I've told you once, now I tell you twice I'm not gonna be a fool I've told you once, now I tell you twice I'm not gonna be a fool 'Cause when it comes down to my heart It's not gonna be abused I've told you once, now I tell you twice I'm not gonna be a fool 'Cause when it comes down to my heart It's not gonna be abused Now I've been knocked down and stepped on And it's cold down on the floor And I don't recall seein' your head When I couldn't take anymore Back it up, don't just tell me that your love's for real You've got to prove what you really feel Don't just say you wanna be my man I've got to know that you understand Hey, boy, you'b better back it up Oh-ah, ah, you'd better, better back it up Now I'm not tryna judge you Your intentions might be fine The last time I trusted someone All I could do was break down and cry When it comes to heartache and pain There'll be no déjà vu Back it up, don't need no one to wipe their feet on my heart I've got to know that it's love from the start You hugs and kisses, they don't, uh, mean a thing I've got to know that it's real love you bring If you want some love, give some, uh, in return 'Cause it's my love you're gonna have to earn I need someone to show me that they care I need a man who will always be there I need a man who will always be there Oh-ah, ah, you'd better, better back it up I've told you once, now I tell you twice I've told you once, now I tell you twice I've told you once, now I tell you twice