The narrator deals with a breakup by crying, then putting on her red dress to go out and dance. She runs into her ex at their usual spot, apologizes for moving on, and expresses the need to forget about him. Despite having to move on with someone new, the narrator knows that a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

Meaning of "A Girl's Gotta Do (What A Girl's Gotta Do)" by Mindy McCready

"A Girl's Gotta Do (What A Girl's Gotta Do)" portrays a woman going through the stages of a breakup. Initially, she feels hurt and cries, trying to cope with her emotions. Then, she decides to put on a brave face and go out, symbolized by putting on her red dress and going dancing. The encounter with her ex reinforces the idea that moving on is necessary, even if it means finding someone new. The song captures the complexity of moving on from a relationship, showing the mix of sadness, determination, and resilience that comes with it. Ultimately, it conveys the message that self-care and moving forward are essential, even if it involves stepping out of one's comfort zone and onto a new path.