10 Best Songs With The Word 'Do' In The Title

Feature Photo: Adam McCullough / Shutterstock.com

This list explores ten of the best songs with “do” in the title, each one showcasing the versatility of the word and the energy it brings to rock and roll. The Beatles laid the foundation for this list with “Love Me Do,” a harmonica-driven debut that introduced the world to their signature sound. Peter Frampton turned the phrase into a euphoric, extended jam on “Do You Feel Like We Do,” a live track that captured the essence of ‘70s arena rock. Steely Dan fused jazz sophistication with sharp lyricism on “Do It Again,” crafting a song about self-destruction disguised as a smooth groove. Hall & Oates took a more introspective route with “Do What You Want, Be What You Are,” delivering a soulful meditation on authenticity. The Police injected their signature reggae-infused rock into “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da,” using nonsense lyrics to critique the manipulation of language.

ABBA’s “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do” leaned into old-school romance, channeling the charm of 1950s pop with layered harmonies and sweeping melodies. The Temptations brought effortless soul to “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” using playful metaphors to turn a love song into a masterclass in vocal harmony. Billy J. Kramer put a British Invasion spin on “Do You Want to Know a Secret,” giving a Lennon-McCartney composition a fresh, heartfelt delivery. Led Zeppelin stripped away the bombast for the acoustic-driven “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do,” a rare B-side that told a melancholy tale of love gone wrong. B.T. Express, meanwhile, used funk as a command with “Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied),” a dancefloor staple that left nothing to the imagination.

# 10 – Do What You Want, Be What You Are – Hall & Oates

Hall & Oates released “Do What You Want, Be What You Are” as the lead single from their fifth studio album, Bigger Than Both of Us, in 1976. The song was recorded at Cherokee Studios in Hollywood, California, with Christopher Bond serving as producer. The album, which arrived in August of that year, would later be best remembered for the duo’s first No. 1 hit, “Rich Girl,” but “Do What You Want, Be What You Are” played a pivotal role in showcasing their evolving sound—a blend of rock, blue-eyed soul, and introspective songwriting.

# 9 – De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da – The Police

The Police recorded “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” for their third studio album, Zenyatta Mondatta, which was released on October 3, 1980. The track was recorded at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands and produced by Nigel Gray alongside the band. Featuring Sting on bass and lead vocals, Andy Summers on guitar, and Stewart Copeland on drums, the song became one of The Police’s most recognizable hits. It was released as the second single from Zenyatta Mondatta and achieved commercial success, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart.

# 8 – Do It To You Satisfied – B.T. Express

“Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied)” is a funk and disco track by B.T. Express, released on August 27, 1974, as the lead single from their debut album of the same name. The song was written by Billy Nichols and produced by Jeff Lane and Trade Martin. It features a distinctive handclap intro and a spoken interlude, contributing to its suggestive theme of indulgence and satisfaction. The track achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the U.S. R&B singles chart and number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It also peaked at number eight on the disco/dance charts. The album itself was certified Gold by the RIAA on March 6, 1975, for selling over 500,000 copies in the United States. “Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied)” has been featured in various media, including the 2006 film “Invincible,” and was sampled in the 2002 song “Addictive” by Truth Hurts featuring Rakim

# 7 – The Way You Do The Things You Do – The Temptations

“The Way You Do the Things You Do” is a 1964 hit single by The Temptations for the Gordy (Motown) label. Written by Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers, the single was the Temptations’ first charting single on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking in the Top 20 at number eleven; it also went to number one on the Cash Box R&B chart. The song was recorded at Hitsville USA (Studio A) on January 9, 1964, and released on January 23, 1964. It features Eddie Kendricks on lead vocals, with Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Otis Williams, and David Ruffin providing background vocals. The instrumental backing was provided by Motown’s house band, The Funk Brothers.

Read More: 10 Essential Temptations Songs

# 6 – I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do – ABBA

How could we leave this one off the list? It’s five Do’s for the price of one. The track was recorded on February 21, 1975, at Glen Studio in Stockholm. It was written by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson, with production handled by Andersson and Ulvaeus. The song features Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad on lead vocals, Björn Ulvaeus on guitar and backing vocals, Benny Andersson on keyboards and backing vocals, Lasse Wellander on guitar, Mike Watson on bass, Roger Palm on drums, and Ulf Andersson on saxophone.

Upon its release, “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do” achieved significant international success. It topped the charts in Australia, Switzerland, and South Africa, and reached the top five in countries like Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Austria. In the United States, the song peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1976. However, it had a more modest performance in the United Kingdom, reaching only number 38 on the charts. The song’s popularity was notably boosted in Australia due to a promotional music video aired on television, which played a significant role in igniting “ABBA-mania” in the country.

Lyrically, the song revolves around themes of love and commitment, with the repetitive “I do” in the chorus emulating wedding vows. This romantic theme, combined with its upbeat melody, has made it a popular choice at weddings and celebratory events. The song’s enduring appeal is evident, as it was prominently featured in the 1994 film “Muriel’s Wedding,” underscoring its lasting impact on popular culture.

