He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of the singles "Locked Up" and "Lonely", from his debut album "Trouble". His second album, "Konvicted", earned him a Grammy Award nomination for the single Smack That featuring Eminem. His latest album, "Freedom", was released in 2008. Akon often sings hooks for other artists and is currently accredited with over 200 guest appearances and 32 Billboard Hot 100 songs.
He is the first solo artist to accomplish the feat of holding both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice. He has also founded two record labels, Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution and has a clothing label, Konvict clothing
Akon is a Muslim and has many charities of his own.
Akon's father is the Senagalese drummer Mor Thiam.
Get By
akon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Akon...
Everybody I know around my way still there (everybody's still there)
And waiting for a miracle to pass them by
Most of them are known drug dealers and I know them well
(Yes I know them well)
Cause it's the way to get by
It's the only way to get by
If I had a choice aside from this life god knows I try...
To get away...
Ooh yeah...
In his heart whoa...
Everybody I know around my way still there (everybody's still there)
And waiting for a miracle to pass them by
Most of them are known drug dealers and I know them well
(Yes I know them well)
That's the only way they know how to survive
Cause it's the way to get by
It's the only way to get by
If I had a choice aside from this life god knows I try...
To get away...
Everybody I know around my way still there (everybody's still there)
And waiting for a miracle to pass them by
Most of them are known drug dealers and I know them well
(Yes I know them well)
That's the only way they know how to survive
Cause it's the way to get by
It's the only way to get by
If I had a choice aside from this life god knows I try...
To get away...
Ooh yeah...
Ohh yeah...
The lyrics to Akon's song "Get By" speak to the struggles of living in poverty and the limited options some people have to survive. The opening line, "Convict...Akon..." suggests that the singer is from a background of hardship and possibly criminal activity. He then talks about "Everybody I know around my way still there / And waiting for a miracle to pass them by," implying that the people he knows are stuck in a cycle of poverty and hoping for something to change their circumstances. The next line reveals that many of these people turn to selling drugs as a means of survival, and that the singer is familiar with this lifestyle. He repeats the chorus several times, emphasizing that selling drugs is the only way many people know how to get by. He acknowledges that if he had a better choice, he would take it - but for those in impoverished communities, making a living through illicit means may seem like the only viable option.
Line by Line Meaning
Convict...
A reference to Akon's record label, Convict Music.
Akon...
A reference to Akon himself as the artist performing the song.
Everybody I know around my way still there (everybody's still there)
Despite the difficult circumstances in their neighborhood, Akon's acquaintances have not been able to escape and remain in the area.
And waiting for a miracle to pass them by
They are hoping and waiting for some magical intervention to improve their situation.
Most of them are known drug dealers and I know them well (Yes I know them well)
Akon is personally familiar with many of the people in his area who turn to drug dealing as a means of survival.
That's the only way they know how to survive
Due to a lack of opportunities and resources, selling drugs is the only way that many in Akon's community can make ends meet.
Cause it's the way to get by
Dealing drugs is the only way for individuals in this community to maintain their basic needs and provide for their families.
It's the only way to get by
Once again emphasizing that there are no other viable options for survival in this community.
If I had a choice aside from this life god knows I try...
Akon recognizes the hardship and desperation that leads people to turn to illegal means of making money, and wishes there were more opportunities for them to pursue legitimate work.
To get away...
To escape the harsh realities of life in his community, most likely to a place with more opportunity and fewer obstacles.
Ooh yeah...
An interjection expressing deep emotion and feeling on this topic.
In his heart whoa...
An expression of Akon's earnest sentiment and empathy for the plight of people in his hometown.
Ooh yeah...
A final interjection of expression in support of his message.
Contributed by Jonathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
AliciaRenae
Wow!! This song was actually originated from my brother’s friend. He had the beat and rapped about my brother’s life and I still have the song til this day. May my brother rest his soul!!🙏🏽🙏🏽
Kyle Sheldon
Her voice is as beautiful as she is.. Lovee this song
Simanta Kalita
awesome...such a lovely music... love u akon ❤
One People
I love this song. This song talks about real life. Most of these people who are involved in these social vices for survival are victims of circumstances. Let's love our neighbors and help transform them for them to make use of their God given potentials
Babajide Odueko
Victims of circumstances??? - You can tell yourself that to cuddle yourself to sleep. The 'law' has absolutely no sympathy or recognition of any such thing. The law sees violations and punishment. - Besides, if you are talking about those involved in these social vices for survival as victims of circumstances, then what about the people that they have victimized in their of selfish fight for survival? What about the families of those they have victimized? The truth is, when you are in the devil's lair, the only way to go is down. Get out of the devil's lair.
Vidas em Risco
2020, is anyone still listening?
Great song!!!
A.D Still
How has this not even hit a million views? sign of the times we're living in, real shit doesn't get no love. If he was singing about bitches and money on a wack ass trap beat this would have millions of views. I Love this song, get mad chills. Shout out the Big Homie AKON
Olivia Zach
Such a beautiful song! It makes me cry.. Akon is a king as much as Michael Jackson
Zakariia
Have some water bruh, you thirsty af
K.Montana
Olivia Zach your fine girl..Where u from