Protect My Heart

Kelis · Tasty [2003]

I gotta protect my heart

I gotta protect my heart



You were the heart of the spot

But you wouldn't tell me your name

You were like

Girl you ready or not

To dance the entire night away



[Kelis:]

You were like

[Pharrell:]

Let me hold you girl, hold you girl

[Kelis:]

You were sayin'

[Pharrell:]

Let me touch it girl

[Kelis:]

You were sayin'

[Pharrell:]

Let me squeeze you girl, squeeze you girl

[Kelis:]

You tought me up

[Pharrell:]

Let me ... you girl



So when I first got here I knew already

I gotta protect my heart

Make all changes, new decisions and flip it

I gotta protect my heart



The room is oh so hot

If you want more than that then walk away

I'm givin' it all I got

And at the same time tryin' to make ten



[Kelis:]

You were like

[Pharrell:]

Let me hold you girl, hold you girl

[Kelis:]

You were sayin'

[Pharrell:]

Let me touch it girl

[Kelis:]

You were sayin'

[Pharrell:]

Let me squeeze you girl, squeeze you girl

[Kelis:]

You tought me up

[Pharrell:]

Let me ... you girl



So when I first got here I knew already

I gotta protect my heart

Make all changes, new decisions and flip it

I gotta protect my heart

Never been touched by the way someone woo's and that scares me

I gotta protect my heart

You even knew that you were comin', you should've prepared me

I gotta protect my heart



I just need to

I walked away from the door

I could feel myself reverseing

I never gave it before

See I guess that how I've been



[Kelis:]

You were like

[Pharrell:]

Let me hold you girl, hold you girl

[Kelis:]

You were sayin'

[Pharrell:]

Let me touch it girl

[Kelis:]

You were sayin'

[Pharrell:]

Let me squeeze you girl, squeeze you girl

[Kelis:]

You tought me up

[Pharrell:]

Let me ... you girl



So when I first got here I knew already

I gotta protect my heart

Make all changes, new decisions and flip it

I gotta protect my heart

Never been touched by the way someone woo's and that scares me

I gotta protect my heart

You even knew that you were comin', you should've prepared me

I gotta protect my heart



[Pharrell:]

Break it down



So when I first got here I knew already

I gotta protect my heart

Make all changes, new decisions and flip it

I gotta protect my heart

I gotta protect my heart

I gotta protect my heart

About Protect My Heart

Kelis's "Protect My Heart" serves as a pivotal track on her 2003 debut album *Tasty*, establishing her signature blend of R&B and hip-hop influences. Released during a period when she was redefining the female voice in contemporary music, the song features her distinctive vocal delivery and rhythmic precision that became hallmarks of her early career. As part of the album's cohesive sound, it complements other notable recordings like "Milkshake" and "Suger Honey Iced Tea," showcasing her ability to craft catchy hooks while maintaining emotional depth. The track reflects the vibrant energy of the early 2000s club scene and solidified her status as a leading force in the genre, influencing countless artists who followed in her wake with similar fusion styles.