When You Know, You Know Lyrics – Jonas Brothers

When You Know, You Know Lyrics Meaning

[Verse 1]
In this verse, the singer is reflecting on feelings of confusion and uncertainty. His mind feels overwhelmed, like it’s spinning, and he’s reminiscing about a relationship that seems to be fading. He feels a bit lost and vulnerable, lying alone in bed, with the spinning ceiling fan representing his unsettled emotions. He’s contemplating whether he should stop overthinking and let go of these feelings.

[Pre-Chorus]
The pre-chorus reflects on the passage of time and how things once felt certain and stable. The phrase “thought I had it on my wrist” is a metaphor for feeling like he had control, but now time has slipped away. The “motto” refers to an idea or connection they had, which has now been lost to life’s distractions.

[Chorus]
The chorus is all about the clarity that comes with knowing when it’s time to make a decision in a relationship—whether to stay or leave. The singer expresses hope that both people feel the same way. There’s a confidence in recognizing the right person when you “just know.” It’s about that gut feeling that says this person is the one, and the singer knows it for sure.

[Post-Chorus]
The phrase “it’s always been you” emphasizes that despite everything, this person has always been the one for him.

[Verse 2]
Here, the singer uses the metaphor of a coin toss, implying that no matter how things play out, the outcome is always the same—this person is meant for him. They might enjoy the ups and downs of their relationship, like playing a game, but deep down, the connection is undeniable. He also longs for simpler, happier times and contemplates drinking as a way to cope with these emotions.

[Pre-Chorus]
This section repeats, underscoring the feeling of lost time and missed opportunities. The sense of having something meaningful that’s now slipping away continues to weigh on him.

[Chorus]
Again, the chorus reinforces the idea of recognizing when it’s time to make a choice in the relationship. He feels confident in his decision and hopes the other person feels the same way. The repetition of “when you know, you know” highlights the certainty and inevitability of their connection.

[Post-Chorus]
Once more, “it’s always been you” reinforces the theme that this person has always been the one, and nothing will change that.

[Bridge]
The bridge introduces a deeper emotional conflict. The singer regrets not expressing himself fully, and the weight of those unspoken words is causing him pain. He feels the emotional pressure on his chest and takes responsibility for his part in the relationship. Despite this, the chorus of “when you know, you know” resurfaces, emphasizing that despite the hurt, the connection is still strong and undeniable.

[Chorus]
The chorus once again reflects on the certainty of their connection, repeating the theme of understanding when it’s time to make a decision and hoping that both partners are on the same page. The repetition emphasizes the strength of the bond and the singer’s confidence in his feelings.

[Post-Chorus]
The singer reaffirms that “it’s always been you,” underscoring the consistent and unchanging nature of his feelings for this person.

[Outro]
In the outro, the repeated phrase “when you know, you know” serves as a mantra, driving home the message that love and connection are often a matter of instinct and certainty. The singer keeps circling back to this thought, as if reassuring himself and the listener that when it’s right, there’s no doubt. The repetition of “it’s always been you” throughout the song drives home the idea that this person has always been his one true love. No matter how complicated life or relationships may seem, the certainty of knowing the right person is at the heart of the song.