That's How You Like It
Beyonce Lyrics

That's how you like it, huh
Acknowledging and affirming the preferences of the listener

That's how I like it, baby
Affirming the singer's own preference for their partner

I need a thug that'll have my back (my back)
Expressing a desire for a tough, loyal partner

Do-rag, Nike Airs to match (to match)
Appreciation for a coordinated fashion style

Ain't nothin' wrong with that
Defending and embracing the previously mentioned style choices

Where my thugs at?
Addressing the desired demographic for the previously mentioned type of partner

White T-Shirt, I love that
Another appreciation for a specific fashion choice

Timberland boots, you does that, it's a fact
More appreciation for a specific fashion choice and recognition that their partner consistently wears it

The way you walk (walk)
Appreciation for their partner's distinctive gait

The way you talk (talk)
Appreciation for their partner's unique way of speaking

The way you dress (dress)
Appreciation for their partner's fashion sense

The way you smile
Appreciation for their partner's smile

I like the way you are (are)
Overall appreciation for their partner's personality and traits

The way you ain't (ain't)
Appreciation for their partner's authenticity and honesty

I like your honesty, integrity
Further appreciation for their partner's honesty and character

It levels me, so please don't ever change
Their partner's qualities make the singer feel more grounded and stable, so they express a desire for their partner to remain true to themselves

That's how you like it, huh (no, no, no)
Repeating the title phrase, but with a playful and teasing tone

That's how you like it, huh (no)
A more straightforward expression of the title phrase

That's how you like it, huh (hey)
Another playful repetition of the title phrase

That's how you like it, huh (yeah)
Confirming that they understand their partner's preferences

That's how you like it, huh (you know that we)
Acknowledging that their partner knows what they like and expect from a relationship

That's how you like it, huh (should try to be)
Implying that the singer will try to meet their partner's expectations

All I want is how I like it, baby
Stating their desire for a mutually satisfying relationship

That's how you like it, huh (mmm)
Another repetition of the title phrase, with a contented tone

I like the way you brush your hair
Appreciation for a specific aspect of their partner's appearance

I like the stylish clothes you wear
Appreciation for their partner's fashion sense

It's just the real things you do
Their appreciation is based on their partner's genuine actions rather than fabricated or image-driven choices

That's why I wanna stick with you
Their partner's true self is what makes them want to continue the relationship

Where my girls at?
Addressing their female friends or peers

Let them know we love that
Encouraging celebration and appreciation for their peers' unique and genuine qualities

Sexy way they does that (you did that)
Appreciation for their friends' own fashion choices and styles

I hope you like my style (style)
Expressing a desire for their partner to appreciate their own fashion choices

The way I dress (dress)
Further emphasis on their own fashion sense

The way I flirt (flirt)
Emphasizing their own flirtatious behavior

Say yes
Expressing a desire for their partner to give a positive response to their advances

I hope you like my mind (mind)
Switching from physical attributes to personal qualities, expressing a desire for their partner to appreciate their intelligence

The things I say (say)
Further emphasis on their own intelligence and conversational skills

If I'm with you, then I'm with only you
Commitment to being faithful in the relationship

My loyalty will never, ever change
Further commitment to staying devoted to their partner

You accepted how I like it, baby
Acknowledging that their partner has also accepted their preferences and personality

That's how you like it, huh (you know what to do)
Repeating the title phrase with a hint of flirtation

That's how you like it, huh (you know what to say)
Another playful repetition of the title phrase

That's how you like it, huh (to make me feel this way)
Acknowledging that their partner knows how to make the singer feel happy and satisfied in the relationship

I like it, baby
Affirming their enjoyment and satisfaction in the relationship

That's how you like it, huh (I like it)
Repeating the title phrase again with a happy and contented tone

That's how you like it, huh (I love it)
Changing the phrase slightly to express more intense feelings

That's how you like it, huh (I really, really like it)
Amplifying their expression of enjoyment in the relationship

I know you've heard I'm a gangsta
Acknowledging the singer's reputation or image

They say, "stay away from them gangstas"
Referencing the negative perceptions that society has about people who identify as gangsters or criminals

"They never change up, or pull they pants up"
Furthering the stereotype of gangsters as being resistant to change or personal growth

Well, baby girl, put ya foot down
Challenging those negative perceptions and encouraging assertiveness

Don't let'em push you around, you know what you like
Encouraging self-confidence and independent thinking

Baby thug, you know wrong from right
Acknowledging that their partner knows how to make good decisions and is not inherently a bad person based on their appearance or reputation

You done felt grown before
Acknowledging that their partner has already experienced challenging or adult situations

This can't be what it feel like
Questioning the status quo and challenging their partner to think about what they truly want and expect from life

And they don't really know what you feel like for instance
Critiquing societal norms or expectations that may not accurately reflect how their partner feels or experiences the world

They don't know the difference between real life
Further questioning societal perceptions and pointing out a lack of understanding or nuance

And the music videos and the raggedy magazines
Referencing media as a source of distorted or misleading perceptions

They have it badder than he seems
Suggesting that things are more difficult or nuanced than they appear on the surface

All they see is my baggy jeans, my attitude
Acknowledging that the public may focus on superficial aspects of their appearance and personality rather than deeper qualities

I ain't mad at you, it's just my Clyde
Clarifying that the singer's attitude is not a personal slight against anyone, it's simply who they are

The way I wear my hat to the side (woo, woo)
Further emphasizing their personal style and appearance

The way I lean real low when I ride
Further emphasizing their personal style and demeanor

That's why my minds, they like my walk (my walk)
Acknowledging that others may appreciate certain elements of their personality or behavior

My accent from New York
Further emphasizing their unique regional and cultural identity

My way of thinkin' is slightly off
Acknowledging that their personal worldview or values may differ from societal norms or expectations

They like the way he floss
Others may appreciate the singer's financial success or lifestyle

Leave the block on a bike, he come back in a Porsche
Further emphasizing their wealth and success

But of course
A playful and confident way of affirming their own success and status

Most of all, they like my honesty, integrity, my loyalty
Regardless of superficial traits or societal expectations, what others appreciate most about the singer is their honesty, character, and devotion

Young Hova and the letter B
Referring to the singer and rapper Jay-Z (aka Hova) and his wife Beyoncé (represented by the letter B)

How you like that, huh?
Proudly asserting their success and partnership with Jay-Z and Beyoncé