Chorus: YB
I don't talk a lot 'cause when you know you know (You know it)
I don't move a lot 'cause when you know you know
I don't brag 'cause when you know you know
Don't need no bags 'cause when you know you know
My God is good and I really know you know
Young and redeemed and I really know you know
I don't brag 'cause when you know you know
These ain't no bags 'cause when you know you know
Verse 1: YB
I come from the trenches I can tell they know
I didn't have it with me but you watch it glow
I'm like a maid overworked and underpaid
It don't matter what you tell me 'cause the fact is
I could never go and fold
I don't care the dollar sign I do not move for dollars
We didn't have the dollar signs but God sent me through college
On to next dying flesh every service left refreshed
He took me from good to great
How can I not give Him my best
Chorus
I don't talk a lot 'cause when you know you know (You know it)
I don't move a lot 'cause when you know you know
I don't brag 'cause when you know you know
Don't need no bags 'cause when you know you know
Verse 2: Adriel Cruz
Pull up to the dark street
To the bright house
You think that you raw with your ice out
I just hit the trap got the mice out
I live my life like that, what your life bout?
You know you know you know you know
Hell is hotter than a frying pan
Do my own stunts like I'm Jackie Chan
I'm going big like leviathan, yuh
Got some new tech, got a new suit like Iron man
Please don't disrespect no, please do not try my hand
Chorus: YB
I don't talk a lot 'cause when you know you know
I don't move a lot 'cause when you know you know
I don't brag 'cause when you know you know
Don't need no bags 'cause when you know you know
My God is good and I really know you know
Young and redeemed and I really know you know (Yeah)
I don't brag 'cause when you know you know
These ain't no bags 'cause when you know you know
Yeah
NBA YoungBoy - You Knew
You Know Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song presents a declaration of self-assuredness and conviction, primarily articulated through a repeating chorus. This core message centers on the idea that when one possesses true understanding or knowledge, there is no need for outward displays such as excessive talking, unnecessary movement, or bragging. The artists assert that this inner certainty negates the need for material possessions, represented by "bags." A significant aspect of this knowing, particularly for YB, is rooted in faith, acknowledging the goodness of God and a state of spiritual redemption. This knowing is presented as a quiet, confident state of being.
In the first verse, YB provides context for this internal confidence, referencing a difficult past ("the trenches") and a journey from lack to prominence ("didn't have it with me but you watch it glow"). He speaks to enduring hardship and feeling undervalued ("like a maid overworked and underpaid") but emphasizes an unwavering resolve not to yield ("never go and fold"). The artist distinguishes his motivation from financial gain, stating he does not pursue "dollars." Instead, he credits divine intervention for overcoming obstacles, such as enabling him to attend college despite financial limitations. This transformation from a lesser state ("good to great") inspires a commitment to giving his utmost effort.
Adriel Cruz offers a contrasting perspective in the second verse, potentially addressing external perceptions or superficiality. He describes a trajectory from a dark street to a bright house, perhaps symbolizing a change in circumstances. He contrasts outward shows of wealth ("ice out") with a more grounded reality ("hit the trap got the mice out"), questioning the substance of another's life compared to his own. The verse conveys resilience and action, drawing comparisons to figures known for performing their own challenging feats. He expresses ambition and strength using powerful imagery and concludes with a clear warning against disrespect.
The collective message across the song's sections, though voiced by different artists, emphasizes a departure from superficial validation. Whether stemming from deep spiritual conviction and gratitude for overcoming adversity as described by YB, or a determined, action-oriented approach to navigating life as portrayed by Adriel Cruz, both artists highlight a state of knowing that makes external appearances and behaviors secondary to an inner reality. The repeated chorus serves as a potent affirmation of this internal truth.
