She Don't Have to Know

John Legend · Get Lifted [2004]

Woo ooo oo oo ooo

Oh o o o o o o o

Yeah ee ee eah o o

Yaaay ay ay



Oh stealing moments just to be with you

Though it's wrong it's hard to tell the truth

Oh no, she don't have to know she dont have to know



When I meet you, I got my shades on to cover up my eyes

(Just to cover up my eyes)

Im hoping that nobody sees me passing by through my disguise

I still know you recognize

But you I know you got a little secret of your own

(Yes you do you know you wrong)

Sneaking out with me while your man's at home

You know you wrong, but it's so strong still carrying on

I go to the other side of town so I never risk the chance will catch her eye

Oh no she dont have to know, she dont have to know

And oh girl I know you're doing the same thing too

I won't tell your man the things we do

Oh no he dont have to know, he dont have to know



Someones watching

You got to be careful next time or we're through

Damn it's so stressful doing the dirt we do so sad but true

And I know one day Im gonna pay

Then you ask me to sneak out of town for just a day or three

Go to DC and hold hands publicly all through the streets

'Cause they don't know you and they dont know me

And oh I feel sorry for mistakes we've made

There's no reason that we should tell her today

She dont have to know she dont have to know

And oh though you give a lot of love to me

Girl I know I'm not the only one you see

But he dont have to know he don't have to know



Oh it's getting crazy I don't want to hurt my baby

And I know it's suppose to be the last time for you and I

But lets not end this way lets wait another day, Oh

I dont want to let you go so i just can't let her know

She dont have to know yeah

Yeah oh I know you're doing the same thing too

Oh and he dont they dont have to know

Yeah oh

She Don't Have to Know

John Legend's 'She Don't Have to Know' serves as a poignant centerpiece on his 2004 debut album, Get Lifted. The track exemplifies his signature blend of soulful R&B and jazz-inflected pop, characterized by lush harmonies and a smooth, emotive vocal delivery. Written by Legend and his frequent collaborator Robert Randolph, the song explores themes of unrequited love and the quiet resignation of moving on without closure. Its acoustic-driven arrangement and melodic structure established an early template for Legend's career, showcasing his ability to craft intimate, radio-friendly ballads that resonate deeply with listeners. The recording remains a defining moment in his discography, highlighting his transition from R. Kelly protégé to a respected solo artist in the contemporary soul genre.