Meaning of "Thought I Knew You" by Matthew Sweet

The lyrics of "Thought I Knew You" delve into the theme of disillusionment and disappointment in a relationship. The narrator initially believes they have a deep understanding of their partner, pouring their love and hope into the relationship. However, as time passes, they realize that their partner is not who they thought they were, leading to a gradual erosion of love and trust. The song captures the pain of realizing that someone you deeply care about is not the person you thought they were, and the process of coming to terms with this harsh truth. The repeated phrase "I thought I knew you" serves as a poignant reminder of the fallibility of human perception and the complexities of relationships, where true understanding can be elusive.