I
Toni Braxton Lyrics

Back in the day
In the past, during my younger years

When I was younger
At a time when I was less experienced and naive

I wasn't afraid
I did not fear to express my emotions

Of giving my heart to you
To entrust you with my feelings and emotions

Now and again
Occasionally or periodically

I get sentimental
I become emotional and nostalgic

But I know it's just a phase I'm going through
I am aware that this is only temporary and will pass

And every time I start to slip
Whenever I begin to falter or weaken in my resolve

I just remind myself
I recall or recollect to myself

I need only think of it
All I have to do is remember the past

I went through so much hell
I experienced a great deal of pain and suffering

You say ya want to get things back
You express a desire to reignite our relationship

The way they used to be
To return to the past and revisit our former situation

Can you give me one good reason
Is there a compelling justification or explanation for your request

Why should I darling
Why should I acquiesce to your desires

[Chorus]
Refrain or hook of the song

Back in the day
In the past, during my younger years

I should of been wiser
I ought to have been more discerning or perceptive

But what can I say
I have no suitable explanation or justification

I should of been onto you
I should have realized your true intentions or character

But I was afraid
My emotions and fears blinded me to the true reality

That you'd break my heart in two
That you would cause me immense emotional pain and hurt

Fate would have it that you broke it anyway baby
As predetermined by destiny or chance, you still ended up breaking my heart

And every time I close my eyes
Whenever I am left alone to my thoughts or memories

I just remind myself
I recall or recollect to myself

You told about a million lies
You deceived and misled me with numerous falsehoods

You put my heart through hell
You subjected me to a lot of emotional pain and distress

And now you want to get with me
You desire to rekindle our relationship or romantic involvement

Just for old times sake
Merely for nostalgic or sentimental reasons, without any commitment or dedication

Well I am not about to make that same mistake
I have learned from my past, and I refuse to repeat the same error

[Chorus]
Refrain or hook of the song

You see a girl that you gave all your love
You view me as someone you showered with affection and attention

I see a girl you took advantage of
I perceive myself as someone who you exploited or manipulated for your own benefit

You see a girl that you cannot forget
You believe that I am someone you cannot erase from your memory

I see a man that I cannot forgive
I consider you as someone whom I am unable to pardon or absolve

Tell me why
Provide me with a sufficient explanation or reason

[Chorus]
Refrain or hook of the song

Back in the day when I was young
In the past, during my younger years

I wasn't afraid to love
I did not have a concern or reservation about expressing my affection

You were the one what was I thinking of
You were the sole focus of my attention and affection

Should of been wiser
I ought to have been more intelligent or knowledgeable

Should of been onto you
I should have been aware of your true nature and intentions

But I was afraid I make a mistake
My fears and emotions prevented me from taking the correct course of action

No one knows
The true nature of the past is unknown or uncertain