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Got the Life
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| "Got the Life" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Korn | ||||
| from the album Follow the Leader | ||||
| B-side | "I Can Remember" | |||
| Released | August 10, 1998 | |||
| Recorded | April 1998 | |||
| Studio | NRG (North Hollywood) | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:45 | |||
| Label | Epic | |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers | ||||
| Korn singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Got the Life" is a song by American nu metal band Korn. It was released in 1998, as the second single from their third album, Follow the Leader (1998). The song was recorded in April 1998 at NRG Recording Studios. The band decided they would release the song as a promotional single after each member found that there was something "special" about the song. The single had "phenomenal success", and its music video was requested more than any other video on MTV's TRL, making it the first officially "retired" music video.
"Got the Life" did not receive much attention in the music press; however, the song was rewarded a gold certification in Australia by the Australian Recording Industry Association, platinum in New Zealand by Recorded Music NZ, and silver in the United Kingdom by the British Phonographic Industry.[5][6][7] It peaked at number one on the Canadian RPM Rock/Alternative Chart chart, as well as number fifteen on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and number seventeen on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Background and release
[edit]"Got the Life" was recorded in April 1998 at NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California.[8] After recording the song, the group's members each felt that there was something "special" about the song.[9] Lead vocalist Jonathan Davis claimed that it reminded him of "something you might hear at raves", which were very popular at the time.[9][10] Even though they thought that many fans would not appreciate the song, they released it as a promotional single in early August 1998, before the release of Follow the Leader.[10] "Got the Life" was said by Leah Furman to be "revolved around the mixed blessings of fame."[11]
The single was sent to radio stations on July 24, 1998, and has been released five times.[12] The single's first release was on August 10, 1998,[13] where it was released with two versions in the United States.[13][14] The single contains different mixes of the song, including "Deejay Punk-Roc Remix" and the instrumental "D.O.S.E.'s Woollyback Remix."[15] The single also apprehends B-sides and remixes to earlier songs.[16] Stephen Thomas Erlewine reviewed the single, giving it two out of five stars, and noting that "the 'Deejay Punk-Roc Remix' is pretty good, but the instrumental is of negligible worth. The second part of the single is backed with 'I Can Remember' plus 'Good God (OOMPH! vs. Such A Surge Remix)'.[17] The single was also released in Australia,[16] and in the United Kingdom twice.[18][19] The single was considered to have had "phenomenal success".[20]
Composition
[edit]
"Got the Life" is three minutes and forty-five seconds long.[21] It is the shortest song on Follow the Leader, and like the album the single was produced by Steve Thompson and Toby Wright,[22][23] and was mixed by Brendan O'Brien.[22] "Got the Life (Deejay Punk-Roc remix)" was mixed by DeeJay Punk-Roc (Jon Paul Davies), and was recorded at Airdog Funk Research Department and Liverpool, England. The D.O.S.E.'s Woollyback remix was mixed by D.O.S.E. in courtesy of Mercury Records.[22]
The song starts off with a single percussion beat, leading into the refrain riff, with a triple guitar overdub. When the verses emerge, lead singer Jonathan Davis begins singing with the lyrical line "Hate, something, sometime, someway, something kicked on the front floor."[24] Korn performed the song with the following members: Jonathan Davis performing vocals, Brian "Head" Welch and James "Munky" Shaffer performing guitars, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, performing on the bass guitar, and David Silveria on the drum kit.
In a 2013 interview with Scuzz, Jonathan Davis revealed that "Got the Life" originally contained an audio sample at the very beginning - a piece of dialogue spoken by actor Dom DeLuise in the 1974 film Blazing Saddles. Warner Brothers would not allow its usage, however, so it was removed prior to the song's release.[25]
Music video
[edit]"I would give my car to a bum. I thought Tre from Pharcyde could play the bum. I wanted to blow up cars and other fancy material things in the video as a way to show that we didn't care about those things. We could end the video with a shot of a big backyard party with all of [their] friends. In addition, I wanted to put two lowrider bikes in the scene and make it look like we were all down in Mexico, partying and having a good time."
