I Know

"I Know" by Big Sean, featuring Jhené Aiko, is a song that delves into themes of empathy, emotional support, and the desire for escapism from a troubled relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of two people who see and understand the struggles the other is facing in their respective romantic lives. Big Sean's verses are directed towards a woman who is clearly unhappy and emotionally drained from her current relationship, using dancing and drinking as a coping mechanism. The recurring line, "I know you've been goin' through some things," establishes a foundation of understanding and acknowledgment of her pain. The concept of a "vacation" is used as a central metaphor, representing a break from her reality and the emotional turmoil she's experiencing. Big Sean offers to be this 'vacation,' a temporary respite and a source of comfort and excitement.

Jhené Aiko's verse provides the reciprocal perspective, where she offers the same solace to Big Sean, suggesting that she too can be his escape from a problematic relationship. This creates a mutual understanding and a bond between the two artists in the song. The song doesn't necessarily promise a long-term solution but rather a moment of shared understanding and a temporary getaway from their problems. It highlights the feeling of being seen by someone who recognizes your unspoken struggles. The collaboration between Big Sean and Jhené Aiko on this track was particularly resonant with fans due to their real-life chemistry and later romantic relationship.

The song opens with an acknowledgment of a woman's recent struggles and emotional changes. It's clear she's been going through a difficult time, and it has affected how she loves and interacts with the world. She's depicted as running on empty, and her movements suggest she desperately needs a break, a vacation. With a drink in her hand, she dances with an intensity that seems like a temporary escape. The narrative voice, Big Sean, recognizes this need for a getaway and suggests they make it happen, whatever the circumstances.

He observes her dancing as if it's her only reason to believe in something, a seasonal and almost religious fervor. He attributes this to either alcohol or sativa, noting that her heart beats faster, and she only feels the pain when she stops to think. The imagery of popping bottles like 'Pepsi Co.' and her tan suggesting a trip to Mexico reinforces this theme of escapism. He encourages her to let loose, acknowledging that she deserves to be pampered, a stark contrast to her current partner who is described as childish. He's aware that she's been ignoring calls and trying to maintain peace, but he also knows there's a communication breakdown in her current relationship. He sees that she wants to let go of her current situation and the people she's with.

Jhené Aiko's verse enters as a response, offering to be that vacation for him. She critiques the woman he's currently with, calling her a 'trip' and implying she's playing games. Jhené presents herself as someone who is down for anything and whose main purpose is to make him feel better. She offers her 'private island' as a sanctuary, a place to hide and unwind. She recognizes the sacrifices he's made and the need for him to let go.

Big Sean's next verse is filled with imagery of an exciting and spontaneous getaway. He talks about activating and igniting the excitement, using his credit card for a night, a day, a room, a place to drink and celebrate. He suggests they could go to Texas for South by Southwest, a place where they can be free and perhaps a little reckless. He tells her he knows she wants to be with someone who can give her new experiences, something beyond status, something cinematic. He acknowledges her tears, her frustration with arguments, and the desire for peace. The song culminates in the idea that their connection is a roll, a winning streak, like they 'did good in college,' throwing money around as if it's meaningless because their bond is what's truly valuable. He understands her on a level that words can't always explain, and he sees her pain. The recurring idea is that she looks like she needs a vacation, and he is ready to provide that for her, whether it's in Hawaii, Jamaica, or Asia – places her current partner can't take her.

"I Know" was released on February 24, 2015, as a track on Big Sean's third studio album, Dark Sky Paradise. The song features a collaboration with singer Jhené Aiko. The track was written by Sean Anderson (Big Sean), Jhené Aiko Chilombo, Dijon "DJ Mustard" McFarlane, and Dwane "Key Wane" Weir II. The production was handled by DJ Mustard and Key Wane. Key Wane and Big Sean have a long-standing collaborative history, having known each other since high school.

At the time of the song's creation, Big Sean was dating Ariana Grande, and Jhené Aiko was married to producer Dot da Genius. Despite their respective relationships, the song showcased a strong creative and personal chemistry between Sean and Aiko, which eventually blossomed into a real-life romance and a collaborative album called Twenty88 the following year. The music video for "I Know" was directed by Lawrence Lamont and was released on June 24, 2015. The video features Big Sean and Jhené Aiko as elderly individuals who find a spark in a nursing home and escape for an adventurous night. The video was one of three that Big Sean released in the same week, but the "I Know" video became the most popular.

