Jon B is an R&B singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1990s. He is known for his smooth vocals and soulful lyrics. One of his most popular songs is “They Don’t Know,” which was released in 1998. The song is a classic R&B ballad that has been covered by many artists over the years. In this article, we will take a closer look at the lyrics of “They Don’t Know” and try to understand the meaning behind them.
Verse 1
The song begins with the following lyrics:
“I’ve been holding back my love
For such a long time
And I don’t know how much longer
I can keep it confined”
These lines suggest that the speaker has been in love with someone for a long time but has been hesitant to express their feelings. The phrase “keep it confined” implies that the speaker feels trapped or limited in some way. Perhaps they are afraid of rejection or worried about the consequences of expressing their love.
Chorus
The chorus of “They Don’t Know” is perhaps the most memorable part of the song:
“They don’t know
What I feel inside
When I see you at night
I almost want to cry
I want to take you and tell you
To hold me in your arms
And then I’ll be alright”
These lyrics express the speaker’s longing and desire for the person they love. The phrase “they don’t know” suggests that the speaker feels misunderstood or overlooked by others. The line “I almost want to cry” conveys a sense of emotional vulnerability and suggests that the speaker is deeply affected by their feelings for this person.
Verse 2
The second verse of the song continues the theme of unexpressed love:
“I watch you from a distance
Wondering when will I get my chance
To hold you tight (to hold you tight)
And share everything about me
Cause I believe that you can
Handle anything that I can give”
These lines suggest that the speaker has been watching the person they love from afar and waiting for an opportunity to express themselves. The phrase “handle anything that I can give” implies that the speaker has been holding back or hiding parts of themselves and is now ready to be vulnerable and open with this person.
Chorus
The chorus is repeated again, reinforcing the theme of unrequited love and emotional longing.
Bridge
The bridge of the song features the following lyrics:
“I don’t know what to do
When I’m with you
I feel like I’m losing my mind
Cause I shouldn’t feel this way
But I do
Tell me why (tell me why?)
Why do I keep thinking of you”
These lines suggest that the speaker is struggling to understand their own emotions and desires. The phrase “I feel like I’m losing my mind” conveys a sense of confusion and uncertainty. The line “I shouldn’t feel this way but I do” suggests that the speaker is aware that their feelings are irrational or impractical, but cannot help how they feel.
Chorus
The chorus is repeated once again, emphasizing the emotional intensity and desperation of the speaker’s feelings.
Conclusion
“They Don’t Know” is a classic R&B ballad that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced unrequited love or emotional longing. The song’s lyrics capture the pain and frustration of holding back one’s true feelings and the fear of rejection. Jon B’s smooth vocals and soulful delivery make this song a timeless classic that continues to be beloved by fans of R&B and soul music.
