The result was the hit single 'I Want You Back', taken from the soundtrack album to the movie "Why Do Fools Fall In Love?", both released in 1998. While the single proved to be a global smash, Brown and Elliott never worked together again. Masters At Work provided a remix of the track.
'I Want You Back' was Melanie B's first and most successful single as a solo artist, and also was the first major hit for Elliott in many territories. Melanie B was also the first of the Spice Girls to release a song apart from the group, closely followed by Melanie C, who was featured as a guest vocalist on the Bryan Adams single 'When You're Gone', in late 1998.
I Want You Back
Melanie B Featuring Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm the M-I-S-S-Y to the E
And I got many flows from over seas
Well how can you beep beep with no keys
I got spice, I'm tight with my flows
And all my flows been known to through blows
Well let me hit this one before I go
Well I'm a let you go if you say so
Boy I'm sick of you
Who me, yes me, yeah you know I'm a fool, fool
I'm a fool for you
'Cause I be taking you back 'cause I'm stupid like that
Yeah, yeah you know I do,
But I can't say no, and I never say no
I can't say no to you
Because you treat me right, in fact I want you back
I think I want you back
Your love has made a deep impact
I know it might sound whack
But damn, I think I want you back (want you)
I think I want you back
Your love has made a deep impact
I know if might sound whack
But damn, I think I want you, want you back
Boy I'm tired of you
Running over me, telling me what to do
Now what have I done to you
To make you sex a lot
I thought I made you hot
Now don't make me act a fool
I know I talk my joke but what I truly want is you
And even though you're a man
True that I want you back
I think I want you back
Your love has made a deep impact
I know it might sound whack,
But damn, I think I want you back (want you)
I think I want you back
Your love has made a deep impact
I know if might sound whack
But damn, I think I want you, want you back
You've got me losing my mind, my mind
You can't keep breaking my heart
You've got me drinking liquor in the morning
Sittin' all night at the bar
I think I want you back
Your love has made a deep impact
I know it might sound whack
But damn, I think I want you back (want you)
I think I want you back
Your love has made a deep impact
I know if might sound whack
But damn, I think I want you, want you back
I think I want you back
Your love has made a deep impact
I know it might sound whack
But damn, I think I want you back (want you)
I think I want you back
Your love has made a deep impact
I know if might sound whack
But damn, I think I want you, want you back
Mister Lonely, uh, uh huh, lemme
Break it down
The song "I Want You Back" by Melanie B. feat. Missy Elliott, is full of conflicting emotions, as the two singers express their desire for a former lover, but also their frustration with being mistreated. The lyrics begin with both artists introducing themselves, asserting their dominance and their ability to create unique and captivating music. Missy Elliott's verse in particular showcases her ability to rap with skill and power, referencing her international influences and her reputation for delivering hard-hitting verses.
The chorus then moves into the main theme of the song, as Melanie B. explains her feelings for a past lover, admitting that she is "stupid like that" for always taking him back despite his mistreatment of her. However, she also can't say no to him, because he "treats her right" when he is with her. This internal struggle is further explored in the second verse, as she expresses her frustration with him, but also reveals that she still desires him.
The bridge of the song adds another element to the emotional complexities of the song, as Melanie B. describes how her former lover has caused her to lose her mind, but also how she continues to go back to him, even if it means drinking and staying out all night.
Overall, "I Want You Back" is a powerful and relatable song that deals with the difficulties of moving on from a past relationship, even when it may not be healthy.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the M to the E-L-B you know me
I am Melanie B, the famous singer you know well
I'm the M-I-S-S-Y to the E
I am Missy Elliott, another popular singer with a well-known name
And I got many flows from over seas
I have many different styles of music from around the world
Well how can you beep beep with no keys
How can you make a sound effect without having an instrument or device to do so?
I got spice, I'm tight with my flows
I have passion and skill in my singing
And all my flows been known to through blows
My style of music has been known to create controversy
Well let me hit this one before I go
Let me sing this song before I leave
Well I'm a let you go if you say so
I will leave if you tell me to do so
Boy I'm sick of you
I am tired of you, boy
Who me, yes me, yeah you know I'm a fool, fool
Yes, me, you know I am foolish for still being with you
I'm a fool for you
I am foolish for being in love with you
'Cause I be taking you back 'cause I'm stupid like that
I keep getting back together with you even though it's not a smart decision
Yeah, yeah you know I do,
Yes, you know I keep taking you back
But I can't say no, and I never say no
I can't refuse you and always give you what you want
I can't say no to you
I can't turn down your advances
Because you treat me right, in fact I want you back
You know how to treat me well, and that's why I want to be with you again
I think I want you back
I believe I want to be with you again
Your love has made a deep impact
Your love has affected me strongly
I know it might sound whack
I know this may seem crazy
But damn, I think I want you back (want you)
But I really do want to be with you again
Boy I'm tired of you
I am exhausted by our relationship
Running over me, telling me what to do
You're controlling and bossy toward me
Now what have I done to you
What have I done to deserve your negative treatment?
To make you sex a lot
Why do you always want sex?
I thought I made you hot
I thought I turned you on
Now don't make me act a fool
Don't make me act irrationally
I know I talk my joke but what I truly want is you
I often make jokes, but what I really want is to be with you
And even though you're a man
Even though you're male
True that I want you back
It's true that I want to be with you again
You've got me losing my mind, my mind
You're driving me crazy
You can't keep breaking my heart
You can't keep hurting me emotionally
You've got me drinking liquor in the morning
You're causing me to start drinking early in the day
Sittin' all night at the bar
I spend all night at the bar because of you
Mister Lonely, uh, uh huh, lemme
Mr. Lonely, let me
Break it down
Let me sing it to you clearly and plainly
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DONALD HOLMES, GERARD THOMAS, MELISSA A. ELLIOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@artillery0811
All older millennials! Stand up!!!💪🏽
@mmurph
Missy Elliott gave damn near every sista in the game at least one banger.
@MackTatum
For the Culture
@zodiacmartnio7256
Underrated as hell
@gay-neen6148
Facts
@MM-bw1lo
Mel B is soo gorgeous
@rayraywmu09
Memory unlocked! I used to love this song! 🔥🔥🔥
@user-to5nf6dq4t
still a song that stands the test of time!
@darylmcclendon3377
The song is on point. Today-years old when I discovered it.
@reeskiescola3198
Damn this came out in like 97