The song "I Get By" by Everlast is a reflection on the struggles and challenges faced by the working class. It tells the story of a person who is dealing with financial difficulties, job loss, and a sense of helplessness in the face of a seemingly uncaring government. The lyrics describe how the protagonist is constantly harassed by the government about unpaid debts and how it affects their personal life and family. They have to go to extreme measures, like parking their truck elsewhere, to avoid further financial burden due to a subprime loan. Despite these hardships, the protagonist finds solace in the support of their friends and tries to find a new job with better benefits. However, the closure of the plant and the lack of opportunities lead them to contemplate resorting to criminal activities. To cope with the stress and difficulties, they turn to smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol, using these as temporary distractions from their troubles. They express the hope that everything will eventually be fine, even though they keep falling further behind each day. The chorus emphasizes the resilience and determination to survive, even if it means barely scraping by or laughing to avoid crying. They admit to staying a little high as a way to escape reality but maintain that they are not lying about the struggles they face. The song also touches on the overarching theme of societal inequality, expressing a lack of trust in the government and police. The lyrics depict a struggle for survival, socializing to find support, and the constant hustle to keep up with bills and basic necessities. Overall, "I Get By" portrays the day-to-day realities of those living paycheck to paycheck, highlighting the challenges, frustrations, and hopes of the working class.
