Do What You Gotta Do
Linda Ronstadt · Other Songs - Linda Ronstadt
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
Do What You Gotta Do
Linda Ronstadt's 'Do What You Gotta Do' stands as a quintessential example of her mastery over the country-rock and pop genres of the early 1970s. The track showcases her distinctive vocal style, characterized by a blend of country twang and operatic power that defined her career. Released during a period where she was redefining the female voice in rock and country music, the song reflects the era's emphasis on personal autonomy and resilience. Often associated with her broader discography of the time, the recording highlights her ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes within a driving rhythm. As a staple of her live performances and studio recordings, the song remains a testament to her influence on the genre and her status as a pioneering artist who seamlessly bridged traditional country roots with contemporary rock sensibilities.