Do What I Do
R.O.M.E. Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what?
Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do
Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what?
Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do
Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what?
Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do
Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what?
Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do

Peace to my street niggas
My hand in hand dudes
That follow man rules
And give out samples
Yea, see I was you 10 years ago
But bloodshed, time served many years ago
Brown skin but I could mix with a Spanish group (why?)
I'm half of that, so half of that you can't recoup
You can't find nothing to live for
You should find something to die for, therefore
You should never hang around thieves
'Cause you are who you hang with
Like trees to the leaves
I used to sell dope to the dope fiends
And crack to the crack heads by all means
Hustling, getting money was a part of me
Right through my blood, like some veins and the arteries
Apparently, the streets for the love wanna marry me
Down the alley, carry me

Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what?
Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do
Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what?
Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do
Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what?
Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do
Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what?
Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do

Yea, I got the dope man blues
Still out here playin' dope man dudes
So come and take a walk off in my dope man shoes
So I can show you motherfuckers how the dope man do
Got niggas I've been down with deep
What I say that they down, don't sleep
Ask you got bloodstained hands, for my homeboys I lost to this fucked up plan
Goddamn, I think if I had one last wish
I want rance up out this shit
And resurrect the ones run down, in the streets gunned down,
Put the slick one round now
Imagine your cocaine sold out
You get reckless and get your brains blown out
Street life's so deep and we might not eat
A dead man won't speak and revenge is so sweet

Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what?
Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do
Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what?
Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do
Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what?
Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do




Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what?
Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do

Overall Meaning

In the song "Do What I Do" by R.O.M.E, the artist describes his experiences growing up in a poor neighborhood, where he had to resort to selling drugs to make ends meet. The first few lines of the song repeat the phrase "Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what? Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do," which showcases the pride the artist has in his upbringing and the tough exterior he had to adopt to survive. He goes on to give a shoutout to his fellow street dwellers, acknowledging the struggles they face and the code they follow to survive in their environment.


R.O.M.E talks about how he used to sell drugs to make money and how it was a part of him, just like the blood running through his veins. He acknowledges the danger that comes with the lifestyle, with the constant fear of getting caught or being gunned down. He also expresses regret for his actions, especially when he remembers the friends he lost to the streets. The artist wishes he could bring back the people he lost and change the direction his life took.


Overall, the song "Do What I Do" is a powerful reflection on the hardships faced by people growing up in poverty and the measures they take to survive. It highlights the pride that exists within these communities despite the challenges they face and the need for change to prevent more losses.


Line by Line Meaning

Yea, I grew up like the rag of the dark, so what?
I came from a rough background, and I'm not ashamed of it.


Soldier, proud about it, that's just what I gotta do
I've had to be tough to survive, and I embrace that part of myself.


Peace to my street niggas
Shoutout to my fellow people from the rough streets.


My hand in hand dudes
My close friends who I've been through it all with.


That follow man rules
We have a code of ethics and loyalty that we follow.


And give out samples
We've all been involved in drug dealing at some point.


Yea, see I was you 10 years ago
I used to be in the same position as some of these young hustlers.


But bloodshed, time served many years ago
I've paid my dues and been through the violence and prison system.


Brown skin but I could mix with a Spanish group (why?)
I come from a mixed background and can relate to different cultures.


I'm half of that, so half of that you can't recoup
My identity is a mix and cannot be taken away.


You can't find nothing to live for
If you have no purpose or hope, you're living aimlessly.


You should find something to die for, therefore
It's better to have something meaningful to strive towards, even if it requires risk.


You should never hang around thieves
Your peers influence your actions, so be careful who you associate with.


'Cause you are who you hang with
Your character is shaped by the company you keep.


Like trees to the leaves
Just as leaves are connected to a tree, your actions are connected to your friends.


I used to sell dope to the dope fiends
I've been involved in drug dealing to make a living.


And crack to the crack heads by all means
I've sold different types of drugs to desperate people.


Hustling, getting money was a part of me
I've had to hustle to make ends meet my whole life.


Right through my blood, like some veins and the arteries
Getting money is so ingrained in me, it's like it's in my DNA.


Apparently, the streets for the love wanna marry me
I feel like I'm destined to be in the streets, and it's hard to leave.


Down the alley, carry me
I've been through the worst, and it's led me to where I am now.


Yea, I got the dope man blues
I'm stuck in a cycle of drug dealing and violence.


Still out here playin' dope man dudes
I'm still involved in the drug game and its dangerous lifestyle.


So come and take a walk off in my dope man shoes
See what it's really like to be a drug dealer and the struggles that come with it.


So I can show you motherfuckers how the dope man do
I've learned to survive and thrive in this lifestyle, and I can teach others how to do the same.


Got niggas I've been down with deep
I have close friends who I've been through it all with.


What I say that they down, don't sleep
My friends are loyal and not to be messed with.


Ask you got bloodstained hands, for my homeboys I lost to this fucked up plan
Those who have caused harm or death among my friends will pay the price.


Goddamn, I think if I had one last wish
I wish I could change the past and bring back the friends I've lost.


I want rance up out this shit
I want to break free from the dangerous cycle of drug dealing and violence.


And resurrect the ones run down, in the streets gunned down,
I want to bring back the friends I've lost to senseless violence.


Put the slick one round now
I want to make things right and take revenge on those who have caused harm.


Imagine your cocaine sold out
If I become successful in the drug game, I'll be on top.


You get reckless and get your brains blown out
But success comes with risks, and there's always a chance of violence.


Street life's so deep and we might not eat
The street life can be tough and unpredictable, and we don't always have access to basic necessities.


A dead man won't speak and revenge is so sweet
Taking revenge on those who have wronged us will bring closure, even if it's not a long-term solution.




Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

@nenebowden8970

My auntie had the CD πŸ₯ΊπŸ₯Ίshe passed away 1 month ago we use to play this and hit the road

@ChocolateMocha-nm7wl

This black brotha is pure gold. He had good hits after hits. He's the g.o.a.t of romantic loving making music. In the late 90's 1996-1999 rome took over with his music.

@timothytannersr.997

My girlfriend and I used to listen to this CD all the time back in the late 90s. I'm proud to say that my girlfriend at that time is now my wife of 16 years and mother of our 4 children! Damn this brings back such good memories.

@TheEdan9023

Timothy Tanner Sr. What a blessing!!!! Great music to reminisce to. Thanks for sharing!

@timothytannersr.997

Bro Twan Indeed

@mychellebrown7775

Timothy Tanner Sr. That is awesome. Congratulations to you and your wife. Wishing you both many more years of happiness

@alfredcowans6212

Timothy Tanner Sr. πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘ŒπŸ’ͺ

@angelawilliams9963

Timothy Tanner Sr. congrats I love to hear about true love my husband and I also have for kids and been together 13 years and married 6

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@quashonahardesty6280

Rome dropped pure baby making music back in the day I love his first album.

@Starchild2t6

dude 1st album was so on point

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