Da' T.R.U.T.H. - Why I Do Lyrics
Lyrics
I don't do this for fame
I don't do this for fame
I don't do this for fame
I don't do this for the money
I don't do this for fame
I don't do this so the industry can know my name
I don't do this for the money
I don't do this for fame
I don't do this for fame
I don't do this for fame
I don't do this for the money
I don't do this for fame
I don't do this so the industry can know my name
That was much easier to say a couple dollars ago
That was much easier to say a couple albums ago
That was a piece of cake to say before I got on the road
Landing a record deal with Cross Movement was not in my goals
When I say that man I mean it - but I'm at war with myself
Due to the roars and the applause and the awards on my shelf
Plus the allure of more wealth - man I know what I store - it's gone melt
Sometimes I'm torn and so I'm drawn - back to the floors that I've knelt
But the closer I get to God - the more I know that it's nothing
All of my things and my achievements - man I wanna throw 'em in the oven
Burn 'em up - I'm hurt enough about the Jones' I covet
And I hate the fact that I want more of what I can't have like Ocean's Eleven
Though I'm known in the public - not a king when I walk in your service
I'm no better then my Lord - man I know then I'm only a servant
If you see me help with chairs don't tell me that I'm a king
I already know that but I gotta show that I ain't gotta wear diamond rings
Before I'm Truth man, I'm a Christian so I gotta grind on my knees
Basically, pick up a basin and start washin' some feet
Even if you feel the beat like some cops in the street
Please don't tell me I'm the best, I'm tryin' not to compete
All flesh is as grass
And the glory of man is at the flowers of the field
The grass withers and the flowers fade
But the word of the Lord endures forever
I'm here and I'm gone
That's why I take the time that I have
To proclaim the One who was glorious
The Lord Jesus Christ, who is indeed God
Video
Why I Do
Meaning & Inspiration
Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s "Why I Do," released on July 10, 2007, from the album *Open Book*, stands as a profoundly honest and challenging declaration of purpose within the landscape of Christian hip-hop. From its insistent opening refrain, the song immediately confronts the common motivations for artistic pursuit, unequivocally stating a rejection of fame, money, and industry recognition. This isn't merely a catchy hook; it's the foundational premise for a deeply personal and vulnerable exploration of faith in the face of burgeoning success.
The narrative of "Why I Do" delves into the lived tension between pure intentions and the subtle allure of worldly accolades. The artist openly admits that his initial declarations of disinterest in fame were "much easier to say a couple dollars ago" or "a couple albums ago," before the reality of a record deal with Cross Movement materialized. This transparency is compelling, as it captures the universal human struggle against pride and covetousness, even for someone committed to a spiritual path. He acknowledges being "at war with myself," wrestling with the validation from "roars and the applause and the awards on my shelf," and the pervasive draw of "more wealth." This stark admission, rather than weakening his message, strengthens it by revealing the authenticity of his journey—a reminder that the battle for the heart is ongoing, even as one progresses in their calling. It resonates with the Apostle Paul's own confession in Romans 7, describing the internal conflict between the desire to do good and the struggle with sin, a candid reflection on the human condition even within a devoted life.
As the song progresses, Da' T.R.U.T.H. pivots towards the solution to this internal conflict: drawing closer to God. He explains that "the closer I get to God – the more I know that it's nothing," referring to earthly possessions and achievements. This perspective shift aligns powerfully with Philippians 3:7-8, where Paul counts everything as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. The desire to "throw 'em in the oven" and "burn 'em up" speaks to a yearning for purification, a recognition that coveting what others have—the "Jones' I covet"—or endlessly pursuing more, as alluded to by "Ocean's Eleven," is ultimately unsatisfying. This longing to be free from worldly attachments echoes the wisdom of Matthew 6:19-21, which encourages storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, where they can be destroyed or stolen.
A central theme emerges in the call to humility and servanthood, directly modeling Christ. Despite his public recognition, Da' T.R.U.T.H. declares, "I'm not a king when I walk in your service; I'm no better than my Lord – man I know then I'm only a servant." This powerful statement rejects the common trappings of celebrity and reminds us of Jesus' example in Mark 10:45, where He states that He "did not come to be served, but to serve." The image of helping with chairs and the rejection of diamond rings reinforces the practical application of this humility, emphasizing that genuine faith is demonstrated through actions, not outward symbols of status. His commitment to "grind on my knees" in prayer and "pick up a basin and start washin' some feet" directly references Jesus' humble act in John 13, setting an example for all who follow Him. It's a profound call to imitate Christ's servant heart, prioritizing the needs of others and eschewing the competitive spirit often found in human endeavors, as he declares, "Please don't tell me I'm the best, I'm tryin' not to compete."
The song culminates with a theological bedrock, directly quoting and interpreting Scripture regarding the transient nature of human glory. The lines "All flesh is as grass / And the glory of man is at the flowers of the field / The grass withers and the flowers fade / But the word of the Lord endures forever" are a direct echo of Isaiah 40:6-8 and 1 Peter 1:24-25. This timeless truth serves as the ultimate "why" behind his redirection from worldly pursuits: a firm understanding that human life and all its achievements are temporary, but God's Word and His character are eternal. This perspective fuels his ultimate purpose: "I'm here and I'm gone / That's why I take the time that I have / To proclaim the One who was glorious / The Lord Jesus Christ, who is indeed God." In this closing declaration, "Why I Do" transcends a personal testimony to become a clear and urgent evangelistic call. It's an inspiring reminder that our fleeting time on earth is best spent proclaiming the enduring glory and divine nature of Jesus Christ, making His name known above all others.