Do What You Gotta Do
Roberta Flack · Other Songs - Roberta Flack
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
Roberta Flack's "Do What You Gotta Do" stands as a testament to her enduring ability to craft intimate, soulful narratives. Emerging from a career defined by smooth jazz and R&B influences, the track showcases her signature vocal warmth and emotive delivery. Flack, a two-time Grammy winner known for blending pop sensibilities with deep soul, often explores themes of resilience and personal choice in her work. This recording fits seamlessly within her broader discography, reflecting the sophisticated musicality that earned her critical acclaim throughout the 1970s and beyond. While distinct from her massive chart-topping hits, the song remains a cherished example of her nuanced approach to songwriting and performance, inviting listeners to connect with the raw honesty of her artistry.