Korn decided to shoot a music video for "Got the Life" after the reception from fans and employees at NRG Recording Studios was very positive.[10] The music video's concept was by the band's bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu.[10] Their managers advised them to request Joseph Kahn to direct the video.[10] Kahn also was the director for "A.D.I.D.A.S." music video in 1997.[26] After asking Kahn to direct their video, he responded saying "That's the stupidest idea I've ever heard."[27] Offended by and against his response, Korn hired McG,[27] director of the band's music videos from their self-titled debut album — "Blind", "Shoots and Ladders", "Clown", and "Faget".[28]
On January 12, 1999, this music video was the first video that was officially co retired from MTV's daily top ten countdown as it was consistently and frequently requested, Total Request Live.[27][29][30] MTV's Total Request Live said the song was the most requested music video "for too long so they had to stop airing it so other artists would have a chance at the coveted number one spot."[27] Deuce, the video album where the song's music video appears on, was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.[31][32] California rapper WC makes a cameo appearance in the video dancing. Jay Gordon of Orgy, Brandon Boyd of Incubus, Fred Durst, Sam Rivers, Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit, Eminem, and UFC fighter Tito Ortiz can be seen in the end of the video.[33][34] The music video starts with a boombox playing "It's On", the opening track from the album.
Reception
[edit]AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine gave the single 2/5 stars, although he stated that the song "rivaled such previous masterworks as 'A.D.I.D.A.S.' and 'Shoots and Ladders'. Their fusion of metal and rap was stronger than ever, boasting their best rhythm tracks to date. Which is good, since the B-sides of the 'Got the Life' singles were devoted to remixes."[16]
"Got the Life" is widely considered to be one of Korn's best songs. In 2019, Loudwire ranked the song number ten on their list of the 50 greatest Korn songs,[35] and in 2021, Kerrang ranked the song number seven on their list of the 20 greatest Korn songs.[36]
"Got the Life" became Korn's first entry on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Songs and Alternative Songs charts, peaking at number fifteen and number seventeen, respectively.[37] The song peaked at number twenty-six in Australia, and shipments of a CD single have surpassed 35,000 units.[38] "Got the Life"'s music video debuted at number eight on MTV's Total Request Live, on September 17, 1998.[39]
Track listing
[edit]
|
|
Charts
[edit]| Chart (1998) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[41] | 26 |
| Canada Rock/Alternative (RPM)[42] | 1 |
| Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[43] | 94 |
| Finland Airplay (IFPI Finland)[44] | 30 |
| Hungary (MAHASZ)[45] | 4 |
| Iceland (Dagblaðið Vísir Top 30)[46] | 1 |
| Scotland Singles (OCC)[47] | 21 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[48] | 23 |
| US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[49] | 15 |
| US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[50] | 17 |
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[5] | Gold | 35,000^ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[6] | Platinum | 30,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[7] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
|
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. | ||
See also
[edit]References
[edit]Citations
- ^ Wiederhorn, Jon (July 1, 2013). "NOISEY VS. METALSUCKS - THREATEN MY FAMILY IF YOU MUST, BUT I STILL SAY KORN RULES". Vice.
- ^ Shumka, Dave. "10 nu metal songs that still hold up on CBC music". CBC Music. Archived from the original on 2016-03-01. (February 14th, 2013)
- ^ Unterberger, Andrew (September 10, 2004). "Top Ten Nu-Metal Bands". Stylus Magazine. Archived from the original on October 9, 2004. Retrieved September 25, 2014.
- ^ "The 20 greatest Korn songs – ranked - Kerrang!". Kerrang. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1999 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
- ^ a b "New Zealand single certifications – Korn – Got The Life". Radioscope. Retrieved February 21, 2025. Type Got The Life in the "Search:" field and press Enter.
- ^ a b "British single certifications – Korn – Got The Life". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
- ^ "Follow The Leader (CD)". Tower Records. Archived from the original on 2008-09-14. Retrieved 2010-03-19.
