Mia X is an American rapper who first encountered success when she became the first female artist to sign with Master P‘s successful No Limit Records. Although born in New Orleans, Mia began her rapping career in Queens, New York as part of the hip-hop group New York Incorporated, which disbanded after only four years. After her brief stint in the Big Apple, she returned to her roots in Southern Louisiana and met with Master P. Mia has released three albums: Good Girl Gone Bad, Mama Drama, and Unlady Like, which was certified gold by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies (adapted from Mia X’s Facebook account).
“What You Gonna Do” is a song about heartache and rocky relationships. Mia X speaks to her lover who seems to take advantage of her kindness, but also relies on her love.
Now we been through all kinds of drama
But I’m the only other woman who loves you just as much as mama.
I’m trying to hold on because what we had was so deep.
And in relationships, you got to take the bitter with the sweet.
Vocabulary: Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
There are plenty of interesting idioms and phrasal verbs about romance, broken hearts and relationships. Read the list below and then listen to the song.
- gravy (adjective) – very good; in a very happy mood. Sometimes my mother and father have fights, but it’s all gravy when I visit them.
- make love (idiom) – to have sex. New Years Eve was the first time they had made love.
- shady (adjective) – seeming to be dishonest or illegal. I don’t know if I trust that businessman. He seems like a shady guy, and I don’t feel comfortable investing my money with him.
- bittersweet (adjective) – bringing pleasure and sadness at the same time. I am very happy to move home and be closer to my family, but it’s all bittersweet. I will miss the big city life.
- play with somebody’s mind (idiom) – to play tricks and be deceitful. His girlfriend has completely brainwashed him. She takes advantage of his emotions and plays with his mind.
- give somebody hell (idiom) – to make life unpleasant for somebody. When I was a teenager, I used to give my mother hell. I wish I could take back all the fighting.
- fling (noun) – a short sexual relationship with somebody. His wife divorced him after she found out about his fling with the secretary at work.
- bull (slang) – nonsense. We are sick and tired of listening to your bull. There are no such thing as unicorns!
- short for bullshit (vulgar slang)
- ex (noun) – a person’s former wife, husband or partner. Who doesn’t have a crazy ex? We all have at least one!
- pull your weight (idiom) – to work as hard as everyone else. I don’t like working with John because he is so lazy! He never pulls his weight, and I have to do all the work!
Pronunciation
Whatcha wanna do?
To sound more natural, try pronouncing these common phrases like Mia X:
- Whatcha = many meanings
- What do you… Whatcha want to eat?
- What did you… Whatcha do last night?
- What are you… Whatcha listening to?
- Whatcha gone = What are you going to
- Wanna = want to
- Gonna = going to
Discussion Questions
Who is your ideal man or woman in a relationship? How can you be a good partner, husband and wife? Have you ever had a bad relationship, and if so, how did it make you feel? Is it possible to have a happy relationship without fighting or heartache, or is that impossible? Please write your comments below!