“You Gotta Be” is a song by British singer-songwriter Des’ree. It was released in March 1994 as the lead single from her second studio album, “I Ain’t Movin’.” The song was written by Des’ree, whose full name is Desiree Weeks, with Ashley Ingram, who produced the song. Upon its release, “You Gotta Be” achieved critical acclaim and commercial success. The song reached the top ten on various music charts, including #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song was used in several television advertisements over the following years, and a 1999 remix (scroll down for video) used in a Ford Focus advert became a top-10 hit in Des’ree’s native UK and a number-one hit in Spain. “You Gotta Be” is an uplifting and motivational song with inspirational lyrics that encourage listeners to be strong, courageous, and true to themselves. The song’s empowering message resonated with audiences and became one of Des’ree’s signature songs.
The accompanying music video for the song was directed by Paul Boyd; it was filmed in colour, but this was removed during post-production. It was nominated in the category of “Best Female Video” at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards,[
“I Ain’t Movin’,” the album that “You Gotta Be” is from, became a success and further established Des’ree as a notable artist in the music industry. In addition to the title track, the album included other hit singles such as “Feel So High” and “Life.” Des’ree’s unique vocal style and her ability to convey heartfelt emotions through her music earned her a dedicated fan base. She continued to release music and received further recognition for her work, earning critical acclaim and accolades throughout her career.
“You Gotta Be” remains a beloved and timeless song, often used in motivational and inspirational contexts. Its positive and encouraging message has made it a favorite for self-empowerment, personal growth, and positive thinking. Des’ree’s contribution to the music industry, particularly with songs like “You Gotta Be,” showcases her talent as a singer-songwriter and her ability to touch hearts with her music. The song’s legacy endures as a reminder of the power of uplifting music to inspire and encourage listeners to embrace life’s challenges with strength and determination.
Des’ree – You Gotta Be – Lyrics