- ^ a b Arvizu 2009, p. 116
- ^ a b c d e f Arvizu 2009, p. 117
- ^ Furman 2000, p. 127
- ^ Furman 2000, p. 145
- ^ a b c "Got the Life (US) > Overview". Allmusic. Retrieved 2010-06-05
- ^ a b "Got the Life (Remixes) > Overview". Allmusic. Retrieved 2010-06-05
- ^ "Got the Life" (DVD). Korn. Epic. 1998.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ a b c Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Got The Life- Korn". AllMusic. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
- ^ Stephen Thomas Erlewine "Got the Life (Australia) > Overview ". Allmusic. Retrieved 2010-06-05
- ^ a b "Got the Life (UK Single #1) > Overview". Allmusic. Retrieved 2010-06-05
- ^ a b "Got the Life (UK single #2) > Overview". Allmusic. Retrieved 2010-06-05
- ^ McIver 2002, p. 71
- ^ "Got the Life (UK)" (DVD). Korn. Epic. 1998.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ a b c Arvizu 2009, p. 112
- ^ "Got the Life (UK #2)" (CD). Korn. Epic. 1998.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Small, Doug (1999). Korn (2 ed.). Omnibus Press. pp. 32–47. ISBN 0-8256-1804-5.
- ^ "Korn Interviewe by U.K.'s Scuzz". Blabbermouth.net. 29 December 2013. Retrieved 2013-12-29.
- ^ "Maital Sabban" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-14. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
- ^ a b c d Arvizu 2009, p. 118
- ^ Korn: Who Then Now, McG, DVD - Barnes & Noble Archived 2011-06-06 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2010-06-02
- ^ Furman 2000, p. 151
- ^ "Hall of Fame". The TRL Archive. Archived from the original on 2007-11-04. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ^ Duece (DVD). Korn. Sony/Epic. 2002.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "RIAA certifications". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2008-03-21.
- ^ Storm, Brian (2016-11-27). "Eminem Was In Korn's 'Got The Life' Music Video Before He Was Famous". Rock Feed. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
- ^ "Korn".
- ^ "The Top 50 Korn Songs, Ranked". Loudwire. September 13, 2019. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
- ^ Law, Sam (April 20, 2021). "The 20 greatest Korn songs – ranked". Kerrang. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
- ^ "Korn > Follow the Leader > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2011-02-23.
- ^ "Accreditations - 1999 Singles". ARIA. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ^ "Debuts". ATRL. The TRL Archive. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ^ "Got the Life (Australian single)" (DVD). Korn. Epic. 1998.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Korn – Got the Life". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
- ^ "Rock/Alternative - Volume 68, No. 3, October 12 1998". Retrieved 2010-06-11
- ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 16, no. 20. August 29, 1998. p. 11. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
- ^ "Chart History" (PDF). musiikkiarkisto.fi. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 15, no. 36. 5 September 1998. p. 15. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
- ^ "Íslenski Listinn (01.10. 1998)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). June 29, 2000. p. 10. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
- ^ "Korn Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
- ^ "Korn Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
Literature
- Arvizu, Reginald (2009). Got The Life. William Marrow. ISBN 978-0-06-166249-2.
- Furman, Leah (2000). Korn: Life in the Pit. St. Martin's Griffin. ISBN 0-312-25396-6.
- McIver, Joel (2002). Nu-Metal: The Next Generation Of Rock. Omnibus Press. ISBN 0-7119-9209-6.
