Original members Monty Colvin (Bass, vocals), Alan Doss (Drums, vocals), Ben Huggins (Lead vocals, guitar), and Dane Sonnier (Guitar, vocals) released their self-titled album in 1991, with the follow-up "Space In Your Face" in 1993. Sonnier then decided to leave the group. The band returned in 1996 with album number three entitled "Machine Fish" on Metal Blade Records, along with new guitarist Wally Farkas.
It was in 1997 that they released "The Horse That Bud Bought", which was a minor departure for the band. They used a similar songwriting style but lightened the tone. The music contained a more rock feel, with less metal leanings. The music for the next two albums, "At The End Of The Day" and "Let It Go" also were also similar in this regard.
After 2000's "Let It Go" the Cowboys decided to disband. The former members of the band continued to be active in the music scene, until the original lineup reunited in 2017 for the album "Long Way Back to the Moon".
I Do What I Do
Galactic Cowboys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The battle is on to win, show or place
Am I the one expected to be
Everything you want of me
My heart is fading in the time that it takes to blink
My confidence is slowly washing down the sink
Gotta move forward, leave that all behind
I do what I do, it's all I can do, you know?
I do what I do, it's all I can do
I do, I do, do you?
Eyes looking down critically, feeling their breath on me
Under the scope, they read every word
Defining what's good, what's absurd
Used to be that the world was intimidating
That was light years ago, just a passing fancy
Gotta move forward leave that all behind
The lyrics to Galactic Cowboys's song I Do What I Do explore the pressure and expectations placed on individuals to perform to a certain standard. The opening lines refer to a race, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the race of life where everyone is competing to win, show off their skills, or at least place. The lyrics suggest that there is an external expectation for the individual to meet a certain standard of performance, which is further emphasized in the lines "Am I the one expected to be/Everything you want of me".
The subsequent lines suggest that the individual is facing self-doubt and a lack of confidence, as their "heart is fading" and their "confidence is slowly washing down the sink". Despite this, the lyrics encourage the individual to "move forward" and leave their doubts behind. The repetition of the phrase "I do what I do" is a declaration of one's determination to keep going and do the best that they can given the circumstances they are facing. The song ultimately acknowledges the pressure and criticisms faced by individuals, but encourages them to keep trying and not give up.
Line by Line Meaning
Given the chance to run in the race
When I am presented with an opportunity, I make the most of it and give it my best shot.
The battle is on to win, show or place
I am in a competition where I'm trying my hardest to be ranked as high as possible.
Am I the one expected to be
I am wondering if I am the person who is relied upon to achieve greatness.
Everything you want of me
I am doing everything that is expected of me, but I don't know if it's enough.
My heart is fading in the time that it takes to blink
I am slowly losing my motivation and my interest in this competition.
My confidence is slowly washing down the sink
My self-assurance is dwindling, and I find myself questioning if I am capable of winning.
Gotta move forward, leave that all behind
I need to pick myself up and continue trying without dwelling on my past failures or doubts.
I do what I do, it's all I can do, you know?
I am doing everything that I am capable of, and I hope it is enough to succeed.
I do what I do, it's all I can do
I am putting forth my best effort, and I cannot do anything more than that.
I do, I do, do you?
I am wondering if others are honestly striving to achieve their goals, despite the challenges that may arise.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MONTY COLVIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind