In 1964, at the age of 11, Khan formed her first musical group, the Crystalettes. While still in high school, she joined the Afro-Arts Theater, a group which toured with Motown great Mary Wells; a few years later, she adopted the African name Chaka Khan while working on the Black Panthers' breakfast program. After quitting high school in 1969, Khan joined the group Lyfe, soon exiting to join another dance band, the Babysitters — neither was on the fast track to success, but her fortunes changed when she teamed with ex-American Breed member Kevin Murphy and Andre Fisher to form Rufus.
Debuting in 1973 with a self-titled effort on the ABC label, Rufus was among the preeminent funk groups of the decade. Distinguished by Khan's dynamic vocals, the group earned half a dozen gold or platinum albums.
While still a member of the group in 1978, Khan embarked on a successful solo career. Her signature hits, both with Rufus and solo, include "Tell Me Something Good", "Sweet Thing", "Ain't Nobody", "I'm Every Woman", "I Feel for You" and "Through the Fire".
What Cha' Gonna Do For Me
Chaka Khan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just chippin' away
It's all in a day's work
Tryin' hard to defend
The time that I spend alone
The crown that you lose
Exploiting the blues
As hard as it bites
I'm keepin' my sights on you
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
When the chips are down
In the cool of the night
When nothing seems right
The feeling can take you
Strange as it seems
You make your own dreams come true
If you try to conceal
The way that you feel
You're asking for trouble
Just as sure as I cry
I'm keeping my eye on you, yeah
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
When the chips are down
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
When the chips are down
You don't have to tell me
I'm to blame for this
'Cause what you hold against me
Is what I miss
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
Aah, what cha' gonna do for me
Chaka Khan's song What Cha' Gonna Do For Me is a powerful and assertive anthem about self-worth and reciprocity in relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of agency and determination in taking control of one's own life and not settling for less. The singer of the song is portrayed as a hard-working and independent individual, who is not afraid to stand up for herself and ask for what she deserves. In the chorus, she challenges her partner to step up and show her what he is willing to do for her, especially when times are tough.
The first verse of the song describes the daily struggle of trying to balance work and personal life, and the frustration of not getting enough alone time. The second verse speaks to the inner strength and resilience required to pursue one's dreams and aspirations, even when things seem impossible. The final verse acknowledges past mistakes and takes responsibility for them, but also demands reciprocity and fairness in return.
Overall, the song is a powerful statement of self-empowerment and self-respect, and encourages listeners to demand the same from those around them.
Line by Line Meaning
All night and day
I am working tirelessly day and night
Just chippin' away
I am making incremental progress towards my goals
It's all in a day's work
I consider this level of effort to be normal and expected
Tryin' hard to defend
I am working hard to protect the time I spend alone
The time that I spend alone
I value and prioritize time to myself
The crown that you lose
You will face consequences for exploiting others' vulnerabilities
Exploiting the blues
Taking advantage of others' sadness or misfortune
Won't get the job done
This approach is not effective
As hard as it bites
Even though it may be difficult
I'm keepin' my sights on you
I am watching closely for any further negative behavior
What cha' gonna do for me
What will you do to help or support me?
When the chips are down
When things get tough
In the cool of the night
During a calm and peaceful time
When nothing seems right
When everything feels off or difficult
The feeling can take you
Emotions can be overwhelming
Strange as it seems
Although it might not make sense at the time
You make your own dreams come true
You have the power to achieve your own goals
If you try to conceal
Hiding your true feelings or intentions
The way that you feel
Your emotions or desires
You're asking for trouble
This could lead to negative consequences
Just as sure as I cry
I am certain that I will watch for negative behavior
You don't have to tell me
I already know
I'm to blame for this
I take responsibility for my actions
'Cause what you hold against me
Whatever negative feelings you have towards me
Is what I miss
I regret losing your trust or respect
Aah, what cha' gonna do for me
What are you willing to do to make things right or improve our situation?
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: Hamish Stuart, Ned Doheny
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@allandiang4647
All night and day
Just chippin' away
It's all in a day's work
Tryin' hard to defend
The time that I spend alone
The TIME that you lose
Exploiting the blues
Won't get the job done
As hard as it bites
I'm keepin' my sights on you
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
When the chips are down
In the cool of the night
When nothing seems right
The feeling can take you
Strange as it seems
You make your own dreams come true
If you try to conceal
The way that you feel
You're asking for trouble
Just as sure as I cry
I'm keeping my eye on you
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
What cha' gonna do for me
When the chips are down
You don't have to tell me
I'm to blame for this
'Cause what you hold against me
Is what I miss
@perolajanice
Anyone listening in 2024? 🤭
@rickyjames4228
YES MAM ALL THE WAY FROM UK
@maurilio955
Yes from Brazil 🎵
@cbsolditonthegeaux6736
Yes indeed
@stowaway475
All the time
@fabienne4205
Right now ❤
@JRB41
One of my favorite songs from her solo career. Absolutely amazing, so so much better than todays “music”
@denzelroseboro1796
Just hearing this song, I can already taste the green beans, potato salad & ribs at the cookout.
@wptaries
Denzel Roseboro Yep!
@GobPalRosieVT
Comments you can LITERALLY taste.