Barry White was a famous American singer, songwriter, and music producer best known for his deep, smooth voice. Born in 1944 in Texas, he became popular in the 1970s with soulful love songs and romantic ballads.
His biggest hits include Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe and You’re the First, the Last, My Everything. White’s music is full of rich sounds, catchy melodies, and heartfelt lyrics.
He won numerous awards and sold millions of records worldwide. People remember him for his powerful voice and his classic love songs.
About the Song
Practice What You Preach is about asking someone to be honest and true in love, not just talk about it. It says that actions are more important than words when it comes to showing feelings.
The message is to follow through on promises and mean what you say in a relationship.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 4, 1994 |
| Album | 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Barry White (2003) |
| Writer | Barry White, Gerald Levert, Edwin Tony Nicholas |
| Producer | Edwin Tony Nicholas, Gerald Levert & Barry White |
Practice What You Preach Lyrics
Spoken Intro
So, what do you want to do?
I’m here, baby
I’m ready, baby
I’m waiting on you
Believe me, I am patiently waiting on you
Verse 1
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?
Pre-Chorus
I’ve had, my share of lovers
And some say I’m damn good
But if you think you can turn me out
Baby, I wish that you would
Chorus
‘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
Well, here I am, baby, practice what you preach
Verse 2
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 just what you can do?
Pre-Chorus
Hey baby, I’ve had my share of lovers
Some of them were damn good
But if you think you can turn me out
Girl, I just wish that you would
Chorus
‘Cause you keep telling me this and telling me that
You say once I’m with you, I’ll never go back
I know there’s a lesson that you want to teach
Well, here I am, baby, practice what you preach
I’m saying this because it’s a fact (Is it?)
Once I’ve been with you, you’ll never go back (Really?)
There is a lesson that I’m gonna teach
Well, here I am, baby, practice what you preach
Spoken Bridge
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
Pre-Chorus
Now, I’ve had my share of lovers
Some say I’m 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
Nah…
Chorus
You just 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 you wanna teach
Well, here I am baby, practice what you preach
I’m saying this because it’s a fact (Is it?)
Once I’ve been with you, you’ll never go back (Really?)
There is a lesson that I’m gonna teach
Well, I’m still waiting, 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 (Show me)
There is a lesson that I’m gonna teach
Here I am, practice on me
I’m saying this because it’s a fact (Is it?)
Once I’ve been with you, you’ll never go back (Really?)
There is a lesson that I’m gonna teach
Girl, I’m still waiting, 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, girl, practice on me
I’m saying this because it’s a fact
Once I’ve been with you, you’ll never go back (Really?)
There is a lesson that I’m gonna teach
Well, I’m here, 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
Girl, I’m still waiting, practice what you preach
I’m saying this because it’s a fact (Is it?)
Once I’ve been with you, you’ll never go back (Really?)
I’m gonna teach
Here I am, practice what you preach
Similar Songs Like Practice What You Preach
For lovers of timeless love songs, these tracks will give you more of the romance and style you’re looking for.
- You’re the First, the Last, My Everything: This joyful anthem blends disco energy and soul perfectly. It’s a feel-good love song that’s hard not to sing along with.
- Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe: Starting with his famous deep voice, this hit pulls you in fast. It’s smooth, catchy, and filled with passionate lyrics.
- Never, Never Gonna Give You Up: With a steady rhythm and steamy tone, this song promises loyalty. It builds slowly and keeps you hooked the entire time.
Similar Artists Like Barry White
If you enjoy Barry White’s smooth voice and romantic songs, these artists share a similar soulful style and feel.
- Teddy Pendergrass
Genre: Soul / R&B
Top albums: Teddy (1979), Life Is a Song Worth Singing (1978), TP (1980), It’s Time for Love (1981) - Luther Vandross
Genre: R&B / Soul / Quiet Storm
Top albums: Never Too Much (1981), Give Me the Reason (1986), The Night I Fell in Love (1985), Dance with My Father (2003) - Marvin Gaye
Genre: Soul / R&B / Funk
Top albums: What’s Going On (1971), Let’s Get It On (1973), I Want You (1976), Midnight Love (1982) - Al Green
Genre: Soul / Gospel / R&B
Top albums: Let’s Stay Together (1972), I’m Still in Love with You (1972), Call Me (1973), Livin’ for You (1973) - Isaac Hayes
Genre: Soul / Funk / Orchestral R&B
Top albums: Hot Buttered Soul (1969), Black Moses (1971), Shaft (1971), Joy (1973)
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Practice What You Preach Perform on the Charts?
The song spent three weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and reached number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Barry White’s biggest late-career hits
Is Practice What You Preach Featured in Any Movies or TV Shows?
It has appeared in several TV shows and movie soundtracks, especially in romantic scenes.
Did Practice What You Preach Win Any Awards?
Yes, the song won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Song of the Year.
