Tell Me What We're Gonna Do Now
by Joss Stone (featuring Common)

Album: Introducing Joss Stone (2007)
Charted: 84
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Tell Me What We're Gonna Do Now" is a tender, heartfelt love song, with British soulster Joss Stone singing about the solace she finds in her partner. Chicago rap legend Common makes a guest appearance with a verse detailing the comfort he gets from his lover amid the chaos of life:

    Right now, let's stay in the present
    Can't worry 'bout tomorrow 'cause today is a blessin'
    The world in a state of aggression
    I find calm in you
    I see my mom in you
  • Common isn't the only rap icon to feature on Introducing Joss Stone. Lauryn Hill of the Fugees contributes a guest verse to "Music." Stone discussed working with Common and Hill during an interview with MTV in 2006: "With rappers it's difficult, because sometimes you can get all that gangsta rap, which means nothing. Sometimes it's good to listen to, in certain situations, but there's no substance to it. With people like Common and Lauryn, they're real poets. They're really saying something, and that's why I needed them on the record. I wanted artists who had something to say."
  • The music video was directed by Moroccan-American filmmaker Sanaa Hamri and shot in New York City. It follows Stone as she goes on a loved-up stroll with her man, who also serves as the clip's cameraman. While he remains hidden, his hands are occasionally seen reaching out to caress Stone. The video concludes with the cameraman accompanying Stone to a concert, where she performs onstage with Common.

    The proceeds from the visual were donated to (PRODUCT)RED, a charitable organization founded by U2 frontman Bono. According to (PRODUCT)RED, Stone was the first artist to contribute their video profits to the organization, which supports The Global Fund To Fight Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
  • "Tell Me What We're Gonna Do Now" was the second single released from Introducing Joss Stone, following "Tell Me 'Bout It." It performed poorly, peaking at #84 in the UK and failing to chart in the US.

    Introducing Joss Stone, on the other hand, was a huge success, peaking at #2 in America. Following The Soul Sessions (2003) and Mind Body & Soul (2004), the album found Stone adopting a fresh urban sound. "It is me introducing myself as a singer, songwriter, producer – as a full artist, not just a singer anymore," she noted to Today in 2007. "Musically, it's more me."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal Tap

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal TapSong Writing

Based on criteria like girlfriend tension, stage mishaps and drummer turnover, these are the 10 bands most like Spinal Tap.

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.