Between 2007 and 2011, Tinashe was a member of the girl group the Stunners. Following their disbandment, she released the positively-reviewed self-recorded mixtapes In Case We Die (2012) and Reverie (2012). Following their success, Tinashe signed with RCA Records and released her third mixtape, Black Water (2013). Her debut single, "2 On" (featuring Schoolboy Q; produced by Mustard), reached number one on the Rhythmic airplay chart, and peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100.[4] Her debut studio album, Aquarius (2014), was noted by music critics as one of the most "solid" debuts by a new female artist in years. The album garnered her nominations for Soul Train and BET Awards.[5] Her collaboration with Snakehips and Chance the Rapper, "All My Friends", won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song in 2016.[6] The same year, Tinashe appeared on Britney Spears' single "Slumber Party", which topped Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart. Tinashe's second studio album, Nightride (2016), reached number eight on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the US. Joyride (2018), her third studio album, peaked at number 58 on the Billboard 200 chart and reached number six on the UK R&B Albums chart. After departing RCA, Tinashe independently released the albums Songs for You (2019), 333 (2021) and BB/Ang3l (2023).
you dOn'T kNoW ME
Tinashe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, and I don't fit the mold you wanna force me into
That's for sure
You can catch me in the dark of night getting my whole life
Underneath the sapphire sky
Your perception of me is so untrue
What can I do?
Lyin', I hold myself back, look at it the other way
Please, don't come 'round here talkin' 'bout what's best for me
When I told you just the other day, just the other day, baby
You don't know me like you think you do
Head hung low just like you owe me an apology
Something tells me you ain't gonna say no
How can you? Tonight you really won the lottery
Afterparty with the lights turned low
Everybody wants to live by the philosophy
This is something, this is something
And you can blame it on society
But grew up in a generation of variety
And now I found myself at the edge of my sanity
Lyin', I hold myself back, look at it the other way
Please, don't come 'round here talkin' 'bout what's best for me
When I told you just the other day, just the other day
You don't know me like you think you do
In Tinashe's song "You Don't Know Me", she challenges the listener's perception of her. She sings that people believe they know her, but in reality, they don't know the true her. Tinashe refuses to be forced into a mold, and instead, embraces her individuality. She sings about living her best life in the dark of night under the sapphire sky. She acknowledges that the perception of her is untrue, but asks, "what can I do?"
As the song progresses, Tinashe talks about being at the edge of her sanity and holding herself back from doing what she really wants to do. She tells the person not to come around and talk about what's best for her because she's already made up her mind. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and defiance towards people who try to control or belittle her.
Overall, "You Don't Know Me" is a powerful anthem for individuality and self-discovery. Tinashe encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and not let others dictate who they should be.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't know me like you think you do, no
You don't truly understand who I am, despite what you may believe.
Yeah, and I don't fit the mold you wanna force me into
I refuse to conform to the expectations and stereotypes that you want to impose on me.
That's for sure
That statement is undoubtedly accurate.
You can catch me in the dark of night getting my whole life
You might find me enjoying myself and living life to the fullest during the night hours.
Underneath the sapphire sky
I might be doing so while admiring the beauty of the clear blue nighttime sky.
Your perception of me is so untrue
The way you see me and what you believe about me is fundamentally incorrect.
What can I do?
Despite knowing the truth about myself, there's little I can do to change your perception of me.
And now I found myself at the edge of my sanity
I feel as though I'm close to losing my mind or emotional balance.
Lyin', I hold myself back, look at it the other way
I'm struggling to be truthful, and instead am repressing my feelings while attempting to shift my perspective.
Please, don't come 'round here talkin' 'bout what's best for me
I'd prefer if you didn't presume to know what's best for me, and refrain from dispensing unsolicited advice.
When I told you just the other day, just the other day, baby
I had a conversation with you very recently, so your unwelcome input is particularly frustrating.
Head hung low just like you owe me an apology
I'm feeling embarrassed or ashamed, as if you should be apologizing for something.
Something tells me you ain't gonna say no
I have a feeling you won't deny my expectation or hope for an apology.
How can you? Tonight you really won the lottery
It's unlikely that you'll be able to empathize or feel regret, given that you've recently had good fortune or success.
Afterparty with the lights turned low
You're enjoying a party, perhaps after a success, in low lighting or with a more intimate atmosphere.
Everybody wants to live by the philosophy
It seems that many people are embracing a particular way of life or set of beliefs.
This is something, this is something
This is something noteworthy or significant.
And you can blame it on society
You could point to society and its norms or pressures as a reason why this philosophy is so prevalent.
But grew up in a generation of variety
However, I was raised in a generation that values diversity and individuality.
You don't know me like you think you do
Once again, I want to make it clear that your perception of me is not accurate.
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tinashe Kachingwe, Kai Wright, David Patino
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Cheyenergy
Just when I thought it was impossible for you to make me love you even more. You once again proved me wrong. Your creativity is off the chain when it comes to your music. It's so original and the words are indescribable of how amazing you are. Keep it up Tee 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
@RJJJJay
I love how the beat plays in reverse at 1:24 during the chorus... so sick!
@beylief
Bro, this song gave me life !!!! the beat, the voices like damn, I’m totally speechless !!!
@strangelady4039
I totally gets Abra vibes!! Love this. Everything she does is so good. She's one of those artists who can tap into EVERY genre AND make her own too
@CinemaBizarreBabe96
My roommate walked in as I was jamming out to the beginning and I felt like she caught me in the middle of a satanic, witchy, ritual
@jcollins9022
OMG LLMAO !!!!!!! Right????
@britv3551
This was so funny to me hella relatable 😂☺️
@purabhazarika2328
lmao i felt the same 😂😂😂
@juicydaboss418
That's funny lol 🤣 😂 😆 facts that's how it feels when I listen to Bet by her mfs be thinking I'm 7/30 smh lol
@pharaohking3008
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