Do Better
J. Stone Lyrics

I gotta do better
The singer needs to improve upon various aspects of their life

Gotta speak better, gotta live better
The singer needs to communicate and behave in a more positive and effective manner

Gotta love better, gotta give better
The singer needs to demonstrate greater love and generosity towards others

So much better than what I am doing
The artist acknowledges they have room for improvement and desires to make positive changes

It’s crazy when reality is much more frightening than your dreams
Reality can be more terrifying than one's worst nightmares

What happens in this world hits much different
Certain experiences have a greater impact on people than others

When your skin's pigmented, he asked me what I mixed with
The singer has been asked what their ethnic background is due to their skin color

I’m like what’s wrong with that
The artist does not understand why their race would be an issue

Love who you love it don’t matter to me
The artist does not care who other people love

But what irks a sister, nah what really hurts a sister
The artist is about to express what upsets and hurts them

Is when you get with them snow bunnies
The singer is hurt when a Black man dates a White woman

And exotic queens to sit up on your throne
The artist is hurt when a Black man dates a non-Black woman of color

And look down at me
The singer feels disrespected and devalued by those who do not respect Black women

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
The singer is referring to the role of Black mothers in the lives of their children and grandchildren, and how they deserve respect and appreciation

Sometimes it takes so much to be a black woman
The singer acknowledges the challenges and obstacles that Black women face in their daily lives

When we’re happy we’re too loud
Black women are often criticized for expressing joy and excitement

We got standards were too proud
Black women are often criticized for having high standards for themselves and others

When we say how we feel it comes off as aggressive
Black women are often criticized for being assertive and speaking their minds

Now everybody in the spot thinks we're so offensive
Black women are often viewed as unpleasant and unapproachable by others

So now we gotta dim our light and become submissive
Black women are expected to suppress their personalities and conform to societal expectations

But Lord I’m so tired I'm so sick and tired
The artist is exhausted and frustrated with constantly feeling oppressed and undervalued

Of this muzzle why every word I speak Sounds muffled
The artist feels silenced and unable to express themselves fully due to societal expectations and restrictions

Now tell me how can I fulfill my destiny If I can’t even open up my mouth and say my piece
The singer feels that they cannot accomplish their goals and fulfill their potential if they are not allowed to speak their truth

Can somebody please explain this to me
The artist is seeking understanding and clarity regarding the oppressive experiences they have faced

Why is this cold world inhabited by so much evil
The singer is expressing frustration and confusion about the amount of wrongdoing and injustice in the world

Why do we post naked pictures with positive affirmations Knowing dag on well that we’re capping in them captions
The singer questions why people post revealing photos with seemingly positive messages, when they may not actually feel that way

Why can’t we choose love and learn how to watch our actions
The singer advocates for people to choose love and be more mindful and intentional in their actions

Why can’t we support each other like the people who hanged us
The artist questions why people are not able to support and uplift one another, despite the injustices they have faced in the past

Why we just can’t be ourselves without them thinking we’re dangerous
The artist expresses the frustration of being viewed negatively and stereotyped based on their identity and authentic self-expression

She says she’s been raped why her mama don’t even believe her This trauma has opened up the door for the deceiver
The singer points out the devastating effects of not being believed or supported after experiencing trauma

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
The singer describes the harmful effects of gaslighting and emotional abuse, which can lead to self-harm

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
The artist reflects on the potential and dreams of someone who has been negatively impacted by trauma and societal limitations

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
The artist uses graphic imagery to describe the destructive impact of trauma and oppression on an individual's mental and emotional well-being

Better better better, better, better, better
The artist repeats the mantra of needing to improve upon various aspects of their life