Lauryn Hill, formed a group called the Tranzlator Crew before becoming The Fugees. Wyclef worked as a cabdriver.
Recently he has been finding success as a collaborator - with his turn on Shakira's 2006 track 'Hips Don't Lie' hitting number one in many countries around the world.
In August of 2010, Jean announced his intent to seek the presidency of Haiti. This move came after his increasingly-high profile humanitarian work in the wake of the earthquake that devastated that nation.
Grateful
Wyclef Jean Lyrics
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And it don't get no realer than this
This is as real as it gets y'all, huh
Maybe my mother, coulda been my father
Perhaps it was my sister, probably my brother
Maybe the church, coulda been the street
Perhaps it was the guitar, or Jerry Wonder beats
Maybe a way out before committing crimes
Coulda been Lauryn, perhaps it was Pras
Probably the mirror looking dead in my eyes
Coulda been reggae, or the love of hip-hop
Maybe my fans at the show saying don't stop
Probably the struggle of all refugees
Maybe the sign how the diamonds bling-bling, ching-ching
Ring ring, there's a call from my wifey, whoo
Perhaps I gotta make it home but music keep calling me
And maybe it's all I know, whatever it is I'm grateful for being
A man with a guitar, a dude from the streets
A cat with a song, a ReFugee MC
Wyclef Jean, a Fugee for life
A preacher's son, first one on the run
I'm grateful that I haven't been shot
Stopped by the cops and they didn't find a glock
W-Y-C-L-E-F, I'm grateful
Coulda been a crack fiend with no place to go
Lord, oh mighty God, have mercy on my soul
Coulda been Pablo, king of Yayo
Or a pimp with a limp screaming we don't love them hoes
Oh no, God knows, perhaps I was chosen
A source of inspiration for the next generation
And maybe it's all I know, whatever it is I'm grateful for being
A man with a guitar, a dude from the streets
A cat with a song, a ReFugee MC
Wyclef Jean, a Fugee for life
A preacher's son, first one on the run
I'm grateful that I haven't been shot (shot)
Stopped by the cops and they didn't find a glock (glock)
W-why-see-L-E-F, I'm grateful
Everybody sing along now
You can make it like I made it
Don't let anyone tell you different
When doors close another door will open
Many have called but my people are chosen
You can make it if I made it
Don't let anyone tell you different
When doors close another door will open, yeah
Many have called but my people are chosen, yeah
A man with a guitar, a dude from the streets
A cat with a song, a ReFugee MC (yeah)
Wyclef Jean, a Fugee for life
A preacher's son, first one on the run
I'm grateful that I haven't been shot (shot)
Stopped by the cops and they didn't find a glock (glock)
W-why-see-L-E-F, I'm grateful
The lyrics to Wyclef Jean's song "Grateful" express the artist's gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities that have shaped his life. Through referencing various possible factors that could have influenced his path such as family, music, and struggle, Jean highlights the randomness and unpredictability of life's course. He acknowledges the potential outcomes that could have led him down a destructive path, such as being a crack fiend or a pimp, but reframes these narratives with a tone of gratitude for having been chosen to be a source of inspiration for the next generation. The repetition of the phrase "maybe it's all I know" emphasizes the importance of his music and the impact it has had on his life, ultimately conveying a sense of humility and appreciation for the journey.
Line by Line Meaning
This is as real as it gets y'all
I am being completely honest and genuine with you all
And it don't get no realer than this
There is no level of realness greater than this
Maybe my mother, coulda been my father
Various people or things in my life could have had a significant impact on who I am today
Perhaps it was my sister, probably my brother
It could have been any member of my family who had a major influence on me
Maybe the church, coulda been the street
My upbringing in both the religious community and the tough street environment have helped shape me
Perhaps it was the guitar, or Jerry Wonder beats
My love for music and the talented producers I've worked with have helped me achieve success
Maybe the money when I didn't have a dime
The struggles of growing up poor and the financial success I've achieved have had a significant impact on my life
Maybe a way out before committing crimes
Music provided me with an outlet and a positive path in life, preventing me from turning to a life of crime
Coulda been Lauryn, perhaps it was Pras
My fellow Fugees and their musical talent and friendship has helped shape me as a person and artist
Probably the mirror looking dead in my eyes
Self-reflection and the ability to examine myself has been an important factor in my personal growth
Coulda been reggae, or the love of hip-hop
The genres of music that I love and have influenced my sound and style
Maybe my fans at the show saying don't stop
The love and support from my fans has been a major driving force behind my success
Probably the struggle of all refugees
The hardships of being a refugee and the struggles of those in that community have inspired me and impacted my music
Maybe the sign how the diamonds bling-bling, ching-ching
The allure of wealth and material success has had an impact on my life and my outlook on success
Ring ring, there's a call from my wifey, whoo
The importance of my family and loved ones in my life
Perhaps I gotta make it home but music keep calling me
The endless pull and importance of music in my life
And maybe it's all I know, whatever it is I'm grateful for being
Despite the many factors and influences on my life and career, I am grateful for who I am and where I am today
A man with a guitar, a dude from the streets
I am a person with humble beginnings and a love of music
A cat with a song, a ReFugee MC
I am a member of the group The Fugees, and a representative for refugees everywhere
I'm grateful that I haven't been shot (shot)
I am thankful to be alive and have avoided violence and dangerous situations
Stopped by the cops and they didn't find a glock (glock)
I have been fortunate to avoid negative interactions with law enforcement and avoid any criminal activity
W-why-see-L-E-F, I'm grateful
This is my name, and I am grateful for all that I have achieved and experienced in my life
Everybody sing along now
Join in and sing with me
You can make it like I made it
You can achieve success, just as I have
Don't let anyone tell you different
Ignore anyone who doubts your ability or tries to bring you down
When doors close another door will open
Even when something doesn't work out, new opportunities will arise
Many have called but my people are chosen
I am grateful to have been chosen by my fans and supporters
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Malik Duplessis, Wyclef Jean, Charles Pendleton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind