Meaning of "The One You Know" by Alice In Chains

The lyrics of "The One You Know" delve into the internal struggle of identity and the changes that can occur within oneself. The line "I'm a little alike you before, Things had changed" suggests that the speaker used to be more similar to others, but something has caused a shift in their identity. They feel like an impostor, not living up to the expectations of the person others think they are. The repetition of the phrase "I'm not the one you know" emphasizes their feelings of being misunderstood and alienated. The line "Are you surprised, Black water flows, From wells run dry" suggests that the speaker's transformation has left them feeling empty and drained. The metaphor of black water flowing from wells run dry conveys a sense of desolation and the inability to find fulfillment. The exploration of these themes is characteristic of Alice In Chains' introspective and introspective lyrical style. The song captures the struggle of grappling with personal change and the difficulty of reconciling internal transformation with external perception.