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Writer's pictureonedharma

You Gotta Be

"You gotta be" = you have go to be.


In music lyrics, quite often the way that native English speakers connect words together is shown in the spelling. Thus, 'you have got to be' = 'you gotta be' because this is what it sounds like. These are called informal contractions. If you would like to learn more about informal contractions, then click here.

'You Gotta Be' is a R&B (rhythm and blues) song, sung by Des'ree and released in 1994. It was a worldwide hit.


The uplifting tune is about self-confidence. "You Gotta Be" is about being strong. It is about realising that, in different situations, you need to display different personality qualities. For example, in one situation, we may need to be cool and calm, and in another situation we may have to be bold and strong.


I like the song because it is uplifting and affirming and expresses something I agree with:


'love will save the day'

 

Listen to the song and complete the 10 gaps in the lyrics below, with a word from those listed (note:- there are two extra words)


calm / tough / bad / stronger / kind / bold / cool / hard / warmer / wiser


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 1______________, you gotta be 2________________ You gotta be 3______________, you gotta be 4________________ You gotta be 5______________, you gotta be 6________________ You gotta be 7______________, you gotta be 8________________ You gotta stay together All I know, all I know, love will save the day

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 heh, hey..


CHORUS

Don't ask no questions, it goes on without you Leaving you behind if you can't stand the pace The world keeps on spinning You can't stop it, if you try to This time it's danger staring you in the face oh oh oh

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 hey, hey, hey


CHORUS

 

Now, match the FIVE pieces of advice with the red lines in the song

  1. Listen to your parents

  2. Be positive and optimistic

  3. Be mindful of what's happening

  4. Be assertive and self-confident

  5. It's okay to show sadness

Once you are confident, please enter you answers in the test sheet below.


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