Rough Boy
Earning My Stripes: Wyclef Jean's Ode to Hard Work and Rewards
Lyrics
I just got paid today
I have just received my salary or income today.
I got me a pocket full of change
I have a pocket filled with coins or money.
I said, I just got paid today
Reiteration of having received payment today.
I got me a pocket full of change
Reiteration of having a pocket filled with change or money.
If you believe like workin' hard all day
Suggesting that if you understand the value of hard work, you can empathize with the speaker.
Just step in my shoes and take my pay
Encouraging someone to experience the speaker's life and earnings by stepping into their shoes.
I was born my papa's son
The speaker is stating their origin as the son of their father.
When I hit the ground I was on the run
Upon entering the world, the speaker immediately started running or moving fast.
I had one glad hand and the other behind
The speaker had one friendly hand and the other kept behind, suggesting caution or reservation.
You can have yours, just give me mine
The speaker wants what is rightfully theirs, not interested in what others have.
When the hound dog barkin' in the black of the night
When there are challenges (represented by the barking hound dog), the speaker finds comfort in their pocket.
Stick my hand in my pocket, everything's all right
Putting their hand in the pocket symbolizes finding reassurance or solutions when needed.
I just got paid today
Reiteration of receiving payment today.
I got me a pocket full of change, yes, I do
Reiteration of having a pocket filled with change or money.
I said, black sheep, black, do you got some wool?
Asking if someone, particularly a non-conformist ('black sheep'), has resources or possessions.
I said yes I do, man, my bag is full
Confirming that the speaker has possessions or resources despite being unconventional.
It's the root of evil and you know the rest
Referring to money as the root of evil but acknowledging its superiority over the second-best option.
But it's way ahead of what's second best
Suggesting that money is better than the alternative, even if it is considered the root of evil.
I want to suck your blood
An unexpected and possibly humorous line, diverging from the financial theme and introducing a different context (vampiric imagery).
Comment