Got the Life
View on GrokipediaCreation
Songwriting
The song "Got the Life" was composed during the early 1998 pre-production sessions for Korn's third studio album, Follow the Leader, a period when the band began developing material at a studio near guitarist Brian "Head" Welch's home in Redondo Beach, California.[1][6] Frontman Jonathan Davis described the track's initial creative spark as originating from a unique percussion beat crafted by drummer David Silveria, which infused the song with rave-like, disco-influenced elements that initially left the band uncertain about fan reception.[1] Davis noted, "I remember when GotTheLife happened, David did that disco beat all of us looked at each other like, ‘Is this good or is this kind of cheesy?’ Because it's kind of like a disco beat. So we were kind of scared of it."[1] The composition process involved collaborative input from all members, with Davis handling the vocals and lyrics, while bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu contributed the prominent, slappin' bass riff that forms the song's core groove.[7] Guitarist Welch added the haunting downtuned riff and melody, building on Silveria's beat to create the track's distinctive tension.[1] Originally, the song incorporated a sample from the 1974 film Blazing Saddles, specifically the end scene featuring dancing, but it was ultimately removed after Warner Bros. failed to secure clearance rights.[8] Davis recalled, "Originally on that song, we had a sample that we couldn't use... It was from [1974 western comedy film] Blazing Saddles, and Warner Brothers could not get it cleared."[8] This decision came during the writing phase, preserving the song's energetic foundation without the cinematic element.Recording and production
The recording of "Got the Life" took place at NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California, during March to May 1998, with principal sessions occurring in April.[9][10] The track was produced by Steve Thompson and Toby Wright, who also handled recording engineering, while Brendan O'Brien oversaw mixing at Southern Tracks Studio in Atlanta, Georgia.[6][11] Band personnel featured Jonathan Davis on vocals, Brian "Head" Welch and James "Munky" Shaffer on guitars, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu on bass guitar, and David Silveria on drums.[10][7] The production process incorporated a rave-inspired beat, drawing from the song's initial conception. During sessions, an intended sample from the film Blazing Saddles was ultimately removed from the final mix. The completed track runs for 3:45.[12]Composition
Musical elements
"Got the Life" is composed in the key of A minor, utilizing Korn's signature detuned seven-string guitar setup in A standard tuning (A-D-G-C-F-A-D), which provides a low-end heaviness characteristic of the band's sound.[13][14] The guitars, played by James "Munky" Shaffer and Brian "Head" Welch, employ drop-like low tunings to emphasize aggressive, sludgy riffs, with the track's main riff built around palm-muted power chords on the lower strings for a dense, rhythmic drive.[15] The song follows a straightforward verse-chorus structure, opening with a heavy percussion intro featuring David Silveria's dynamic drum patterns that establish a syncopated groove before the guitars and Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu's bassline enter. Triple guitar layers—combining rhythm, lead, and harmonic overdubs—create a wall-of-sound texture during the choruses that blends with the industrial undertones.[13][16] Musically, "Got the Life" exemplifies nu metal's fusion of heavy metal with hip-hop beats and industrial influences, evident in its mid-tempo groove at 123 beats per minute, where Fieldy's prominent, slapping bassline locks with Silveria's half-time drum feels and ghost notes to produce a head-nodding, urban-inflected rhythm section.[17][15] Davis's vocal delivery incorporates scatting and ad-libbed vocalizations, such as improvised grunts and rhythmic chants, which enhance the track's raw, improvisational energy and tie into its thematic exploration of frustration.Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of "Got the Life" center on a critique of Hollywood's glamorous yet superficial "good life," juxtaposed against the personal toll of fame, addiction, and inner turmoil experienced by frontman Jonathan Davis.[1] In the song, Davis expresses ambivalence toward success, portraying it as an unfulfilling burden despite its apparent perks, such as material excess and celebrity status.[18] This theme emerges from Davis's own struggles during Korn's rapid rise, where he felt overwhelmed by the pressures of the music industry and the hollow nature of stardom.[1] Key lines underscore this frustration and detachment, beginning with the verse's scat-like refrain: "Hate, something, sometime, someway / Something kicked off the front for me / Something inside (I'll never ever follow) / So give me something that is for real (I'll never ever follow)."[12] These words evoke a sense of alienation amid superficial interactions, as if rejecting the facade of LA's entertainment scene. The chorus amplifies the irony with "God paged me, "You'll never see the light", who wants to see? / God told me, "I've already got the life", oh I say,"" sarcastically acknowledging the "life" one has while questioning its desirability.[12] There is minor debate over the wording in this chorus line ("You'll never see the light" vs. "You'll never see the life"), with "light" being the most common rendition in major lyric databases, though some sources and interpretations (including references in the official music video) use "life." Later verses intensify the commentary on feeling "ripped off and given away," highlighting how fame strips away authenticity and leads to emotional emptiness.[12] The full lyrics, as commonly transcribed (primarily based on Genius.com), are as follows: [Verse 1]Hate, something, sometime, someway
Something kicked off the front for me
Something inside (I'll never ever follow)
So give me something that is for real (I'll never ever follow) [Interlude]
Get your boogie on
Get your boogie on [Verse 2]
Hate, something, someway, each day
Feeling ripped off and given away
This shit inside (Now everyone will follow)
So give me nothing, just feel (And now this shit will follow) [Chorus]
God paged me, "You'll never see the light", who wants to see?
