Roger, along with the other Byrds members, was honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
Do What You Want To Do
Roger McGuinn Lyrics
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Who can keep me satisfied
You think you're the only woman
Who can always keep me tied
But you don't know, baby
You don't know what I got in store for you
I'm gonna give up ev'rything, baby
You can do what you wanna do
I always took the naggin'
The accusation of doin' wrong
But I'm fed up with it, baby
Because my love is not that strong
You don't know, baby
You don't know what's in store for you
I'm gonna give up ev'rything, baby
You can do what you wanna do
In Roger McGuinn's song Do What You Want To Do, the lyrics speak to having the courage to let go of a relationship and allowing the other person to do what they want to do. The singer is challenging their partner who believes they are the only one who can satisfy him and keep him tied. The singer acknowledges that he has taken the nagging and accusations of wrongdoing but is fed up and ready to give up everything. He is telling his partner that they do not know what he has in store for them and that they are free to make their own choices.
The message of the song is about finding the courage to let go of something that is no longer fulfilling and allowing the other person to be free to do what they want. Often, we get stuck in relationships, jobs, or situations that are no longer serving us because we are afraid of letting go or are afraid of what the other person may do without us. This song reminds us that we have the power to free ourselves and allow others to explore their own paths.
The lyrics are also a reflection of the changing times of the 1960s when individual freedom was becoming more important, and people were breaking away from traditional roles and expectations. The singer is saying that he is no longer willing to conform and be controlled by someone else's expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
You think you're the only woman
It seems like you believe you're the only woman who has the ability to satisfy me.
Who can keep me satisfied
Someone who can keep me happy and fulfilled.
Who can always keep me tied
You believe only you have the power to keep me under your influence and control.
But you don't know, baby
However, you lack an understanding of a few things, my dear.
You don't know what I got in store for you
You aren't aware of the plans I have in mind for you.
I'm gonna give up ev'rything, baby
I am prepared to abandon everything I have for you.
You can do what you wanna do
You have the freedom to do as you please with me.
I always took the naggin'
I have always dealt with complaints in our relationship.
The accusation of doin' wrong
Being accused of doing something wrong.
But I'm fed up with it, baby
However, I am tired of it, my love.
Because my love is not that strong
Because my feelings for you are not as strong as yours.
You don't know, baby
There are some things my dear, that you are unaware of.
You don't know what's in store for you
You are not aware of the intentions I hold for you.
I'm gonna give up ev'rything, baby
I am willing to sacrifice it all for you.
You can do what you wanna do
You are at liberty to take any steps you desire, regarding me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WILLIAM EARL COLLINS, GEORGE CLINTON, JOSH DEUTSCH, DAVID ELLIOT, COLLEEN FITZPATRICK, GREGORY JACOBS, GARRY MARSHALL SHIDER, DAVID SPRADLEY, BERNIE WORRELL, ALBERT COLLINS
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