Des'ree – You Gotta Be

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Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears
Stand up and be counted
Don't be ashamed to cry

You gotta be

You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold,you gotta be wiser, you gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day

Herald what your mother said
Readin' the books your father read
Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time
Some may have more cash than you
Others take a different view
my oh my heh, hey

You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold,you gotta be wiser, you gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day

Time asks no questions, it goes on without you
Leaving you behind if you can't stand the pace
The world keeps on spinning, can't stop it if you try to
This part is danger staring you in the face
oh oh oh
Remember

Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears
My oh my heh, hey, hey

You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold,you gotta be wiser, you gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day x3

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Lyrics submitted by Kioki

Track duration: 04:06


You Gotta Be song meanings
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16 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:Some of the comments on this song were nostalgic, they started reminiscing what they were doing when they first heard the song, or what they felt, and how much they liked it. I was in a bus going to after school care, thinking I’m too old for day care. I must have been in 6th grade probably. I remember waiting with dread for that baby blue bus to pull up, imagining my peers snicker in the background as I walked toward it. I didn’t know anybody, and making friends wasn’t my strong suite, so I kept to myself. The old, used upholstery however became familiar to me and the driver did too. Anyway, this song played on the radio and I remember vividly how it made me feel. It was smooth, soft, catchy, like many 90’s alternative beats, yet it was curious. A tragic freeway accident was on my mind, perhaps due to a news report, or a recent death of someone I knew. Not a close friend, of course, I didn’t get close to anyone. But it seemed to be about acceptance when things go wrong in life, that life is not a fable. It's real and it's hard and you gotta find the strength to keep on. For no apparent reason, I heard the lyrics “You got to stick together” say “chase a gander,” but it only underscored that even grownups need comforting words, like children need fairy tales, or in this case a nursery rhyme. To me, it was a meditation on how to be, when you don’t want to be. Hence the words “you gotta be.” I thought of death because you can’t just not be in the face of difficulties, otherwise they will get worse, but it’s easier to die to your self-will. It seems impossible to will what you “gotta” do, but that’s life, and this song reminded me that the message is actually kind and gentle.
    Flag pistachio84on September 01, 2011   Link
  • 0
    Song Meaning:This is an amazing song, if you suffered from the past, this is your song. The person who says it's dated, doesn't know what he or she is talking about. This sums my life, amazing
    Flag RunrigTimbo2006on June 13, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I just loved the opening:

    Listen as your day unfolds
    Challenge what the future holds
    Try and keep your head up to the sky

    keeps me motivated and carpe diem!
    Flag limetreeon July 12, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Sounds like she's singing it to her son or daughter.
    Flag Ghostlyon May 11, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:great song great memories
    Flag selfmademobon September 30, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:this song is timeless. its just so uplifting and inspirational, makes me want to go out the door and tackle life head on lol. a great tune
    Flag jesus quintanaon August 10, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:God this crap sound so dated now.
    Flag ohwhocareson April 26, 2006   Link
    • 1 Reply
  • 0
    General Comment:This song is so positive and uplifting. I have loved it since i was a young child because it is true. In order to succeed, you have to be strong, honest, patient, and a good person. You have to love to live. This is an excellent song.
    Flag inoticethingson December 30, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I remember this song from my childhood as well! I'm 19 now and in college, and it's still catchy and I love it so much! I remember the video specifically played immediately after 9/11 on MTV and it was so inspirational. The words are so honest and it has helped me to become a better person.
    Flag raysrealityon April 07, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:it's true. I remember the first time heard this song. I was 12, and I was riding in my dad's car, and it was summertime. I remember where we were, I remember it was late afternoon, I remember how warm it was, and I remember exactly how I felt. I do love this song, and I love the simplicity of her voice.
    Flag itsALLprogramMUSICon February 17, 2005   Link

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