Band members
* Charles Wright - Guitars, Piano
* Al McKay - Guitar
* Benorce Blackmon - Guitar (replaced Al McKay)
* Gabe Flemings - Piano, Trumpet
* Melvin Dunlap - Bass
* James Gadson - Drums
* Big John Rayford - Saxophone
* Bill Cannon - Saxophone
* Ray Jackson - Trombone
Express Yourself
Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Express yourself
You don't ever need help from nobody else
All you got to do now
Express yourself
Whatever you do, uh
Whatever you do, do, do, Lord, Lord
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, uh
In the jungle too, uh
Everybody on the floor now, uh
Jumpin' like a kangaroo
So let the horns do the thing they do, y'all, uh
Uh, uh, ow
Uh, uh, uh, uh
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, uh
Express yourself
Oh, do it, oh, do it
Do it to it, go on and do it
Y'all do it, give
Express yourself
Express yourself
Uh, do it
Do it, uh, oh Lord, uh
Do it, ow, yeah, uh, uh
Express yourself, uh
Express yourself, uh
Express yourself, uh
Express yourself
Express yourself
Express yourself
Express yourself, uh, uh, uh, woo, Lord
Hey, hey, hey, ow, uh, Lord, uh
Hey, ow, ow
Express yourself, uh
Express yourself, uh
Express, uh
Express, uh
Express yourself, uh
Express yourself
Express yourself
The lyrics of Charles Wright's song 'Express Yourself' encourage individuals to express themselves in their unique way. The song emphasizes that one doesn't need help from anyone else to do so, and that they should always do what they do well. The song further emphasizes that people should not be judged based on their physical appearance when doing things, but rather on their abilities. The phrase "Express Yourself" is repeated several times throughout the song, highlighting the importance of individuals expressing their personalities, ideas, and opinions.
Furthermore, the lyrics also mention that people from all walks of life express themselves differently. Some may express themselves on the moon while others in the jungle, but everyone should be given the opportunity to do so without judgement. The horns in the music also add to this notion of expression, allowing individuals to express themselves through movement and dance.
Overall, the song's message is rooted in the idea that individuals should be true to themselves and not let societal norms or expectations dictate their behavior. It stresses the importance of being confident in one's own abilities and unique way of expressing themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Express Yourself!
The singer urges the listener to express themselves clearly and without hesitation.
You don't ever need help from nobody else. All you got to do now: Express Yourself!
The singer reinforces that the listener should trust themselves and their words above all else.
What ever you do, do it good. All right...
The singer encourages the listener to take pride in their actions and do them to the best of their ability.
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´!
The singer argues that a person's actions are more important than their appearance or the way they are perceived by others.
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...
The singer references different places and cultures to suggest that people everywhere should express themselves through dancing and music without inhibition.
Some people have everything, and other people don't. But everything don't mean a thing if it ain´t the thing you want.
The singer reminds the listener that material possessions are not important if they don't align with the individual's personal desires and goals.
O, do it! O, do it. Do it to it. Go on and do it. Yo, do it. Give.
The singer uses urging language to encourage the listener to express themselves with enthusiasm and confidence.
Express Yourself! Express Yourself!
The chorus is repeated as a final, definitive statement encouraging the listener to express themselves unabashedly.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles W. Wright
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind