Do Better
J. Stalin and Young Doe Lyrics

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I gotta do better
Gotta speak better, gotta live better
I gotta do better
Gotta love better, gotta give better
I gotta do better
So much better than what I am doing
I gotta do better
Better better better, better, better, better

It’s crazy when reality is much more frightening than your dreams
What happens in this world hits much different
When your skin's pigmented, he asked me what I mixed with
I said I’m black and black, he scrunched his face up
I’m like what’s wrong with that
Love who you love it don’t matter to me
But what irks a sister, nah what really hurts a sister
Is when you get with them snow bunnies
And exotic queens to sit up on your throne
And look down at me
The one who birthed you
The one who raised you
The one who mourn you
The one who is left to raise all your little kids
Sometimes it takes so much to be a black woman
When we’re happy we’re too loud
We got standards were too proud
When we say how we feel it comes off as aggressive
Now everybody in the spot thinks we're so offensive
So now we gotta dim our light and become submissive
But Lord I’m so tired I'm so sick and tired
Of this muzzle why every word I speak
Sounds muffled
Now tell me how can I fulfill my destiny
If I can’t even open up my mouth and say my piece
Can somebody please explain this to me
I gotta do better
Gotta speak better, gotta live better
I gotta do better
Gotta love better, gotta give better
I gotta do better
So much better than what I am doing
I gotta do better
Better better better, better, better, better
Why is this cold world inhabited by so much evil
Why do we post naked pictures with positive affirmations
Knowing dag on well that we’re capping in them captions
Why can’t we choose love and learn how to watch our actions
Why can’t we support each other like the people who hanged us
Why we just can’t be ourselves without them thinking we’re dangerous
She says she’s been raped why her mama don’t even believe her
This trauma has opened up the door for the deceiver
To deceive her he shames her and tells her that she’s nothing
The lies he filled her head with are now on her arms and wrists
She could’ve been someone done something special
Or off to college to make an effort to be a high achiever
Give it her all and never let up but the world ain't let her
Instead like an evil beast ready to feast
It consumed her flesh and soul
Kinda like Hannibal Lector
There it was taking all she had like a debt collector
I gotta do better
Gotta speak better, gotta live better
I gotta do better
Gotta love better, gotta give better
I gotta do better
So much better than what I am doing

I gotta do better
Better better better, better, better, better

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Do Better" by J. Stalin and Young Doe convey a powerful message about the need for self-improvement and reflection on societal issues. The repeated refrain of "I gotta do better" emphasizes the personal responsibility to strive for improvement in various aspects of life. The lines "Gotta speak better, gotta live better" and "Gotta love better, gotta give better" suggest a desire for growth and positive change in relationships and actions. The lyrics highlight a sense of awareness and accountability for one's own behavior and choices.

The poignant verses delve into deeper issues surrounding racial identity and struggles faced by black women in society. The references to skin color and cultural perceptions evoke a sense of frustration and marginalized experiences. The portrayal of societal expectations, stereotypes, and biases through lines like "What happens in this world hits much different" and "he asked me what I mixed with" sheds light on the complexities of navigating identity and acceptance in a prejudiced world. The lyrics express a longing for understanding and respect in relationships, particularly when faced with challenges of interracial dynamics and societal pressures.

The lyrics touch on themes of empowerment and resilience in the face of adversity. The portrayal of black women as strong figures who endure hardships and yet remain steadfast in their roles as caregivers and nurturers is a poignant reflection of the struggles and sacrifices made within the black community. The lines "The one who birthed you, The one who raised you" convey a sense of pride and responsibility in familial bonds, while also highlighting the emotional toll of societal injustices and expectations. The lyrics reveal a plea for recognition and validation of the unique experiences and struggles faced by black women.

The concluding verses of the song delve into broader social issues such as systemic injustice, mental health struggles, and the impact of trauma. The portrayal of the cold world inhabited by evil and the struggles faced by individuals to find acceptance, support, and healing is a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of life. The lines "She says she’s been raped why her mama don’t even believe her" and "This trauma has opened up the door for the deceiver" delve into the complexities of victim-blaming, disbelief, and the lasting effects of trauma. The lyrics urge for greater empathy, love, and solidarity in confronting societal challenges and supporting each other in times of need.

Line by Line Meaning

I gotta do better
I need to improve myself

Gotta speak better, gotta live better
I need to communicate and act in a more positive way

Gotta love better, gotta give better
I need to show more love and generosity

So much better than what I am doing
I have the potential to do much better

Better better better, better, better, better
I need to strive for continual improvement

It’s crazy when reality is much more frightening than your dreams
Reality can be scarier than what we imagine

What happens in this world hits much different
Events impact us in unexpected ways

When your skin's pigmented, he asked me what I mixed with
People question my ethnicity based on my appearance

I said I’m black and black, he scrunched his face up
I proudly identify as Black, regardless of others' reactions

I’m like what’s wrong with that
I don't see anything wrong with being Black

Love who you love it don’t matter to me
I support love in all its forms