Can't Have

Album: Climate Change (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Pitbull reflects on his rise from rags to riches on this immigrant-proud song.

    First we shine the shoes
    Then we own the shoe shop
    First we make the sandwich
    Then we own the restaurant
    First we clean the house
    Then we own every house on the block
    Not bad for some immigrants


    "If you don't know where you're from, you don't know where you're going," Pitbull told The Fader when asked about the track. "If you don't stand up for something, you'll fall for anything. That's what 'Can't Have' is all about – appreciation. Because the grass looks greener on the other side until you get to the other side."
  • The song samples Miami-based singer Steven A. Clark's 2015 song of the same title, retaining the original chorus and incorporating EDM/Trap beats into it.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.