Meaning of "If They Only Knew" by Black Atlass

The lyrics of "If They Only Knew" delve into the complicated emotions and experiences that come with unrequited love. The opening lines pose questions about the narrator's feelings and the other person's intentions, highlighting a sense of uncertainty and insecurity. The repetition of "been here for too long" suggests that the narrator has been stuck in this emotional state for an extended period of time. Despite this, they acknowledge that their feelings are not widely known or understood by others, as indicated by the line "if they only knew."

The second verse further emphasizes the intensity of the narrator's emotions. They feel abandoned and admit to never expecting to fall in love. The line "I can't escape the things you do even after you're gone" reveals the lingering impact this person has on the narrator's life, suggesting that their actions continue to affect them even when they are no longer present. The mention of following this person, despite their departure, indicates a sense of longing and unwillingness to let go.

The chorus serves as a declaration of the narrator's feelings, emphasizing the depth of their love: "The way I feel for you, if they only knew." The repetition of this line reinforces the idea that their emotions are not fully understood or acknowledged by others. Additionally, the repetition of "if they only knew" throughout the song underscores a sense of frustration and an underlying desire for their feelings to be recognized and reciprocated.

The lyrics also touch on themes of deception and the complexities of the relationship. The line "I like the way you lie" suggests that there may be elements of deceit or inconsistency in the other person's words or actions. The mention of things being "over now" highlights a sense of loss or change, and the realization that the narrator can never revert to the person they were before this emotional connection.

Overall, "If They Only Knew" captures the tumultuous emotions and struggles that come with unrequited love, showcasing the narrator's longing, frustration, and desire for their feelings to be understood and returned.