Jimmy Webb - “Do What You Gotta Do” (Clea Anaïs Cover)
This version of “Do What You Gotta Do”, originally composed by legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb, pays tribute to my favourite version sung by Nina Simone.
When I first proposed this cover, my family and music team expressed skepticism, and I could genuinely understand why, Nina’s shoes are simply too large to fill.
That being said, February is Black History Month, and this is an opportunity to highlight a Black artist who I grew up listening to who inspired me deeply. As a child I was immediately moved by her voice, not just her technical ability and range, but the conviction and emotion she imbued in often carefully chosen words. With time, I learned her music was a conduit to expressing the injustices she faced and witnessed throughout her life. I genuinely encourage you to take a moment to learn about Nina Simone, read a biography, listen to an album. You will not be disappointed.
Just in time for Valentine's Day, “Do What You Gotta Do” is a song about heartbreak, love, and hope. These themes which resonate for me, are delivered in a laid back rendition of the tune. Recreating this song was a fun challenge executed at Studio B, with Jarret Mayo and Brock Geiger.
Clea Anaïs - vocals, cello, mellotron
Brock Geiger- vocals, synths, drums, mellotron
Jarret Mayo- baritone guitar
Recorded & Mixed at Studio B - Brock Geiger
Mastering - Will Maclellan
LYRICS
Do what you gotta do
Come on back and see me when you can
Man I can understand how it might be
Kinda hard to love a girl like me
I don't blame you much for wanting to be free
I just wanted you to know
I've loved you better that your own Kin did
From the very start it's my own fault
What happens to my heart
You see I've always known you'd go
So you just do what you gotta do, my wild sweet love
Though it may mean that I'll never kiss
Those sweet lips again, pay that no mind
Find that dappled dream of yours
Come on back and see me when you can
Now I know it'll make you feel sad and make you feel so bad
They say you don't treat me like you should
They got ways to make you feel no good
I guess they got no way to know
I've had my eyes wide open from the start
And man you never lied to me
The part of you that they'll never see
Is the part you've shown to me
So you just do what you gotta do, my wild sweet love
Though it may mean that I'll never kiss
Those sweet lips again, pay that no mind
Find that dappled dream of yours
Come on back and see me when you can
Do what you gotta do
Come on back and see me when you can
Do what you gotta do
Come on back and see me when you can