Meaning of "Thought I Knew You" by Nicki Minaj

The lyrics of "Thought I Knew You" delve into the emotions of betrayal and disappointment that arise when someone we thought we knew turns out to be different. The repetitive lines "I thought I knew you" emphasize the disbelief and shock felt by the narrator upon realizing their partner's true nature. The use of the phrase "I ah" after each chorus signifies a mix of frustration, confusion, and a desire for clarity. The narrator expresses their genuine belief in the strength of their love, stating "This was truly love." However, the subsequent lines reveal their confusion, as their partner's actions didn't align with their expectations. The lyrics hint at the presence of drama in the relationship, suggesting that the partner thrived on it, which caused excitement for them but disappointment for the narrator. The line "I don't think I'm talking to the right you" conveys the narrator's realization that they didn't truly know their partner and that the person they thought they knew is not who they are interacting with now.

The chorus repeats the sentiment of the narrator's mistaken belief in their partner, emphasizing their disappointment when they say "I guess I didn't." The lyrics convey a sense of longing for the partner's love and attention, as the narrator questions why they weren't loved truly and why their partner couldn't be faithful. The lines "In my mind, I'm a hit decline for real" imply the narrator's struggle to reject their feelings for their partner, even though their actions have caused pain. The lyrics suggest that the partner often played the victim, shifting blame away from themselves, but eventually faced the consequences of their actions.

The mention of "dead presidents" in the final verses brings forth a materialistic aspect, suggesting that the narrator desires financial independence and a sense of power. It can be interpreted as the narrator asserting their independence and prioritizing their own well-being over the broken relationship. Overall, the lyrics of "Thought I Knew You" illustrate the emotional journey from believing in the strength of a relationship to facing the harsh reality of betrayal and disappointment.