What Can I Do
Madlib/Talib Kweli Lyrics

Swim in the ocean
I'm surrounded by endless possibilities

And thoughts remain to sail on the sea, yeah
My mind is free to wander and dream

What can I do, but what can I do
I'm faced with a challenge, but I won't give up

Yo, I try to get it here, get it there, everywhere
I hustle hard to achieve success

(What can I do, but what can I do)
I'm determined to keep moving forward

So I spit it clear, persevere, interfere
I speak honestly and with conviction to fight against the norm

With the status quo the baddest flow throughout the hemisphere
I don't conform to the standards set by others, I'm unique

There ain't no pretenders here, only real men is here
I surround myself with authentic people

If you see a chick she down to ride like she wanna veer
The women I associate with are loyal and ride or die

Better yet the Queen of Sheba, Aretha, Queen Latifah
My women are powerful and independent

I'm the boss like Aneisha Reefa
I'm in control and confident in my abilities

See I call her baby like she 3 years old
I speak to her with affection and love

When she fully grown so these dudes is pullin' on
When she's a woman, others try to take her away from me

She in the club like a stone cover, fully blown
She's out partying and enjoying herself, carefree

Speaking in the girly tone even though you got a attitude
She may act tough, but deep down she's a softie

I can't stay mad at you
I forgive her easily because I love her

(We'll have our quarrels,) word (and you will upset me
We'll have our arguments and disagreements and sometimes I'll be hurt

Tell me what can I do, but what can I do)
I don't know what else to do but try to work it out

Nothin', cause if I said that I don't need you I was frontin' so
I can't pretend I don't need her, it would be a lie

(What can I do, but what can I do)
I'm faced with a dilemma, but I won't give up

Nothing, every time you said you leavin' you was bluffin'
Every time she threatens to leave, she never follows through

Back in the days I had dreads like Lil Jon
I used to be like Lil Jon, but now I'm different

And got numbers armed with nothin' but a pen and a little charm
I used my charm to gain success without violence

Everything I'm saying be littered with observation
I pay attention to the world around me and share my insights

So I stand up for the dudes with limited conversation
I speak up for those who struggle to express themselves

You looking at a star, it's all in the constellation
I am a shining star, and it's reflected in my actions and achievements

She tried to tie me up but she can't tie me down
She attempts to control me but I won't be held back

She ain't never cried a tear but she cryin' now
She's finally showing her true emotions

She tried to leave me, coming back cause she can't forget me
She keeps returning to me, unable to let go

I gotta be strong so she can't disrespect me
I need to be strong and stand up to her so she can't disregard my feelings

(We'll have our quarrels), word
We'll continue to argue and disagree

(and you will upset me, tell me what can I do, but what can I do)
You'll cause me pain, but I'll continue to work through it

Uh uh uh uh yea
An expression of determination and confidence

(What can I do, but what can I do)
I'm faced with challenges, but I won't give up

Uh uh uh yea
An expression of determination and confidence

Let's, let's go uh
Let's get to work and make things happen

Let's, let's go uh
An expression of motivation and excitement