Des’ree – You Gotta Be
This is a retrospective post. I have finally finished my fifth day of ski lessons on the slopes of Avoriaz. I am glad that I stuck through it as I was almost ready on throwing in the towel on day 2 of the lessons. It was enjoyable and I definately need to practise more on my parallel turns to be more graceful. This reminds me of a track to persevere.
“You Gotta Be” is an uplifting R&B/soul song by British singer-songwriter Des’ree, released in 1994 as part of her second album, I Ain’t Movin’. The track, co-written with Ashley Ingram, became an international hit, celebrated for its empowering lyrics that encourage resilience, self-confidence, and positivity in the face of life’s challenges. Its memorable chorus, urging listeners to “be bad, be bold, be wiser,” resonated across generations and helped the song achieve top chart positions in the US, UK, Australia, and Spain. Des’ree, born Desirée Annette Weekes in Croydon, London, is known for her distinctive contralto voice and her ability to blend genres such as pop, soul, and R&B. Influenced by her Caribbean heritage and early exposure to diverse musical styles, Des’ree rose to prominence in the 1990s with a series of hits, including “Feel So High,” “Life,” and the ballad “Kissing You.” Her work has earned her critical acclaim and several major awards, including the Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist. “You Gotta Be” remains her signature anthem, widely recognized for its message of hope and inner strength.