Meaning of How You Know by Lil Nas X

The Lil Nas X song titled 'How You Know' delves into the complexities of relationships and the struggles of understanding one another's emotions. The overall theme of the song centers around the difficulty of comprehending another person's feelings without open communication and genuine connection. Lil Nas X and 24kGoldn emphasize the importance of asking and expressing how one truly feels in order to bridge the gap between two individuals.One standout lyric in the song is "Swear to God, I seen an angel up above" and it sets the tone for exploring the theme. This line suggests that the narrator has experienced something transcendent and remarkable, perhaps symbolizing the beginning of a special connection. However, there is a sense of ambiguity and tension introduced with the line "You actin' like a stranger and you know it." Here, the theme of misunderstanding and miscommunication emerges, as the narrator feels disconnected from the other person despite the initial strong connection.Another significant lyric is "She tell me turn my anger into love (Girl, is it love?). Before I end up missin' out on what made me happy." This lyric delves into the idea of emotional transformation and the struggle to decipher one's own feelings. The theme of self-reflection and the need to understand personal emotions in order to build a meaningful connection is present. It also suggests that the narrator wants to avoid missing out on happiness due to unresolved conflicts or unexpressed emotions.Moving onto Lil Nas X's verse, he introduces the line "Breakdown after breakdown, After thinkin' I'm over you now." This lyric presents the theme of emotional turmoil and recurring challenges in the aftermath of a failed relationship. It conveys the struggles of moving forward and the difficulty in truly letting go of someone. The theme of resilience and the process of healing resonate in these lines, highlighting how healing can sometimes be a series of breakdowns and breakthroughs.The final standout lyric is "Any story of us is just a dream, How could I have known? Yeah, you lonely and you don't need a thing, But it hurts me to know that thing's me." This lyric tackles the theme of disillusionment and the realization that the relationship was built on false expectations. The narrator acknowledges that the love they shared was an illusion and that the other person is content being alone, even though it pains the narrator to be the source of that contentment. This lyric explores the theme of accepting reality and coming to terms with the fact that sometimes relationships may not be what they seem, but finding the strength to move forward regardless.In conclusion, 'How You Know' by Lil Nas X and 24kGoldn delves into the intricacies of relationships, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection, open communication, and understanding one another's emotions. The song tackles themes such as misunderstanding, emotional transformation, resilience, and disillusionment. Through its thoughtful lyrics, it prompts listeners to reflect on their own relationships and the need for honest dialogue to bridge the gaps between individuals.