Story Behind The Song
Released in 1989, “Eye Know” was one of the standout tracks from De La Soul’s groundbreaking debut album, 3 Feet High And Rising. Produced by Prince Paul with contributions from the group, the song demonstrated the trio’s playful, imaginative approach to hip-hop, combining positive lyrics and a relaxed groove with an extraordinary collection of samples.
At its heart, “Eye Know” is a warm and affectionate love song, expressing admiration and romantic devotion with the wit and originality that became central to De La Soul’s style. Posdnuos and Trugoy The Dove deliver their verses with an easy, conversational flow, avoiding the aggressive approach often associated with hip-hop at the time. The production is where the track really comes alive, layering elements from Steely Dan’s “Peg”, Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay”, and The Mad Lads’ “Make This Young Lady Mine”.
The combination creates a bright, soulful and slightly psychedelic sound, perfectly suited to De La Soul’s imaginative “Daisy Age” philosophy. Rather than relying on a single dominant sample, Prince Paul constructed a musical collage in which different eras and styles blend naturally together.
“Eye Know” remains one of De La Soul’s most charming recordings, demonstrating how inventive sampling, intelligent lyrics and a positive outlook could produce hip-hop that was both accessible and genuinely groundbreaking.
It peaked at No. 14 in the UK Singles Chart on 4th November 1989.
Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
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Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
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ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.
Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.
A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS
TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Eye Know (4:06) (Huston, Mercer, Jolioceur, Mason, Becker, Fagen) Produced By Prince Paul |
| B-Side | The Mack Daddy On The Left (2:35) (Mercer, Jolicoeur, Smith) Produced By Murphy, Ash, Haskins |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [6 Weeks] – 21st October 1989 – 25th November 1989 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
Eye Know (Single Version) (4:06)
Eye Know (Album Version) (4:12)
Eye Know (The Know It All Mix) (7:15)
Eye Know (The Kiss Mix) (4:43)
OFFICIAL VIDEO
LYRICS
Greetings, girl, and welcome to my world of phrase
I’m right up to bat
It’s a D.A.I.S.Y. Age, and you’re about to walk top-stage
So wipe your Lottos on the mat
Hip-hop love this is, and don’t mind when I quiz your involvements before the sun
But clear your court ’cause this is a one-man sport
And who’s better for this than Plug One? (Plug One)
Don’t have to worry about me squashin’ other deals
‘Cause they’ve already been squooshed
Freeze a frame about moods the same which we can continue right behind the bush
You’ll stay with me, I know this
But not because of all my Earthly treasures
Or regardless to the fact that I’m Posdnuos
But because
I know I’ll love you better
May I cut this dance to introduce myself as the chosen one to speak?
Let me lay my hand across yours
And aim a kiss upon your cheek
The name’s Plug Two (Is Plug Two)
And, from the soul, I bring you the Daisy of your choice
May it be filled with the pleasure principle in circumference to my voice
About those other Jennys I reckoned with
Lost them all like a homework excuse
This time, the Magic Number is two
‘Cause it takes two, not three, to seduce
My destiny of love is brought to an apex
Sex is a mere molecule
In this world of lust that I have for you
It’s true (True)
I know I’ll love you better
Now, it’s time to let this rhyme style
Get somewhat poured in the mold
Hold my hand, and we’ll pick my plantation of Daisies for a bouquet of Soul (Soul)
Life will begin at the cut of a rim
Take it as filled to the rim as in brim
Squeeze your stoop like Betty Boop
We’ll make Campbell’s Alphabet Soup
And spell Plug One’s within
Forward march is the say
When transistors will play
Comin’ to bed is the move
Dolby sound will be then top crowned
When I put the needle into your groove
I got a good thing
And in full swing (In full swing)
I show this in gifts, words or letters
But even without those three
I know you’ll be close to me ’cause
I know I’ll love you better
It’s I again, and the soul that I send
Is taking steps to reach your heart
Any moment you feel alone, I can fill up your empty part
We can ascend ’til we reach De La Heaven
And, in a spin, we’ll hit the Top Ten
Then we can meet Mr. Stuckie
And Pos’ brother Lucky will preach
“Let the wedding begin” (The wedding begin)
Shot by an arrow of Cupid
Through the string of a G-clef
My dear, I claim you’re deaf
And if you can hear me, by golly gee
Trugoy is ready for what you possess
We could live in my Plug Two home
And on Mars where we could be all alone
And we make a song for two
Picture-perfect things and I sing of how
I know I’ll love you better
Written By Paul Huston, Kelvin Mercer, David Jude Jolicoeur, Vincent Mason, Walter Becker, Donald Fagen
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