Do The Right Thing
Stephen Hunley Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Wo ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho
Well I must confess hey the world's a mess
We got suits and ties that are filled with lies
Can't see the world through their own two eyes
But life is grand when the money's in your hand
Well you can take it with a grain of sand or a grain of salt
But don't you get caught with the happiness you bought
And I said don't matter where you come from
We all live under the same sun
Don't matter if you're rich or poor
Pay no mind to who got less or more
It's up and down black and white
Wrong or right, no in between so do the right thing

Now don't get me wrong the rich folk ain't alone, no
It ain't all on them so don't condemn
Before you look at yourself down deep within
You gotta pull your own weight come on don't be late
Don't want to miss the bus be oblivious or anonymous
To the rest of the populous

And I said don't matter where you come from
We all live under the same sun
Don't matter if you're rich or poor
Pay no mind to who got less or more
It's up and down black and white
Wrong or right no in between, so do the right thing

Go ahead and reach out your hand
Pick up your brother
Do everything that you can
To love one another, wooh

It don't matter where you come from
We all live under the same sun
Don't matter if you're rich or poor
Pay no mind to who's got less or more
It's up and down black and white
Wrong or right no in between, so do the right thing
Oh so do the right thing
Hey hmm, hey hmm




Shoo doo boo du ba du ba du ba du da bup bup
Oh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Stephen Hunley's song "Do the Right Thing" convey a message that is relevant to everyone, regardless of their background or social status. Hunley starts off by admitting that the world is a mess, and that even the people who seem to have it all, such as the "suits and ties," are not immune to the problems that afflict society. He warns against being blinded by material possessions and happiness that is purchased, as it is only fleeting and can lead to a shallow existence.


Hunley emphasizes the importance of doing the right thing, which involves treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of their race or economic status. He makes it clear that we all share the same planet and are under the same sun, so there's no need to discriminate or divide ourselves based on external factors. He encourages listeners to take responsibility for their own actions and to be proactive in creating a better world for everyone.


The song's chorus repeats the message that it doesn't matter where you come from or how much money you have, the right thing to do is to love and support one another. The song ends with a call to action to reach out and help others in need, emphasizing the importance of community and solidarity.


Overall, "Do the Right Thing" is a powerful reminder that we are all in this together, and that our actions have consequences that affect others. It encourages listeners to strive for a better future by treating others with compassion and taking responsibility for our own impact on the world.


Line by Line Meaning

Wo ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho
An expression of joy and excitement to kick off the song.


Well I must confess hey the world's a mess
The singer admits that the world is in disarray and chaos.


We got suits and ties that are filled with lies
People in power, such as politicians and businessmen, are dishonest and untrustworthy.


Can't see the world through their own two eyes
Those in power lack empathy and cannot understand the struggles of the common people.


But life is grand when the money's in your hand
Monetary wealth can bring happiness and enjoyment in life.


Well you can take it with a grain of sand or a grain of salt
One can choose to take wealthy people at face value, but it's important to remain skeptical about their intentions.


But don't you get caught with the happiness you bought
Purchased happiness is shallow and temporary, and it's important to seek deeper fulfillment in life.


And I said don't matter where you come from
The singer believes that background and social status should not determine one's worth or opportunities.


We all live under the same sun
Regardless of differences, everyone shares the same world and environment.


Don't matter if you're rich or poor
Income level should not place value on someone's humanity or inherent rights.


Pay no mind to who got less or more
Envy and jealousy towards others' perceived advantages is not productive or beneficial.


It's up and down black and white
Life is full of polar opposites and contradictions.


Wrong or right, no in between so do the right thing
There is no room for moral ambiguity in doing what's right, and it is important to always make ethical decisions.


Now don't get me wrong the rich folk ain't alone, no
The singer acknowledges that wealth is not the sole factor in creating societal problems.


It ain't all on them so don't condemn
It's important to avoid placing sole blame on wealthy individuals and instead look at systemic issues.


Before you look at yourself down deep within
Self-reflection is necessary before seeking change in society.


You gotta pull your own weight come on don't be late
Everyone has a role to play and should not avoid responsibility in creating a better world.


Don't want to miss the bus be oblivious or anonymous
It's important to remain aware and involved in society, rather than ignoring or avoiding issues.


To the rest of the populous
The singer addresses the societal importance of being aware of everyone's needs and issues.


Go ahead and reach out your hand
The singer encourages listeners to offer assistance and support to others in need.


Pick up your brother
Use one's privilege and resources to help others in worse off situations.


Do everything that you can to love one another, wooh
The singer urges listeners to prioritize love, understanding, and empathy towards others.


Oh so do the right thing
Reasserting that it is crucial to always make ethical decisions and do what is right.


Hey hmm, hey hmm
A musical interlude.


Shoo doo boo du ba du ba du ba du da bup bup
A musical outro.




Lyrics © ST MUSIC,
Written by: Stephen Gregory Hunley

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions