Meaning of Thought I Knew You by The Weeknd

The Weeknd's song "Thought I Knew You," featuring Nicki Minaj, delves into the emotions and frustrations that come with realizing someone you thought you knew, and trusted, is not who you believed them to be. It explores themes of deception, love gone wrong, and the struggle to navigate a relationship that has become strained.One standout lyric in the song is "Misconstrued your love, yeah (Misconstrued your love)/You confused my love/You givin' up (Up) on love (On love)/Not to lose my love, yeah (Not to lose my love)." This lyric speaks to the theme of misunderstanding and misinterpretation within a relationship. It suggests that the narrator had a different perception of the love they shared with their partner, but ultimately feels let down and confused by their actions.Another important lyric is "Honestly, I think this shit excites you (Excites you)/All that drama that you’re tied to (Ooh, yeah)/You play the victim every time too (Oh, whoa)/That shit came back and hit you times two." This lyric explores the theme of seeking excitement and drama within a relationship. It suggests that the partner in question may have a tendency to create chaos or play the victim, which ultimately leads to negative consequences.The chorus of the song, "I-I-I-I thought I knew you (Thought I knew you, girl)/Ha-ha-ha, I guess I didn't/I-I-I-I thought I knew you (Thought I knew you)/Fuck, baby, I-I guess I didn't," emphasizes the feeling of betrayal and disappointment that comes from realizing someone is not who you believed them to be. It captures the frustration and disbelief that the narrator experiences when confronted with the true nature of their partner.In the second verse, the lyric "Tell me why you let me come inside for real (Ooh, yeah)/Never mind, you were never mine for real (Oh)" discusses the themes of intimacy and feeling used within a relationship. It suggests that the narrator was intimate with their partner, believing in a deeper connection, only to find out that their partner never truly belonged to them emotionally.The outro of the song, sung by Nicki Minaj, introduces a new theme of materialism and the desire for financial stability. The lyric "You broke my heart and now ever since/I just want them dead presidents" portrays the pain of heartbreak and how it can change one's priorities. It suggests that the narrator's heartbreak has shifted their focus to seeking financial success and stability in order to mend their broken heart.Overall, "Thought I Knew You" explores various themes surrounding trust, deception, love, and the aftermath of a broken relationship. It delves into the complexities and emotions that can arise when the person you thought you knew turns out to be someone completely different. Through its lyrical depth and meaningful themes, the song brings to light the vulnerabilities and challenges that come with navigating relationships and the lasting impact they can have on one's life.