Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Released: May 23, 1988

Songwriter: Ric Browde Ricky Byrd Joan Jett

Producer: Thom Panunzio Desmond Child Ric Browde Kenny Laguna

[Verse 1]
All I hear is what you're worth
With all those things you had before
All I see is what you are
With all your talk, sure got you far (Yeah didn't it)
Ain't it time to face the truth
You got no class, you got no couth
What is it that you're trying to prove?
Can you tell me?

[Chorus]
Yeah, can you back it up?
Who're you trying to fool?
Yeah, you're sure talking tough
Show me what you can really do

[Verse 2]
You're insecure and yeah it shows
And yet you think that no one knows
If you only heard yourself
You'd wish that you were someone else (Yeah you would)
Ain't it time to change your line
You're talking shit, you're wasting time
What is it that you're trying to prove?
Can you tell me?

[Chorus]
Yeah, can you back it up?
Who're you trying to fool?
Yeah, you're sure talking tough
Show me what you can really do

[Bridge]
I believe you concede
He's a fag, come on change your act

[Chorus]
Yeah, can you back it up?
Who're you trying to fool?
Yeah, you're sure talking tough
Show me what you can really do

After splitting with The Runaways, and releasing her first solo album, Joan Jett placed an ad in LA Weekly looking for bandmates. Gary Ryan, Eric Ambel, and Danny “Furious” O'Brien joined her, creating the orginial Blackhearts lineup.

After their initial tour though, O'Brien was replaced with Lee Crystal.

Early on, keeping the band afloat was not easy. Joan and producer Kenny Laguna struggled, sometimes selling copies of albums from the trunk of his car. Eventually unable to keep up with the demand for Joan Jett’s album, they signed with Boardwalk Records.

more tracks from the album

Up Your Alley

From the album

Up Your Alley (1988)

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts popular songs

Back It UpJoan Jett & The Blackhearts

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Up Your Alley