God told me, "I've already got the life", oh I say
God paged me, "You'll never see the light", who wants to see?
God told me, "I've already got the life", oh I say [Bridge]
Each day I can feel it swallow
Inside something took from me
I don't feel your deathly ways
Each day I feel so hollow
Inside I was beating me
You will never see, so come dance with me
Dance with me, dance with me, dance with me
Dance with me (Rum-biddie-boo, rum-bum-dee-dum)
Dance with me (Rum-biddie-boo, rum-bum-dee-dum-dee-bum-did)
Dance with me (Rum-biddie-boo, rum-bum-dee-doo)
Me! [Chorus]
God pains me the more I see the light", who wants to see?
God told me, "I've already got the life", oh I say
God paged me, "You'll never see the light", who wants to see?
God told me, "I've already got the life" [Outro]
Got the life, got the life, got the life
Got the life, got the life, got the life
Got the life, got the life, got the life Davis drew inspiration for these lyrics from his observations of celebrity excess while recording Korn's 1998 album Follow the Leader at NRG Studios in Los Angeles, a period marked by the band's immersion in Hollywood's hedonistic culture of parties, drugs, and fleeting relationships.[18] He later reflected on this time as one of chaos and self-reflection, stating, "I just remember craziness, fucking drugs, alcohol, chicks – you name it, I did it," which fueled the song's disdain for the addictive, superficial trappings of fame.[18] In interviews, Davis described the track as "baggin' on myself," lamenting how "everything's always handed to me" and expressing a desire for something deeper beyond the rock star lifestyle, while admitting, "I love being a rock star, but I hate all the pressure."[1] This personal lens ties the lyrics to broader social commentary on the music industry's commodification of artists' lives. Davis's vocal delivery heightens the emotional rawness of these themes, featuring aggressive scatting in the verses that mimics disjointed thoughts and screamed choruses that erupt with intensity, conveying rage and vulnerability.[19]
Release
Single formats and track listings
"Got the Life" was first released as a promotional single on August 10, 1998, with a radio premiere on July 24, 1998.[20] The track was issued in various formats across the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom through Immortal and Epic Records, including CD singles and vinyl, often featuring remixes and B-sides. Multiple re-releases appeared in these regions during 1998 and 1999.US single
The US CD maxi-single contained the following tracks:| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Got the Life" | 3:45 |
| 2 | "Got the Life" (Deejay Punk-Roc Mix) | 5:16 |
| 3 | "Got the Life" (D.O.S.E. Woollyback Remix) | 5:27 |
| 4 | "I Can Remember" (B-side) | 3:36 |
Australian single
The Australian CD single featured the standard album version only:| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Got the Life" | 3:45 |
UK singles
The UK release came in two CD formats. CD1 included the US tracks plus additional remixes:| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Got the Life" | 3:48 |
| 2 | "Got the Life" (Vorticist's Suite) | 5:17 |
| 3 | "Got the Life" (I Got a Knife) | 3:49 |
| 4 | "Children of the Korn" (Clarkworld Remix) (featuring Ice Cube) | 4:06 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Got the Life" | 3:49 |
| 2 | "I Can Remember" | 3:39 |
| 3 | "Good God" (Scrap Metal Remix) | 4:06 |
Promotion and media
"Got the Life" was promoted to U.S. modern rock radio stations in the summer of 1998, appearing on promotional compilations such as Promo Only Modern Rock Radio for August 1998, which facilitated airplay adds on stations like KPOI, WXNR, and WEND as documented in Billboard's Rock Airplay Monitor.[25][26] The track received heavy rotation on MTV's Total Request Live, becoming a staple of the countdown and marking the first music video to be "retired" from the show due to overwhelming viewer requests.[5] The song was prominently featured during Korn's live performances on the 1998 Family Values Tour, which the band headlined alongside acts like Limp Bizkit and Rancid; a live version from the tour's UNO Lakefront Arena show in New Orleans was later included on the compilation album Family Values Tour '98.[27][28] Korn also debuted material from Follow the Leader, including "Got the Life," while headlining Lollapalooza 1998, further amplifying the single's exposure through festival crowds. In print media, "Got the Life" and Korn's Follow the Leader era were highlighted in music publications for catalyzing nu metal's mainstream ascent, with Revolver noting the album's role as the genre's "first smash" through its blend of heavy riffs and hip-hop influences.[29] To reach club and alternative audiences, a remix titled "Got the Life (Deejay Punk-Roc Mix)" was released on the single's EP, extending the track's promotional reach beyond traditional rock formats.[30]Music video
Production and concept
The music video for Korn's "Got the Life" was directed by McG, who had previously collaborated with the band on videos from their self-titled debut album.[1] The concept originated from bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, who envisioned a satirical portrayal of disdain for material wealth and the excesses of fame, initially pitched to director Joseph Kahn but ultimately realized by McG after Kahn declined.[1] Filmed in 1998, the video features the band members in exaggerated, glamorous attire—such as suits and formal wear—navigating surreal, party-like scenes that blend chaotic celebration with destructive acts, including the demolition of luxury cars and explosions of opulent items like champagne bottles and high-end vehicles gifted to a homeless man.[1] These elements culminate in a backyard gathering reminiscent of a Mexico-inspired lowrider culture, with the band performing amid lowrider bicycles and a lively crowd of friends.[1] Notable cameos enhance the nu-metal camaraderie, including a pre-fame Eminem handing a demo tape to guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer, Fred Durst alongside Limp Bizkit bandmates Wes Borland and Sam Rivers, Orgy frontman Jay Gordon, rapper WC, and former UFC fighter Tito Ortiz.[31][5] The high-energy, chaotic visual style depicts hedonistic excess through rapid cuts and stylized destruction, tying directly into the song's themes of superficiality in Hollywood and fame's hollow allure.[1] Produced with MTV's format in mind, the video was edited to emphasize its fast-paced, provocative imagery for broadcast rotation.[32]Release and reception
The music video for "Got the Life" debuted on MTV's Total Request Live on September 17, 1998. It quickly gained massive popularity on MTV's Total Request Live (TRL), debuting on September 17, 1998, and peaking at number two on the countdown.[33] Due to overwhelming viewer requests, the video became the first to be officially retired from TRL on January 12, 1999, after spending 72 days on the show.[4][34] Critics and fans praised the video for its high-energy surreal imagery and notable celebrity cameos, including an early appearance by Eminem, Fred Durst, and members of Limp Bizkit such as Wes Borland and Sam Rivers.[5][31] This exposure helped elevate nu metal's presence in mainstream media during the late 1990s.[3]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"Got the Life" achieved moderate success on rock-oriented charts in North America, marking Korn's growing mainstream presence in the late 1990s. In the United States, the single peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart upon its 1998 release.[35] It also reached number 17 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, where it spent 20 weeks.[36] The song performed strongly in Canada, topping the RPM Rock/Alternative chart at number 1.[37] Internationally, it entered several singles charts, reflecting Korn's expanding global appeal amid the nu metal boom.| Chart (Country) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart | Peak Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainstream Rock (US) | 15 | — | 1998 |
| Alternative Airplay (US) | 17 | 20 | — |
| Rock/Alternative (Canada) | 1 | — | — |
| ARIA Singles (Australia) | 26 | 29 | 20 September 1998 |
| UK Singles (Official Charts Company) | 23 | 2 | 22 August 1998 |
Certifications
In Australia, "Got the Life" was certified Gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) on November 8, 1998, for shipment of 35,000 units. The single attained Platinum status in New Zealand from Recorded Music NZ (RMNZ) on October 25, 1998, representing 30,000 units sold. In the United Kingdom, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified it Silver on October 1, 1999, for sales and streaming equivalent to 200,000 units; as of November 2025, no higher certification has been awarded. The track has not received standalone certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), though its parent album Follow the Leader achieved 5× Platinum status in the US for 5,000,000 units shipped, contributing to the single's overall commercial footprint.| Country | Certifying Body | Certification | Units (Sales/Streaming Equivalent) | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ARIA | Gold | 35,000 | November 8, 1998 |
| New Zealand | RMNZ | Platinum | 30,000 | October 25, 1998 |
| United Kingdom | BPI | Silver | 200,000 | October 1, 1999 |
| United States | RIAA | None (single); Album 5× Platinum | N/A; 5,000,000 (album) | N/A; March 15, 2002 (album) |
