U Should've Known Better

Monica

About U Should've Known Better

"U Should've Known Better" is a song by American recording artist Monica. It was written in collaboration with Harold Lilly and Jermaine Dupri, and produced by the latter along with frequent co-producer Bryan Michael Cox for her original third studio album, All Eyez on Me (2002). When the album was shelved for release outside Japan, the song was one out of five original records that were transferred into its new version, After the Storm (2003). A contemporary R&B slow jam, "U Should've Known Better" contains elements of soul music and rock music. Built on an pulsating backbeat, the song's instrumentation consists of screeching guitars and an understated harp pattern. Lyrically, Monica, as the protagonist, delivers a message of loyalty to her imprisoned love interest and sings about staying down for him despite his doubts. The song was generally well received by contemporary music critics who highlighted the heartfelt emotion and sadness. Released as the fourth and final single from After the Storm in May 2004, the single marked Monica's first balladic release in over five years. On the charts, "U Should've Known Better" peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks, becoming the album's highest-charting single release after "So Gone". Its accompanying music video was shot by director Benny Boom, and filmed in Mexico in April 2004. It features rapper Young Buck as Monica's love interest. 


Year:
2003
4:17
1,521 
#5

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

I didn't ask to go with you to Mexico
I really didn't need the shopping sprees in L.A. and Melrose
Boy if you didn't know it, well now you know
I didn't need the furs or the jewelry
Because material things they don't mean much to me
And ever since you've been gone
I've been holding us down on my own
You know

I never ever cheated
I never ever lied
So you can stop asking
Asking me why
Why I never left you
And why I've kept it real
And why I'm still with you

You should've known better than to think I would leave
You should've known better than to doubt me
It don't matter if you're up, matter if you're down
Either way I'm gonna be around
You should've known that I would stay by your side
You should've known your girl was gonna ride or die
And it just don't matter if you're rich or poor
Out here doing five to ten
You should've known better

What makes you think that I would forget about you
Think about it, who comes to see you
Every Saturday and Monday I was on that receiver
It's me your girl, your life, your world
My family and friends, they just don't understand
They say I should leave you alone
But I say that they should all just leave us alone
Don't you get it?

I never every cheated
I never ever lied
So you can stop asking
Asking me why
Why I never left you
And why I've kept it real
And why I'm still with you

You should've known better than to think I would leave
You should've known better than to doubt me
It don't matter if you're up, matter if you're down
Either way I'm gonna be around
You should've known that I would stay by your side
You should've known your girl was gonna ride or die
And it just don't matter if you're rich or poor
Out here doing five to ten
You should've known better

You should've known better than to think I would leave
You should've known better than to doubt me
It don't matter if you're up, matter if you're down
Either way I'm gonna be around
You should've known that I would stay by your side
You should've known your girl was gonna ride or die
And it just don't matter if you're rich or poor
Out here doing five to ten
You should've known better

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Monica

Monica Denise Brown (née Arnold; born October 24, 1980) professionally known as Monica, is an American R&B singer–songwriter, record producer, and occasional actress. Born and raised in College Park, Georgia, Monica began performing as a child and became part of a traveling gospel choir, at the age of ten. Guided by producers Dallas Austin and Tim & Bob, she signed with Arista Records at age thirteen and released her debut album Miss Thang in 1995. Its first two singles "Don't Take It Personal" and "Before You Walk out of My Life" made her the youngest recording act to ever have two consecutive chart-topping hits on the US Billboard Top R&B Singles chart. more »

3 fans

Written by: BRYAN MICHAEL PAUL COX, JERMAINE DUPRI, HAROLD SPENCER JR LILLY, HAROLD LILLY JR

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


20 facts about this song

Artist Background
"U Should've Known Better" is sung by Monica, an American R&B singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the mid 1990s.
Album Release
The song is included in Monica's third studio album, "After the Storm," released in 2003.
Chart Performance
"U Should've Known Better" reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained in the top 40 for 20 weeks, showcasing Monica's wide appeal and popularity during that time.
Video Representation
The music video for this song was filmed at various locations in Los Angeles, California, and it features artist's portrayal of a convict's girlfriend, emphasizing the emotional lyrics of the song.
Songwriter
The song was written by Monica and Jermaine Dupri, showing the artist's ability as a songwriter as well as a performer.
Song Theme
The song is about a woman who is loyal to her man while he is away, conveying messages of loyalty, understanding, and unconditional love through its lyrics.
Critical Reception
"U Should've Known Better" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Monica's vocal performance and the song's expressive lyrics.
R&B Success
The song reached number two on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, solidifying Monica's status as a leading artist in the R&B genre.
Song Influence
"U Should've Known Better" has been covered and sampled by a number of artists, displaying its influence within the music industry.
Accolades
The music video for "U Should've Known Better" was nominated for an award at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards.
Release History
"U Should've Known Better" is a song by American recording artist Monica. It was released as the fourth and final single from her third studio album, "After The Storm" in April 2004.
Song Creator
The song was written by Monica Arnold, Jermaine Dupri, Harold Lilly, and Bryan Cox, showcasing a successful collaborative effort.
Chart Performance
"U Should've Known Better" was well-received by music critics. Upon its release, it reached the number 19 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Music Video
The music video for "U Should've Known Better" was filmed in Los Angeles and directed by Chris Robinson. It features a storyline showcasing the struggles of a long-distance relationship.
Song Genre
The song's genre is R&B (Rhythm and Blues), which is in line with Monica's style.
Album Success
"After the Storm," the album where the song is included, debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, making it Monica's first number one album.
Grammy Nomination
The album, "After The Storm," was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album in 2003.
Certifications
"After The Storm," was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold over one million copies in the United States.
Song Theme
"U Should’ve Known Better" talks about Monica's patience and loyalty to her incarcerated boyfriend. It showcases a message of faithfulness and understanding.
Monica’s Personal Life
The song reflected Monica's personal life experience. At the time of writing the song, her boyfriend C-Murder was in jail, and she was publicly supporting him.

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    U Should've Known Better

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    19     5

    Top Hot 100 Songs 2004

    Billboard #19


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