Do Your Thing
Charles Wright Lyrics


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Express Yourself!

Express Yourself!

You don't ever need help from nobody else. All you got to do now:

Express Yourself!
What ever you do, do it good.

What ever you do, do it good. All right...

It's not what you look like, when you're doin' what you're doin'.

It's what you're doin' when you're doin' what you look like you're doin'!

Express Yourself!

Express Yourself!

They're doin'it on the moon, yeah...

In the jungle too.

Everybody on the floor, now.

Jumpin' like a kangaroo.

So let the horns do the thing they do, yo...

Some people have everything, and other people don't.

But everything don't mean a thing if it ain't the thing you want.

Express Yourself!

Express Yourself!

O, do it! O, do it.

Do it to it. Go on and do it.

Yo, do it. Give.

Express Yourself!





Express Yourself

Overall Meaning

The song "Do Your Thing" is an anthem for self-expression and individuality. The chorus is a call to action, urging listeners to express themselves and be confident in their unique abilities. The first verse emphasizes the importance of doing things well and not relying on others for help. The second verse highlights the idea that it's not about appearances but about what you're doing and how you're doing it. The bridge continues the theme of self-expression, proclaiming that people can do their thing anywhere, even on the moon or in the jungle. The song ends with a final call to action, urging people to go out and do their thing.


Overall, the song is a celebration of individuality and encourages listeners to find their own path and be true to themselves. It's a message that still resonates today, and the upbeat funk sound of the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band makes it a fun and catchy tune to dance or sing along to.


Line by Line Meaning

Express Yourself!
Be yourself and express who you are.


Express Yourself!
Continue to be yourself and express who you are.


You don't ever need help from nobody else. All you got to do now: Express Yourself!
You can do anything you want and you shouldn't rely on others to do it for you.


What ever you do, do it good.
Anything you do, do it well and with your best efforts.


It's not what you look like, when you're doin' what you're doin'.
Your appearance doesn't matter when you're doing something important.


It's what you're doin' when you're doin' what you look like you're doin'!
Your actions speak louder than your appearance.


They're doin'it on the moon, yeah...
People are expressing themselves even on the moon.


In the jungle too.
People express themselves everywhere, including the jungle.


Everybody on the floor, now. Jumpin' like a kangaroo.
People are celebrating and expressing themselves by dancing and having fun.


So let the horns do the thing they do, yo...
Let the music play and allow it to enhance the moment of self-expression.


Some people have everything, and other people don't.
People have different situations, some more fortunate than others.


But everything don't mean a thing if it ain't the thing you want.
Having everything doesn't matter if it doesn't align with what you truly desire.


O, do it! O, do it.
Go for it and do what you want to do.


Do it to it. Go on and do it.
Keep going and doing what you want to do.


Yo, do it. Give.
Hey, just do it and put your all into it.


Express Yourself! Express Yourself!
Always express yourself and be proud of who you are.




Contributed by Adalyn V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@cessaly100

It’s those drums! Bass too! Something visceral—our African roots! How did this man DO THAT!

Loved 🥰 this as a little 11 yo!

STILL DO! Fresh!

Washington DC Summer 1969.

@restlessmind5770

One of the greatest tunes that was ever created. Genius.

@cessaly100

Yep! I was blown away at 11 yo DC 1969.

@fleetwoodvo8673

HEAVY BABY HEAVY!
Express Yourself was licensed to Rockstar Games for GTA San Andreas. That game's MasterSounds radio station and listening to a lot of Public Enemy gave a white girl an education in funk and soul. I heard Do Your Thing for the first time this year. Charles Wright has been dropping bangers for years and now I find THIS!

This rules!

@DRCRANKNSTEIN

The real deal fro the L.A. Old School- I remember this back in the day 67'

@ptrgreeny

Charles...this is GREAT!
I love this song so much! It's my "warm up" song on guitar. Once you get into that groove...you're ready to go!
All the best sir, thank you for all the music!

@dorothyalexander693

HAAAAY NICE

@cessaly100

It’s like this DELICIOUS APPETIZER! Sooo fabulous! Then poof! Gone! More, more!

@TheAnnafisher

Love it, Brother Charles Wright! Keep shining, Beloved 👏🏼🙌🎶🎤❤️🎸🇺🇲🤸🏽‍♀️🌎

@raymondjohnson7257

It was so much fun doing this music video for Charles . thank you for allowing me to play drums for you

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