From a first single in 1979, the group successfully combined a pop rock and power pop (and sometimes, a blues rock) influenced backing with harmony side-vocals and Lewis' strident voice, and the band had numerous hit songs during the 1980s and early 1990s. These include "The Power of Love" and "Back in Time" (both of which were featured in the film "Back to the Future"), "I Want a New Drug", "Doin' It All (For My Baby)", "Do You Believe in Love?" "Hip to Be Square", "Stuck With You", and "Jacob's Ladder". Huey Lewis shared three Grammy awards, an American Music Award, and a People's Choice Award along with several artists for his role singing the 1985 charity song "We Are the World" as well.
=Albums=
Huey Lewis & the News (1980)
Picture This (1982) [#13 U.S. Gold]
Sports (1983) [#1 U.S. 7x Platinum]
Back to the Future Soundtrack (1985) [Gold]
Fore! (1986) [#1 U.S. 3x Platinum]
Small World (1988) [#11 U.S. Platinum]
Hard at Play (1991) [#27 U.S. Gold]
The Heart of Rock & Roll - The Best of Huey Lewis and The News (1992)
Four Chords & Several Years Ago (1994) [#55 U.S.]
Time Flies: The Best of Huey Lewis and the News (1996) [#185 U.S.]
Plan B (2001) [#165 U.S.]
Live at 25 (2005)
Greatest Hits & Videos (2006) [#70 U.S.]
www.hueylewisandthenews.com
Don't Make Me Do It
Huey Lewis & The News Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Someone like me cant be too strong
I know you always get your way
You better listen when I say
[Chorus:]
Don't make me do it
Don't make me do it to ya
Don't make me do it
Don't make me do it to ya
I wont just be your broken toy
You look again you've got no choice
There's no such thing as wrong or right
When does the day become the night
[Chorus]
In Huey Lewis & The News's song Don't Make Me Do It, the lyrics depict a situation where the singer acknowledges the power and influence that the girl he's interested in has over him. He admits that a "girl like you is never wrong" and that "someone like me can't be too strong," indicating that he doesn't want to push her too far or risk losing her. However, he also asserts himself, warning her not to take advantage of him or underestimate his feelings for her. The repetition of the chorus, "Don't make me do it to ya," emphasizes his desire to be seen as an equal in the relationship rather than just a pawn in her game.
The singer's reluctance to be controlled by the girl he's interested in is seen in the line, "I won't just be your broken toy." He wants to be respected and valued, and the idea of being used for her own pleasure or amusement is unacceptable to him. The line, "There's no such thing as wrong or right," reflects the ambiguity and unpredictability of their relationship, and the chorus reinforces the message that he won't be pushed around or taken for granted.
Overall, the song is a reflection of the power dynamics that can exist in relationships, and the struggle to maintain a sense of self-worth and autonomy while still pursuing love and affection.
Line by Line Meaning
A girl like you is never wrong
You are always right, and I accept that.
Someone like me cant be too strong
I am a strong person, and you cannot overpower me.
I know you always get your way
You are used to getting what you want.
You better listen when I say
I am serious and you should pay attention.
Don't make me do it
Please don't make me do something I don't want to do.
Don't make me do it to ya
I don't want to hurt you or make things worse.
I won't just be your broken toy
I won't be someone you can manipulate or control.
You look again you've got no choice
You will see that I am the one in control.
There's no such thing as wrong or right
In this situation, there are no clear right or wrong decisions.
When does the day become the night
Things can change quickly and unexpectedly.
Don't make me do it
Please don't force my hand.
Don't make me do it to ya
I don't want to be the one to cause you pain or harm.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER JOHN HAYES, HUEY LEWIS, JOHN VICTOR COLLA, MARIO CIPOLLINA, SEAN THOMAS HOPPER, WILLIAM SCOTT GIBSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind