“You need git up, git out and git somethin’
How will you make it if you never even try
You need to git up, git out and git somethin’
Cuz you and I got to do for you and I”
—OutKast, “Git Up, Git Out”
How often do you complain or hear others complain about their job, lack of job, family life, social life or just life in general? How many of these very same people, possibly including you, are doing “nothing” about it?
This classic rap song from OutKast’s debut album “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik” states what must be done emphatically. One of the reasons I still love this song so much is that both “André 3000” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton still live by it approximately 17 years from its release. They have branched out into television, movies, cartoons at one point, fashion and even ballet. Apparently, they made sure to “git up, git out” and do more than a little “somethin.”
Besides the smooth mellow beat, I still find myself singing along with this catchy chorus with the “in your face” meaning. Where are you in your life? Where do you want to be? What are “you” doing to get there? Yes, these past few years have been difficult for most during the recession, but there are so many lessons to be learned and opportunities of which to take advantage. “How will you make it if you never even try?”
I love where I presently am today, and I am partly where I am because I did “something” to achieve my goals, and the other reason is because God was on my side as I sought out those goals. Interestingly though, I’ve learned that whenever I ascertain that “something” for which I’m reaching, there’s always some bigger and better goal waiting out there for me. We all have days when we wish our life circumstances were better, but we mustn’t wallow in self-pity, be envious or covet what others have. We “need to git up, git out and git somethin’. Cuz you and I got to do for you and I.” We’re all in this journey together.
Please feel free to share your thoughts
~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris
Bonus English Lesson:
OutKast’s name alone is a perfect English lesson because the correct spelling is Outcast. These guys have fun with the English language by modifying the spelling of words and even changing the syntax of words with the title of this album “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.” Actually, this is a common technique amongst some poets: e.e. cummings is one of the most famous to use this technique. Also, OuKast embraces a southern slang vernacular in most of their songs since they are from Atlanta. Instead of get, OuKast uses git, and instead of something, they use somethin’.
Furthermore, within the last line, there is not only a colloquialism with modified spelling but an object pronoun error which might have been deliberately done for the purpose of rhyming and to have the proper meter in the line. Instead of “Cuz you and I got to do for you and I,” it should be “Because you and I have to do for you and me.” Keep in mind that many rappers who are well-versed and considered lyricists tend to familiarize themselves with the standard grammar rules prior to breaking the rules in their lyrics.
Journey of Anonomz 