"I Know" follows a relatively free-form rhyme scheme typical of contemporary hip-hop and R&B. The song's rhythm is driven by DJ Mustard's production, which provides a steady, head-nodding tempo. Big Sean's verses feature a mix of perfect and slant rhymes, often woven into a conversational flow. For instance, in the lines "Dancin', dancin', dancin' like you fucking got a reason / Dancing like it's something to believe in," 'reason' and 'believe in' create a slant rhyme that feels natural and unforced. The rhythm of his delivery is often syncopated against the beat, adding to the song's relaxed yet engaging feel. Jhené Aiko's sections have a smoother, more melodic rhythm that complements the laid-back instrumental. The overall rhythmic structure of the song is designed to be atmospheric and to support the emotional narrative of the lyrics, rather than adhering to a rigid metrical pattern.

"I Know" employs a conversational and narrative lyrical style, creating a story of two people connecting over shared emotional distress. The song's structure, a back-and-forth between Big Sean and Jhené Aiko, enhances this feeling of a dialogue. Big Sean is known for his distinctive ad-libs and flow, which is present in this track. The production by DJ Mustard is characterized by its smooth, mid-tempo beat with a prominent bassline, which is a signature of his style and contributes to the song's laid-back yet melancholic vibe. The use of two distinct vocalists with different styles – Big Sean's rhythmic rap and Jhené Aiko's smooth, soulful singing – creates a dynamic contrast that enriches the song's texture. The interplay between their voices mirrors the lyrical theme of two different people finding common ground. The song also features a sample of YG's "I'm Good".

"I Know" was a significant track from Big Sean's critically and commercially successful album Dark Sky Paradise, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The song itself performed well, being certified Double Platinum in 2021. Its popularity was bolstered by the memorable music video, which starred both Big Sean and Jhené Aiko and played on their undeniable on-screen chemistry. The song and video are often cited as a key moment in the development of their public relationship, which led to their collaborative project Twenty88 and their eventual family. The song remains a fan favorite and is one of the most enduring tracks from Dark Sky Paradise. "I Know" peaked at number 37 on the Billboard R&B charts. The song's themes of empathy and emotional support in relationships resonated with a wide audience. The music video has garnered over 135 million views on YouTube, indicating its lasting appeal.

The central metaphor in "I Know" is the idea of a 'vacation'. This isn't just about a physical trip but more so an emotional and mental escape from the hardships of a failing relationship. When Big Sean and Jhené Aiko offer to be each other's 'vacation,' they are offering a temporary relief from stress, arguments, and unhappiness. This is emphasized with lyrics offering to fly to exotic places like Hawaii, Jamaica, or Asia, symbolizing a complete departure from their current reality.

The act of dancing is another significant symbol in the song. The woman in the song is "dancin' like you fucking got a reason / Dancing like it's something to believe in." This suggests that dancing is a form of catharsis for her, a way to release her frustrations and find a moment of freedom and belief in something when her relationship offers none.

Big Sean also uses the line, "The grass ain't always greener on the other side. It's green where you water it." While this line is from another of his collaborations, it reflects a similar theme present in "I Know" about investing in a relationship that has potential rather than seeking something new that may seem better from a distance. In "I Know," he is offering to be the one to 'water the grass' for the woman he is addressing.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "I Know" is the titular line, "I know". This phrase is repeated throughout the song by both Big Sean and Jhené Aiko, serving as a constant affirmation of their mutual understanding and empathy. It's the foundation of their connection, emphasizing that they see the hidden pain in each other.

The concept of needing a 'vacation' is another key recurring motif. It appears in the chorus and verses, symbolizing a desire to escape from a toxic or draining relationship. The repetition of "vacation" reinforces the central theme of seeking refuge and respite.

The phrase "runnin' on empty" is also repeated in the chorus, vividly describing the emotional exhaustion of the person being addressed in the song. This motif effectively conveys the feeling of being depleted by a difficult situation.