While ARS would never reach the commercial success of Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Marshall Tucker Band, the group had a strong following in the south and charted a number of hits such as "Imaginary Lover," "I'm Not Going to Let it Bother Me Tonight," "Champagne Jam," "So Into You," and a remake of a Classics IV hit, "Spooky."
The band also influenced a number of rock and country artists, notably Travis Tritt, who recorded a cover of the ARS songs, "Back Up Against the Wall" and "Homesick." The group Shudder to Think covered "So Into You."
Do It Or Die
Atlanta Rhythm Section Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't waste a moment wondering why
When everything goes wrong
You have to go on
And do it or die
Do it or die now
Stand your ground
Even when times get rough
And you've had enough
You still gotta try
Do it no matter what the people say
They don't even know you
Die before you let them stand in your way (Don't you know that)
You should know that life is a gamble all along
Winners or losers you keep rollin' on
So go on and roll the dice
You only live twice
So do it or die
The song "Do It or Die" by Atlanta Rhythm Section is a motivational song about perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. The lyrics encourage the listener not to give up, despite any troubles or setbacks they may encounter. The chorus repeats the phrase "Do it or die," emphasizing the urgency of taking action and not letting one's fears or doubts hold them back.
The first verse advises the listener not to cry over their troubles or waste time wondering why bad things are happening to them. Instead, they should keep moving forward and "do it or die." The second verse encourages the listener to not let their "bad breaks" get them down and to keep trying even when it seems like everything is going wrong. The lyrics urge the listener to ignore the naysayers and critics and to prioritize their own goals and dreams.
The pre-chorus emphasizes that life is uncertain and unpredictable, and that everyone is taking a gamble with their choices and actions. The chorus repeats the phrase "do it or die," encouraging the listener to take risks and live life to the fullest.
Overall, the lyrics of "Do It or Die" serve as an empowering reminder to not give up in the face of challenges and to take action towards one's goals, even when it seems difficult or scary.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't let your troubles make you cry
Don't allow the problems you face to bring you to tears.
Don't waste a moment wondering why
Avoid spending time pondering about the reasons behind your troubles.
When everything goes wrong
In situations where everything falls apart,
You have to go on
You should still progress onwards.
And do it or die
You must take action despite the circumstances or face the consequences.
Do it or die now
Take action or face dire outcomes at such a time.
Stand your ground
Remain firm and unyielding.
Don't let your bad breaks go getting' you down
Don't remain discouraged due to unfortunate circumstances.
Even when times get rough
Even during tough times,
And you've had enough
When you've reached your limit,
You still gotta try
You must still attempt to overcome the situation.
Do it no matter what the people say
Regardless of what others may say,
They don't even know you
Their opinions are uninformed and irrelevant.
Die before you let them stand in your way (Don't you know that)
Rather than allowing others to obstruct you, you'd rather not exist.
You should know that life is a gamble all along
Life is an unpredictable risk.
Winners or losers you keep rollin' on
Enduring through both triumph and defeat while advancing forward.
So go on and roll the dice
Allow chance to intercede, take risks.
You only live twice
You have two lives to live. So, make the most of the time you have.
So do it or die
Take action, or suffer the consequences.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BUDDY BUIE, J COBB, RONNIE HAMMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ClassicTVMan1981X
Don't let your troubles make you cry
Don't waste a moment wondering why
When everything goes wrong
You have to go on
And do it or die
Do it or die now, stand your ground
Don't let your bad breaks go getting you down
Even when times get rough
And you've had enough
You still gotta try (that's right)
Do it no matter what the people say (it don't matter)
They don't even know you (they don't know you at all)
Die before you let them stand in your way (don't you know that?)
You should know that
Life is a gamble all along
Winners are losers who keep rolling on
Just go on and roll the dice
You only live twice
Do it or die
Do it no matter what the people say (it don't matter)
They don't even know you (they don't know you at all)
Die before you let them stand in your way (don't you know that)
I know that (you know that)
Life is a gamble all along
Winners are losers who keep rolling on
Just go on and roll the dice
You only live twice
Do it or die
You've got nothing to lose
Just go on and roll the dice
You only live twice
Do it or die
fosterpainter
This song took me through a really rough patch in my life way back when. One of my top ten of all time favorites.
Frank Chan
Me too, thanks ARS.
Archie Herrera
This songs gave me the inspiration to move on and still try in spite of heavy life troubles,like there was nothing left to do to make changes in life happens, but it did!!! Thanks for the wonderful melody and lyrics. RIP Ronnie Hammond,
CJ ON
Wish I could tell the writers of this song how much it meant to me when it came out in the summer of 79. My neck was broken and spinal cord damaged in June. I was still in traction when I heard this song for the first time. This song and the Lord gave me the strength to push forward. "Do It or Die".
K FM
I lost my husband and best friend of 40 years and this became my theme song. Because life does go on.
KV Jones
Such a simple, elegant, BEAUTIFUL song!!!! Loved these days... no one is making music like this anymore, what a shame.
Frank Chan
Agree
PaganKitty1
OMG! The lyrics just came right back to me as soon as the music started! How damn cool is that!! Ronnie Hammond was one the the most mellow singers that I have ever heard and cute as hell too! I can still remember sitting with my older sisters and singing this song. Wow, what a blast from the past. Thanks so much for posting this lovely song!
singinjohnny
This is one incredibly beautiful song and I hadn't heard this for probably close to 30 years. I love the sentiment and it has just become my motto from here on in. Thanks so much for posting.
Ronald Harrell
Super song from a very talented group of musicians.