They Know
Mike T Lyrics


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You don't know'bout Michael Watts
You don't know'bout Michael Watts
You don't know'bout Michael Watts
You don't know'bout Michael Watts

What you know 'bout the Swishahouse man
What you know 'bout the Swishahouse man
We listen to music screwed and chopped
Down here in this Lone Star state

[Chorus]
They don't know what that scar'bout
They don't know what that bar'bout
They don't know what that candy car 'bout or smokin' that joint about
Texas is the home of the playas and pimps
Showin' naked ass in the great state of Tex'
Third Coast Born I mean we're Texas raised
(Texas muthafucka that's where I stay)

All ready!
What you know about swangaz and vogues
What you know 'bout purple drank
What you know 'bout poppin' trunk, neon lights, candy paint
What you know about white shirts, starched down jeans with a razor crease
Platinum and gold on top our teeth, big ol' chains with a iced out piece
You don't know 'bout Michael Watts
You don't know about DJ Screw
What you know about "MAN! Hold UP", I done came down and what it do?
They don't know about P.A.T
What you know 'bout free pimp see
What you know 'bout the Swishahouse man
What you know 'bout the S-U-C
We keep it playa, ain't no fake
When we holdin' plex whenever haters hate
We listen to music screwed and chopped
Down here in this Lone Star state
Outta towners be comin' around
Runnin' they mouth and talkin' down
But you don't know nuthin' bout my town
Either hold it down or move around





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

Mike T's song "They Know" is a tribute to the Houston hip-hop scene and culture. The song is an anthem that asserts the greatness of the Texas music scene, as well as criticism of outsiders who disrespect and underestimate it. The lyrics "You don't know 'bout Michael Watts, you don't know 'bout DJ Screw" reference legendary Houston DJs who pioneered the "chopped and screwed" technique, which slowed down and manipulated music to create a unique sound.


The first verse emphasizes the importance of Michael Watts, who is the DJ and founder of Swishahouse records. Swishahouse is a record label and a collective of Houston-based rappers and producers that emerged in the late 90s. The label is known for its chopped and screwed mixtapes, which feature slowed-down versions of popular songs. The phrase "Swishahouse man" in the chorus refers to these artists.


The chorus gives us an insight into the lifestyle and culture of Houston. The "scar," "bar," "candy car" and "smokin' that joint" refer to the drug culture in Houston. The "playas and pimps" and "showin' naked ass" reference the city's strip clubs and nightlife scene. The line "Third Coast Born I mean we're Texas raised" asserts the pride that the Houston hip-hop scene has for their city and their state.


Line by Line Meaning

You don't know'bout Michael Watts
You lack knowledge of Michael Watts


What you know 'bout the Swishahouse man
What do you know about the Swishahouse man?


We listen to music screwed and chopped Down here in this Lone Star state
In Texas, we listen to music that has been slowed down and remixed


They don't know what that scar'bout They don't know what that bar'bout They don't know what that candy car 'bout or smokin' that joint about Texas is the home of the playas and pimps Showin' naked ass in the great state of Tex' Third Coast Born I mean we're Texas raised (Texas muthafucka that's where I stay)
People outside of Texas don't understand the importance of cars, drugs, and the lifestyle of playing and pimping in Texas. The state is also known for being proud of its naked dancers and its culture.


What you know about swangaz and vogues What you know 'bout purple drank What you know 'bout poppin' trunk, neon lights, candy paint What you know about white shirts, starched down jeans with a razor crease Platinum and gold on top our teeth, big ol' chains with a iced out piece You don't know 'bout Michael Watts You don't know about DJ Screw What you know about "MAN! Hold UP", I done came down and what it do?
Do you know about swangaz and vogues, purple drank, opening your trunk to reveal the neon lights and candy paint job, wearing white shirts and jeans, having platinum or gold teeth, and wearing large chains with a jewel-encrusted piece? What about knowing Michael Watts and DJ Screw's music? Have you ever heard someone say 'MAN! Hold UP'? It is a phrase used when someone is impressed with something.


They don't know about P.A.T What you know 'bout free pimp see What you know 'bout the Swishahouse man What you know 'bout the S-U-C
People outside of Texas don't know about P.A.T, Free Pimp C, the Swishahouse man, or the S-U-C's music and culture.


We keep it playa, ain't no fake When we holdin' plex whenever haters hate We listen to music screwed and chopped Down here in this Lone Star state
We keep it real and don't tolerate fakeness. We stand up to those who talk badly about us. In Texas, we still listen to screwed and chopped music.


Outta towners be comin' around Runnin' they mouth and talkin' down But you don't know nuthin' bout my town Either hold it down or move around
People from out of town come here and say negative things about Texas, but they don't understand our culture. If you can't respect Texas, then leave.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TODD BERRY, BERNARD JAMES FREEMAN, BETTYE JEAN BARNES CRUTCHER, CHAD L. BUTLER, CALVIN EARL AVENT, MICHAEL A. JONES, PAUL MICHAEL SLAYTON, JOHN OKURIBIDO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@fizzibility

We are safe here. Only the real supporters know about MIKE T

@TheMinecraftJones

Holy shit man it’s crazy to look at this and look where he is now 😂

@slipknot92092

Killin it Mike T! Keep it up man you'll be famous when the world hears you

@derekschmitz8323

You predicted it dude!

@parkpartyytmusic5060

Your a legend

@chrismartin509

literally a day 1

@BobS4AC

Common just dropped and we still here 😎 stay awesome, can’t wait for the new album!!!!

@23Knappy23

it just keeps getting better and better each time I listen. where that replay

@ThisGuyNameTy

S.O to my bro Mike T doing his thing out here! Dont forget me wen u make it bro!

@parkpartyytmusic5060

You a og homie

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