Do What You Gotta Do

Nina Simone

About Do What You Gotta Do

Do What You Gotta Do is a song that was written by Jimmy Webb. It was an R&B hit for Al Wilson in 1968. It was also a hit for Nina Simone that year and a local hit for New Zealand band Larry's Rebels as well.


Year:
2011
3:04
52 
#1

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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

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Nina Simone

Eunice Kathleen Waymon (February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003), better known by her stage name Nina Simone /ˈniːnə sɨˈmoʊn/, was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist widely associated with jazz music. Simone aspired to become a classical pianist while working in a broad range of styles including classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop. more »

4 fans

Written by: Jimmy L. Webb

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


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.
Nina Simone's Version
The 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.
Release Date & Album
Nina Simone covered the song in 1968. The track was included in her album titled "Nuff Said!", which was released the same year.
Post Release Recognition
Although 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.
Song Theme
The song delivers a powerful message about accepting and dealing with the reality of heartbreak, a theme prevalent in many of Nina Simone’s songs.
Other Covers
Aside 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.
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.
Live Performance
During 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.
Use in Popular Culture
Whilst 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.
Jimmy Webb's Perspective
Despite many popular covers, Webb has appreciated Simone's version of the song and often praised her interpretation in interviews.

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    "Do What You Gotta Do Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/24924692/Nina+Simone/Do+What+You+Gotta+Do>.

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    Do What You Gotta Do

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1968

    Billboard #83


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