T.T.P.
Usher Lyrics

Oh, oh, oh, T-T-P
Introduction to the song's title and hook

Somebody tell me
Rhetorical question to introduce the theme of the song

Why do people stay in situations that'll never work?
Asking about the reasons behind commitments to unfulfilling relationships

And 'bout you wanna leave and you can't wait to get even
Acknowledging desire for retaliation despite the pain of staying

But deep inside, it really hurts
Emphasizing the emotional distress of being in such a situation

You never should've ever got in the mix
Regret for getting involved in toxic situations, relationships

You never understand 'til you go through it
Reflection on the realization that such situations cannot be understood without experiencing them

All the right things to say, the wrong things to do
Discrepancy between words and actions in relationships, highlighting deception

Why you out and trying to pick and choose?
Questioning the reasoning behind pursuing multiple relationships and not finding satisfaction

You should be looking for a T.T.P
Introduction to the concept of the 'total package,' someone who has everything a person wants in a relationship

Now that I know the difference, that's all I'm trying to be with
Acknowledging a shift in focus towards finding someone who is the 'total package' after past experiences with negative relationships

Somebody that keeps it all in together now
Describing the qualities of the 'total package' as being stable and well-rounded

I'm living better since I found the total package
Personal testimony of the benefits of being with someone who is the 'total package'

I used to be young and dumb and always wanted to run
Reflecting on one's past mistakes and a desire for change

In the streets 'cause I thought that was where it was at
Acknowledging misplaced priorities and values in relationships and life choices

But it wasn't, all it did was leave a brother in the cold
Consequence of pursuing empty relationships and lifestyles leading to feeling alone

With nowhere to go
Highlighting feelings of displacement and lack of direction when such pursuits fail

I caught myself slipping, thinking I was the lick
Self-realization of arrogance and delusional thinking in past relationships

I was tripping, trying to jump dip to dip
Acknowledgement of restless wandering in relationships and a lack of direction

I thought it was the way to be happy
Misconception of the importance of fleeting relationships and experiences for fulfillment

Until somebody took time to tell me
Acknowledging the need for guidance and support to find the right path in relationships

So many people think they got it, but they don't have a clue
Observation of others who pursue empty relationships without direction or understanding

You gotta have more than just a body for me to be talking about you
Emphasis on looking for more than just physical attributes in a partner

Take it from me, when playing the game, your day will come
Advice based on personal experience, that pursuing empty relationships will eventually come back to cause distress

When you gotta stop what you doing, start looking for the one
Encouragement to end fruitless pursuits and begin looking for the 'total package'

Don't stop
Reassurance to keep pursuing the 'total package'

Keep looking, fellas
Encouragement specific to men to continue searching for the 'total package'

You got to get it, get it
Motivation to work hard for a fulfilling relationship

All and together now
Emphasis on finding someone who is well-rounded and has all the desired qualities

You should be looking for a T.T.P
Restatement of the central idea of the song

I'm living better since I found the total package
Personal testimony of the fulfillment that comes with finding someone who is the 'total package'

Don't stop (trying to be with somebody that keeps it)
Reiteration of the importance of finding someone who is the 'total package'