Page type: lyric reference
Artist: The Roots
Canonical path: /the-roots/how-i-got-over
Related lyric paths: 6
Video embedded: yes
Lyric guide
How I Got Over
Read How I Got Over lyrics by The Roots on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
How I Got Over
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
Out on the streets, where I grew up
First thing they teach us, not to give a fuck
That type of thinking can't get you nowhere
Someone has to care
How I got over... where the people come apart
Don't nobody care about cha, only thing you got is God
Out here in these streets.. if you get down on your luck
You can stand out, with a hand out
But nobody give a fuck
Out here in these streets, every man is for himself
They ain't helpin noone else, it's a hazard to your health
Livin life in these cold streets
Hey, who's worryin 'bout cha, babe?
When you whylin out, runnin 'round in these streets
Out on the streets, where I grew up (How I got over...)
First thing they teach us, not to give a fuck (How I got o-)
That type of thinking can't get you nowhere (How I got over...)
Someone has to care
Yo..
When you on the corners, there's too much drama
Livin with the police right behind ya
It's always more than a slight reminder
We livin in a war zone like Rwanda
Before I go back to the Heavenly Father
Pray for me if it ain't too much bother
Whatever don't break me a-make me stronger
I feel like I can't take too much longer
It's too much lyin, and too much fightin
I'm all cried out 'cause I grew up cryin
They all got a sales pitch I ain't buyin
They tryin to convince me that I ain't tryin
We uninspired, we unadmired
And tired and sick of being sick and tired
of livin in the hood where the shots are fired
We dyin to live, so to live, we dyin
You just like I am
Out on the streets, where I grew up (How I got over...)
First thing they teach us, not to give a fuck (How I got o-)
Someone has to care
Somebody's gotta care..
And I swear it isn't fair
In suspended animation, we ain't tryin to go nowhere
Out here in these streets.. We're so young and all alone
We ain't even old enough, to realize we're on our own
Livin life in these hard streets
Where it's like they lost they mind
Is there anyway to find?
Are we runnin out of time out here?
Listen...
Hey, who's worryin 'bout cha, babe?
When you whylin out, runnin 'round in these streets
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "How I Got Over"?
The Roots performs "How I Got Over", and this lyric page sits inside the The Roots catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "How I Got Over"?
Yes. The related section below points to I'm Out Deah and Kool On (feat. P.o.r.n.) with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by The Roots?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through The Roots's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on How I Got Over yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.