You were once a sweet little girl
So innocent and pure
Your eyes were open and sure
Anyone could look right in

And I followed closely your gaze
You looked up towards the sky
And I watched your face drift away
Other things had caught your eye

Oh, the magazines and media supplied you with their plastic protocol
Oh, and maybe music television really is the devil after all
But all I can say is I knew you before you were beautiful back then
Before you grew up, before you gave in

And you dream of sharing your heart
Instead you share your bed
And your heart beats empty and cold
With all the tears you have shed

And you dream of baring your soul
Instead you bare more skin
And you wear dark glasses to keep
Anyone from looking in

Oh, the magazines and media supplied you with their plastic protocol
Oh, and maybe music television really is the devil after all
But all I can say is I knew you before you were beautiful back then
Before you grew up, before you gave in

And all you want is to hear the words
"Dear baby I love you"
So you hike your skirt higher still
'Til their eyes are all on you

You drive in fast foreign cars
The color of your sin
And you tint your windows to keep
Anyone from looking in

Oh, and all I can say is I knew you before you were beautiful back then
Before you grew up, before you gave in
And all I can say is I knew you before you were beautiful back then
You could be beautiful again



Lyrics submitted by saocore

I Knew You Before Lyrics as written by Dustin Michael Kensrue

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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I Knew You Before song meanings
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    General Comment

    It's about "the scene."

    The little girl is the underground punk scene that has evolved from an independent music to a major label tool controlled by MTV. Its pretty clear he is disgusted by the changes. The scene is no longer a respected indie/alternative music, but a money machine.

    As someone who has loved this scene of music for a long time, and have a hard time finding many new artists to respect like I had in the past. When fans stopped finding the best new bands by local concerts / word of mouth/ and online communities, and started looking for new "punk" bands on MTV, it was clear the genre had collectively sold-out.

    I love this song, and the end is a great insight to Dustin's thoughts on the music industry.

    "And all I can say is I knew you before You were beautiful back then You could be beautiful again..."

    Krwlng_n_mie_sknon February 11, 2007   Link

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