# 5 – Hey Hey What Can I Do – Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin recorded “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” during sessions for Led Zeppelin III in 1970. The song was released on November 5, 1970, as the B-side to “Immigrant Song”, making it the only non-album track the band released during their active years. It was recorded at Headley Grange using the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio and later completed at Olympic Sound Studios in London. While Led Zeppelin III featured a more acoustic, folk-inspired direction compared to their earlier records, “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” was left off the final album and initially only available as a single in the U.S.

# 4 – Do It Again – Steely Dan

“Do It Again” was released in November 1972 as the lead single from their debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill. The track was recorded in August 1972 at The Village Recorder in Santa Monica, California. Written by band members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, and produced by Gary Katz, the song features Donald Fagen on lead vocals and electric piano, Denny Dias on electric sitar, Jeff Baxter on guitar, Walter Becker on bass guitar, Jim Hodder on drums, and Victor Feldman on percussion. Upon its release, “Do It Again” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1973.

# 3 – Love Me Do – The Beatles

“Love Me Do” stands as a significant milestone in The Beatles’ illustrious career, marking their debut single released on October 5, 1962. This track not only introduced the world to the songwriting prowess of John Lennon and Paul McCartney but also set the stage for the band’s meteoric rise in the music industry.

The song’s origins trace back to 1958 when a young Paul McCartney, then around 16, composed it during his school years. John Lennon later contributed to the middle eight section, enriching its harmonic structure. Musically, “Love Me Do” is characterized by its straightforward three-chord progression and the prominent harmonica riff played by Lennon, which became a distinctive feature of the track. The vocal harmonies between Lennon and McCartney, combined with the song’s bluesy undertones, showcased a fresh sound that differed from the mainstream pop tunes of that era.

The recording history of “Love Me Do” is particularly noteworthy due to the involvement of three different drummers. The initial session on June 6, 1962, featured Pete Best on drums; however, this version remained unreleased until it appeared on the “Anthology 1” compilation in 1995. Following Best’s departure from the band, Ringo Starr took over the drums during the September 4, 1962, recording session. Producer George Martin, seeking a more polished sound, enlisted session drummer Andy White for a subsequent session on September 11, 1962, relegating Starr to tambourine duties. The version with Starr on drums was used for the initial UK single release, while the take featuring White was included on the debut album “Please Please Me” and later pressings of the single.

Upon its release, “Love Me Do” achieved modest success in the UK, peaking at number 17 on the charts. Its reception, however, was a catalyst for The Beatles’ burgeoning popularity. When the track was released in the United States in 1964, amidst the height of Beatlemania, it soared to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, underscoring the band’s international appeal.

The song’s enduring legacy is evident, as it has been covered by numerous artists over the decades and remains a staple in The Beatles’ discography. Its raw and authentic sound continues to resonate with audiences, symbolizing the humble beginnings of a band that would go on to revolutionize music.

# 2 – Do You Want To Know A Secret – Billy J Kramer

“Do You Want to Know a Secret” is a song originally written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney of The Beatles, featured on their 1963 album Please Please Me. In the same year, fellow Liverpudlian artist Billy J. Kramer, along with his band The Dakotas, released a cover version of the song as their debut single. This rendition achieved significant success in the UK, reaching number 1 on the NME singles chart and number 2 on the Record Retailer chart.

Kramer’s version was produced by George Martin, who also produced the original track for The Beatles. The single was backed by “I’ll Be on My Way,” another Lennon-McCartney composition that The Beatles had not released at that time. The commercial success of “Do You Want to Know a Secret” played a pivotal role in establishing Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas as prominent figures in the British pop scene during the early 1960s.

# 1 – Do You Feel Like We Do – Peter Frampton

“Do You Feel Like We Do” comes in at the number one spot on this list. I mean how could it not? The song was originally featured on his 1973 album Frampton’s Camel. The track was co-written by Frampton alongside band members Mick Gallagher, Rick Wills, and John Siomos. While the studio version runs approximately 6 minutes and 44 seconds, it was the live rendition on the 1976 album Frampton Comes Alive! that garnered widespread acclaim, extending over 14 minutes and showcasing Frampton’s innovative use of the talk box effect. This live version became a defining moment in Frampton’s career, contributing significantly to the album’s success.

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2 Comments

Chris February 20, 2025

What about “Do You Love Me?” by the Contours? It charted at #3 in and again in 1988 at #11 on the hot 100. It has been covered many time and is a quintessential Motown track.

- Brian Kachejian February 21, 2025
  
  Hi Chris, It’s hard to just pick ten. Your choice is a great pic and actually was on my mind when I was writing it. I just ran out of room. I actually sang that song for 10 years in a cover band every night of the week and the audience always got up and went crazy when we did it. So I know how powerful a song it is. Great pick my man, even more importantly, thanks for coming to our website we hope to see you again, and keep commenting because we love it.