Where music meets an amazing community like the Vibes Web3 Music Competition Week 20, magic happens. For my entry, I picked the motivational song “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree. This beautiful song was recorded in 1994. However, the lyrics are relevant in today’s society as people need to be strong and accept themselves no matter what. The first time I heard about the song was on September 1st, 2024 and I immediately decided to sing it.
Learning the Song
This song was not too problematic when it came to memorizing. I began with the chorus then followed by the first verse, second verse, the bridge, outro and other parts that I felt were important. I learned the adlibs at the end of the song when I was in the recording studio. I struggled to get the lyrics of that particular part but still came up with something that sounded similar too. Despite the fact that the song is very simple in terms of its structure, the words are very wise.
Personal Connection
The day I was scheduled to record this cover, I was unhappy, more like an emotional breakdown, and almost canceled the appointment. However, after speaking with a friend about what happened, writing down what transpired, and reflecting on what I was feeling, I felt better and went ahead and recorded the vocals. Moving to the rhythm of Des’ree’s song 'You gotta be' with the lyrics ‘You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser’ comforted and encouraged me.
Every individual faces unique challenges in life, but I have chosen to rise to the occasion, especially when I listen to the lyrics of this song, which has become one of my favorites and gives me strength when I'm tempted to give up.
I find this song to be a perfect example of a song that motivates you to face life's challenges as they arise.
So, this is my take on this song and I do hope that you had as much fun listening to it as I had recording it, and I hope it inspires you in some way.
YOU GOTTA BE - LYRICS
[Verse 1]
Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead, release your fears
Stand up and be counted
Don't be ashamed to cry
You gotta be
[Chorus]
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day
[Verse 2]
Herald what your mother said
Read the books your father read
Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time
Some may have more cash than you
Others take a different view
My oh my, eh, eh, eh
[Chorus]
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day
[Bridge]
Time asks no questions, it goes on without you
Leaving you behind if you can't stand the pace
The world keeps on spinning
Can't stop it if you tried to
The best part is danger staring you in the face, oh
[Verse 3]
Remember, listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears
My oh my, eh, eh, eh
[Chorus]
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day
Yeah, yeah, yeah
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day
Yeah-yeah
[Outro]
Got to be bold
Got to be bad
Got to be wise
Do what others say
Got to be hard
Not too too hard
All I know is love will save the day
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
▶️ 3Speak