Do What You Gotta Do
Nina Simone
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Man, I can understand how it might be Kind of hard to love a girl like me I don't blame you much for wanting to be free I just wanted you to know I loved you better than your own kin did From the very start It's my own fault for what happens to my heart You see I've always known you'd go But you just do what you gotta do My wild sweet love Though it may mean I'll never kiss your sweet lips again Pay that no mind Just find that dappled dream of yours Come on back and see me when you can Well, I know they make you sad They make you feel so bad They say you don't treat me like you should Folks got ways to make you feel no good I'd guess they've got no way to know I've had my eyes wide open from the start And boy, you never lied to me And the part of you they'll never see Is the part you've shown to me So you just do what you gotta do My wild sweet love Though it may mean I'll never kiss those sweet lips again Pay that no mind Just find that dappled dream of yours Come on back and see me Come on back and see me when you can
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
10 facts about this song
Song Origin"Do What You Gotta Do" is a song written by prominent songwriter Jimmy Webb. It exemplifies Webb's genius for rousing melodies and intricate lyrical compositions.
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Nina Simone's VersionThe song was performed by American singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone. Her rendition is noteworthy for her unique, soulful voice and the distinct gospel influence she introduced in the melody.
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Release Date & AlbumNina Simone covered the song in 1968. The track was included in her album titled "Nuff Said!", which was released the same year.
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Post Release RecognitionAlthough not originally a chart-topping track, "Do What You Gotta Do" earned recognition over the years for its impassioned vocals and poignant lyrics. It embodies the expressive style for which Nina Simone was renowned.
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Song ThemeThe song delivers a powerful message about accepting and dealing with the reality of heartbreak, a theme prevalent in many of Nina Simone’s songs.
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Other CoversAside from Nina Simone, the song has been covered by various artists like Johnny Rivers and Roberta Flack. Each rendition provides its own unique interpretation of the emotionally charged lyrics.
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Last Song on Album"Do What You Gotta Do" concludes the album "Nuff Said!". The album itself serves as a passionate commentary on the civil unrest of the 1960s.
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Live PerformanceDuring live performances of the song, Simone was known for interspersing the music with personal stories and social commentary, adding to the emotional depth and resonance of the track.
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Use in Popular CultureWhilst it was not the most commercially successful of Simone's songs, "Do What You Gotta Do" has found enduring popularity and was used in a 2016 commercial for the iPhone.
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Jimmy Webb's PerspectiveDespite many popular covers, Webb has appreciated Simone's version of the song and often praised her interpretation in interviews.
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Citation
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"Do What You Gotta Do Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2214795/Nina+Simone/Do+What+You+Gotta+Do>.
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