AUTOMATIC
TLC Lyrics


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I knew when I fell for you
It wasn't when I wanted to
But you were acting so into me
Went real good for a month or two
Just like every relationship
we got off on the trust tip
And can't get it baby
I knew it when it started to change
We could never be the same
I could do it when you do it to me

I knew it if it came to be we would get a chance to see
A side of each other that we both didn't know of

What did you do to make me feel so good for so long
Then take it back and expect me to be alone
I can be cool but if you gonna do me wrong
I'll get you back baby that's just, just automatic

I remember when I met the man
With all the confidence
Everyday was promises to me
Then you stepped way outta line
Cheat on me too many times
Ain't tryin' to put you down
But what comes around goes around

I knew it when it started to change
We could never be the same
I could do it when you do it to me

I knew it if it came to be we would get a chance to see
A side of each other that we both didn't know of

What did you do to make me feel so good for so long
Then take it back and expect me to be alone




I can be cool but if you gonna do me wrong
I'll get you back baby that's just, just automatic

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to TLC's song Automatic tell a story about a relationship that starts off well but falls apart. The singer falls for someone unexpectedly and things go smoothly for a month or two, but eventually things change and the relationship can never be the same. The singer knows that if the relationship were to continue, they would both see sides of each other they didn't know existed. The chorus asserts that the singer will not stand for being treated poorly and will seek revenge if they are wronged.


The first verse describes the initial attraction between the singer and their partner. Despite not intending to fall for them, the partner's enthusiasm and attention draws the singer in. However, things quickly take a turn and the singer realizes that the relationship cannot continue as is. The second verse introduces a new character who initially treated the singer well but eventually cheated on them too many times. The singer asserts that they won't let themselves be mistreated again.


The theme of Automatic is one of agency and self-respect. The singer is clear about what they will and won't tolerate in a relationship, and they are willing to take action if necessary. The song is a warning to anyone who thinks they can take advantage of the singer's kindness or take them for granted. The chorus emphasizes that the singer's response to betrayal is automatic, meaning that it is a natural, instinctual reaction to being wronged.


Line by Line Meaning

I knew when I fell for you
I realized I was in love with you


It wasn't when I wanted to
But it happened unexpectedly


But you were acting so into me
And you showed me so much attention


Went real good for a month or two
Things were great between us in the beginning


Just like every relationship
But just like any relationship


we got off on the trust tip
We started off trusting each other


And can't get it baby
And that felt good


I knew it when it started to change
But I knew when things started to shift


We could never be the same
That we could never go back to how things were


I could do it when you do it to me
I could cheat on you back


I knew it if it came to be we would get a chance to see
If we ever faced that situation, we would discover things about each other we didn't know


A side of each other that we both didn't know of
New aspects of our personalities would emerge


What did you do to make me feel so good for so long
What did you do to make me so happy for so long


Then take it back and expect me to be alone
Only to take it away and leave me alone


I can be cool but if you gonna do me wrong
I can remain calm, but if you hurt me


I'll get you back baby that's just, just automatic
I'll get revenge, that's just my gut reaction


I remember when I met the man
I recall when I first met you


With all the confidence
Who was so confident


Everyday was promises to me
Who made me promises every day


Then you stepped way outta line
But then you crossed the line


Cheat on me too many times
And cheated on me repeatedly


Ain't tryin' to put you down
I'm not trying to belittle you


But what comes around goes around
But karma is real




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DALLAS AUSTIN, DALLAS L AUSTIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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