D.O.A. has always maintained an uncompromising leftist political stance. The band is known for its outspoken political opinions and has a history of performing for many causes and benefits. Its slogan is "Talk minus Action equals Zero." The band has been active on many issues, including anti-racism, anti-globalization, freedom of speech, and the environment.
Whatcha Gonna Do?
D.O.A. Lyrics
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Whatcha gonna do
Bout whatcha gonna do?
Whatcha gonna be?
Cause ya been thinkin
That your nothin
Ya already are
Ya already are
You need some action, not just talkin
Ya gotta get out your stupid world
Just quit your a-talkin
Been sittin around thinkin
About your sinkin
Around on down
You wanted everything
But you took nothin
So now you lie
About the way you tried
So when ya gonna do somethin about it
Times runnin out, don't wait and doubt it
Ya gotta do somethin, or it'll be too late
Ya better not wait, or it'll be too late
Ya better not wait, or it'll be too late
Here's a chance
An ya gotta get out
Of your statue stance
Cause ya been thinkin
That your nothin
Your makin sure
Ya already are
So whatcha gonna do about what you do?
And whatcha gonna do about what you be?
Ya gonna do somethin or your gonna go under
And ya better not wait!
The song “Whatcha Gonna Do?” by D.O.A. is an anthem for action and change. The lyrics challenge the listener to take control of their lives and stop waiting for permission or a sign to move forward. The opening lines, “Whatcha gonna do, bout whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna be?”, set the tone for the rest of the song. The song highlights the consequences of inaction, stating “Your sinkin’ around on down, you wanted everything but you took nothing, so now you lie about the way you tried”. It urges the listener to take action before it’s too late, “you better not wait, or it’ll be too late”. The song emphasizes the importance of taking control of your life, and not being satisfied with “sittin”, “talkin” and “stupid worlds”. The final lines, “Ya gonna do somethin or you’re gonna go under” make it clear that the only way to succeed is through action.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was released in 1981 on D.O.A’s first LP, “Something Better Change” which received critical acclaim and is considered a seminal album in the punk rock canon. This album launched D.O.A’s career and is still celebrated by fans today. Another interesting fact is that the song has been covered by multiple artists including Pennywise and The Disciples. The song has been and is still used in protest movements and worker strikes. The song has been praised for its message of action and change which is still relevant today. In 2013, the song was included on CBC's list of the Top 100 Canadian songs of all time. Finally, the lyrics of the song were inspired by lead singer Joe Keithley’s own experiences working at a record store and feeling the pressure to start his own band.
Chords (as close as I could get):
Verse: G D C D
Chorus: G D C D
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, right
Pay attention
Whatcha gonna do
What actions are you going to take?
Bout whatcha gonna do?
Regarding the actions you’re going to take?
Whatcha gonna be?
What kind of person are you going to become?
Cause ya been thinkin
Because you’ve been contemplating
That your nothin
That you are worthless
Ya already are
You've become what you think you are
Ya already are
You’ve already become what you believe
You need some kickin, not just sittin
You need some motivation, not idleness
You need some action, not just talkin
You need to take action, not just talk about it
Ya gotta get out your stupid world
You have to leave your present situation
Just quit your a-talkin
Stop talking without acting
Been sittin around thinkin
Spent too much time contemplating
About your sinkin
About your downward spiral
Around on down
Going down and around in circles
You wanted everything
You aspired to have everything
But you took nothin
You haven’t achieved anything
So now you lie
Now you’re pretending
About the way you tried
That you’ve made an actual effort
So when ya gonna do somethin about it
So when are you going to take action?
Times runnin out, don't wait and doubt it
Time is limited, don't hesitate
Ya gotta do somethin, or it'll be too late
You have to take action, or you'll regret it
Ya better not wait, or it'll be too late
Don’t procrastinate, or you'll miss your chance
Ya better not wait, or it'll be too late
Don’t hold off, or you'll miss your opportunity
Here's a chance
There's an opportunity
An ya gotta get out
You have to leave your present situation
Of your statue stance
Stop standing still without making progress
Cause ya been thinkin
Because you’ve been contemplating
That your nothin
That you are worthless
Your makin sure
You’re making it a reality
Ya already are
You’ve become what you think you are
So whatcha gonna do about what you do?
What actions are you going to take about your present actions?
And whatcha gonna do about what you be?
What actions are you going to take about who you want to become?
Ya gonna do somethin or your gonna go under
You'll either take action or fail
And ya better not wait!
Don’t hesitate!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Joey Keithley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind