The music composition and lyrics to the song

Express Yourself

was originally written by Charles W. Wright (b. 1940) –

a multi-talented musician:  pianist, guitarist, singer, songwriter

and leader of the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band.

Formed in the early 1960s, the eight member band from Watts, Los Angeles

started out performing in small local clubs

would later tour and collaborate with noted musicians of the era.

Theirs was up beat soul, R and B, funk style

illustrative of the ’70s, the height of their fame.

…

Express Yourself (1971)

was their most popular song.

Over the years, it has been covered by other artists.

In 2012, English song writer and musician

Timothy Mckenzie, aka Labrinth

recorded his lyrics variation and instrumental version

of Express Yourself on his debut album Electronic Earth.

…

(image from capital fm):

…

Released as the fourth single from the album

Labrinth’s lyrics rendition

further articulates the original sentiment

as put forth in the song’s title-

of staying true to self for:

“… being myself is something I do well.”

…

It is the interpretive changes in the instrumental feature

which gives Labrinth’s piece its modern edge and

it’s readily recognisable sound.

…

It’s now Spring, the season referenced for

fresh beginnings

renewed energy and creativity

a time to –

express yourself and do it well!

…

Express Yourself

studio video

by Labrinth

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(lyrics from metrolyrics.com)

Express Yourself

by Labrinth

(original by Charles William Wright)

I say the same thing twice, I’m awkward when I speak
Ain’t got the perfect smile, don’t turn heads on my street
Trying to be a superstar like everybody else
But being myself is something I do well
[chorus]
Whatever you do,
Do it good
Whatever you do do do lord lord lord
do it good (yeah)
Express yourself
Express yourself
(oh do it)
See it’s not what you look like when you doin’ what you doin’,
Express yourself
(oh do it, here we go now)
I don’t make the papers, I’m far from JLS (JLS)
Ain’t got the X-factor, I’m not what they expect (listen)
But it won’t be long before my turn is next, to express
now with all due respect
[chorus]
See whatever I do,
I do it good
So whatever you do do do lord lord lord
do it good (yeah)
Express yourself
Express yourself
(oh do it)
See it’s not what you look like when you doin’ what you doin’,
Express yourself
(oh do it)
(switch it up for me)
Lose my shirt and tie
There ain’t nothing too high,
Show them what you’ve got (wooooooooow)
There’s nothing wrong with perfect, perfect
Now it’s your time to shine
Express yourself
(click your fingers now)
Express yourself
(come on) (oh do it)
[chorus]
See it’s not what you look like when you doin’ what you doin’,
Express yourself
Express yourself
Express yourself
See it’s not what you look like when you doin’ what you doin’,
Express yourself
come on now (x6)
come on now (x6)
(fades out)

…