The song "I Know Better" by Gladys Knight & The Pips is about a person who is wise to the empty promises and false love that their partner offers. The protagonist realizes that they have heard these promises before and knows that they don't mean anything. Despite the partner offering the world and trying to make their life complete, the protagonist is aware that these promises are not genuine. The lyrics highlight the protagonist's awareness of their partner's true intentions and their determination not to let themselves be deceived. They refuse to let their partner bring them pain and tears again, emphasizing their intelligence and wisdom in recognizing the truth. They are cautious of their partner's actions, not wanting to get too close or be fooled by their warm gestures. However, the protagonist also grapples with conflicting emotions. They acknowledge the strong desire and attraction they feel towards their partner, symbolized by the flame in their heart growing higher. Despite this, they understand the need to resist and stay strong, knowing that they, indeed, know better and should not surrender their heart to false love. The song ultimately explores the internal struggle between attraction and wisdom, as the protagonist tries to navigate their relationship with someone who has proven to be untrustworthy.
