About the song
Barry White, the undisputed “Lowrider of Love”, needs little introduction. His velvety baritone voice and sensual rhythms have captivated audiences worldwide for decades. Yet, amidst a discography brimming with romantic anthems, “Practice What You Preach” stands out as a particularly poignant and introspective track.
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Released in 1994 as part of the album The Icon Is Love, the song marks a departure from White’s typical love ballads. While still imbued with his signature soulful sound, “Practice What You Preach” delves deeper into the complexities of human relationships. It’s a song that, beneath its smooth exterior, carries a powerful message about authenticity, accountability, and the importance of aligning one’s actions with one’s words.
White’s lyrics, penned in collaboration with Gerald Levert and Edwin Nicholas, are remarkably candid for an artist often associated with overt romanticism. The song is a reflection on the chasm that can exist between professed love and actual behavior. It’s a critique of those who profess devotion but fail to embody it in their actions. White’s voice, rich and resonant as ever, imbues the lyrics with a sense of both vulnerability and conviction.
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Musically, the track is a masterclass in restraint. Unlike many of White’s contemporaries, who often relied on bombastic arrangements to create a sense of opulence, “Practice What You Preach” is characterized by its understated elegance. The production is sleek and sophisticated, allowing White’s vocals to take center stage. The rhythmic underpinning is subtle but persistent, providing a steady pulse for the song’s introspective narrative.
In essence, “Practice What You Preach” is more than just a love song. It’s a call to authenticity, a reminder that true love is not merely expressed in words but demonstrated in actions. White’s interpretation of the song is a testament to his artistry, revealing a depth of emotion and insight that extends far beyond the realm of romantic ballads.
Video
Lyrics
“Practice What You Preach”
I’m ready baby, I’m waiting on you
Believe me, I am patiently,
Waiting,
On you
Girl there’s something wrong with me
Every time I’m alone with you
You keep talking ’bout you loving me
Hey babe, your foreplay just blows my mind
So why don’t we stop all the talking girl
Why don’t we stop wasting time?
I’ve had, my share of love
And some say I’m damn good
But if you think, you can turn me out
Baby I wish that you would
‘Cause you keep telling me this and telling me that
You say once I’m with you, I’ll never go back
You say there’s a lesson that you want to teach
Well here I am baby, practice what you preach
(I’m telling you this, I’m telling you that
‘Cause once I’ve been with you, you’ll never go back
There is a lesson that I’m gonna teach)
Here I am baby, practice, what you preach
Girl it’s just you and me, so many things
I could do to you and so many ways I can please
Hey, hey, hey it’s your move (girl)
Why don’t you start turning down the lights
And show me what you can do?
Well I’ve had my share of lovers
Some of them are damn good
But if you think, you can turn me out
Girl I just wish that you would
‘Cause you keep,
Oh you just keep,
Naw, you just keep
‘Cause you keep telling me this and telling me that
You say once I’m with you, I’ll never go back
You say there’s a lesson that you want to teach
Well here I am baby, practice what you preach
Ladies, baby, baby, baby
We’re wasting time, precious time
All this talk about what you’re gonna do
And how you’re gonna do it to me
Come on, practice what you preach
‘Cause you keep telling me this and telling me that
You say once I’m with you, I’ll never go back
You say there’s a lesson that you want to teach
Well here I am baby, practice what you preach