She started her career in 1987 with a Detroit soul band. Later, after lending background vocals for Big Chief, she embarked on a solo career.
She released her first and only studio album, Sunday Morning Music, in 1996 on Sub Pop records.
Thornetta Davis has continued performing live and releasing music, which can be found at her official website.
You Haven't Done Nothin'
Thornetta Davis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
By all the things you say that you'll do
Though much concerned but not involved
With decisions that are made by you
But we are sick and tired of hearing your song
Telling how you are gonna change right from wrong
'Cause if you really want to hear our views
"You haven't done nothing"!
But you brought this upon yourself
The world is tired of pacifiers
We want the truth and nothing else
And we are sick and tired of hearing your song
Telling how you are gonna change right from wrong
'Cause if you really want to hear our views
"You haven't done nothing"!
Jackson 5 join along with me say
Doo doo wop - hey hey hey
Doo doo wop - wow wow wow
Doo doo wop - co co co
Doo doo wop - naw naw naw
Doo doo wop - bum bum bum
Doo doo wop
We would not care to wake up to the nightmare
That's becoming real life
But when mislead who knows a person's mind
Can turn as cold as ice un hum
Why do you keep on making us hear your song
Telling us how you are changing right from wrong
'Cause if you really want to hear our views
"You haven't done nothing"!
Yeah
Jackson 5 sing along again say
Doo doo wop
Doo doo wop - oh
Doo doo wop - co co co
Doo doo wop - sing it baby
Doo doo wop - bum bum bum
Doo doo wop - um
Sing it loud for your people say
Doo doo wop - um um um
Doo doo wop - stand up be counted, say
Doo doo wop - co co co
Doo doo wop - ow
Doo doo wop - bum bum bum
Doo doo wop - ah hum
In "You Haven't Done Nothin," Thornetta Davis expresses her frustration with those in power who make empty promises and fail to follow through on their commitments. Through the chorus of the song, Davis emphasizes that actions speak louder than words, and that those who are claiming to make a difference have yet to actually do so.
The first verse of the song sets the stage for Davis's message, as she and others are "amazed but not amused" by the promises of those in charge. Though they are "much concerned," they are not involved in the decision-making process, leaving them feeling helpless and frustrated. Davis continues to hammer home her message, stating that she and others are "sick and tired of hearing your song," and that the world is tired of being pacified and wants the truth.
The chorus, which reappears throughout the song, shows Davis's exasperation with those who claim to be making a difference: "Telling how you are gonna change right from wrong/'Cause if you really want to hear our views/'You haven't done nothing'!" The inclusion of the Jackson 5 provides an extra layer of meaning, as the iconic group was known for their messages of social justice and equality.
Line by Line Meaning
We are amazed but not amused
We are surprised by your behavior, but not entertained by it
By all the things you say that you'll do
We are skeptical of all the promises you make
Though much concerned but not involved
We care about the issues, but don't have any control over them
With decisions that are made by you
We don't agree with the choices that you make
But we are sick and tired of hearing your song
We are fed up with listening to your meaningless words
Telling how you are gonna change right from wrong
Promising to fix things, but never following through
'Cause if you really want to hear our views
If you actually want to know how we feel about things
"You haven't done nothing"!
"You haven't done anything"!
It's not too cool to be ridiculed
Being made fun of isn't fun
But you brought this upon yourself
You caused this to happen to yourself
The world is tired of pacifiers
People are sick of being given false comfort
We want the truth and nothing else
We want honesty, and nothing but that
Jackson 5 join along with me say
The Jackson 5 are also singing this song with me
Doo doo wop - hey hey hey
Nonsense lyrics to keep the rhythm
We would not care to wake up to the nightmare
We'd rather not have to face the terrible reality
That's becoming real life
The situation we're in is getting worse
But when mislead who knows a person's mind
When someone is misled, who knows how they'll react
Can turn as cold as ice un hum
They can become very harsh and unforgiving
Why do you keep on making us hear your song
We want you to stop making empty promises
Telling us how you are changing right from wrong
Claiming to fix things, but never actually doing it
"Cause if you really want to hear our views
If you're really interested in our opinion
"You haven't done nothing"!
"You haven't done anything"!
Jackson 5 sing along again say
The Jackson 5 are repeating the chorus
Doo doo wop
Nonsense lyrics to keep the rhythm
Sing it loud for your people say
Shout it out for your community
Stand up be counted, say
Take action and make your voice heard
Doo doo wop - co co co
Nonsense lyrics to keep the rhythm
Doo doo wop - ow
Nonsense lyrics to keep the rhythm
Doo doo wop - bum bum bum
Nonsense lyrics to keep the rhythm
Doo doo wop - ah hum
Nonsense lyrics to keep the rhythm
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEVIE WONDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind