T.I. is an American rapper, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He comes from Atlanta, Georgia and is one of the most influential Southern hip-hop artists. He embarked on his music career with his longtime friends, and they formed a group called Pimp Squad Click in 2001. Two years later, T.I. founded and became CEO of Grand Hustle Records. During his 12 years as a rap artist, T.I. has released eight albums, won three Grammy Awards and appeared in several films (adapted from Wikipedia).
In “You Don’t Know Me”, T.I. explains that he is successful because of hard work and talent, and he is upset when people claim responsibility for his success.
You might have seen me in the streets, but you don’t know me.
When you holler when you speak, remember, you don’t know me.
Save all the hating and the popping. You don’t know me.
Quit telling people you my partner. You don’t know me.
Don’t be a group. Keep it moving. You don’t know me.
Grammar: Perfect Modal Verbs
You might have seen me in the streets, but you don’t know me.
English has several modal verbs, including: can, could, will, would, may, might, must, and should. We normally use modal verbs to describe the present and future, but we can also use it for past actions and situations. To use modal verbs in the past:
Subject + modal + have + past participle.
Subject + modal + have + not + past participle.
Modal + subject + have + past participle?
Meaning of Perfect Modals
The meaning of Perfect Modals is sometimes different than present or future modal verbs.
- I could have gone with my friends to Europe if I had saved more money. We would have had a great time!
- Use could have / would have for unrealistic past possibilities.
- This grammar is called the third conditional.
- My friend has been in school for a very long time. I don’t know if she will graduate in the summer, but she will have certainly graduated by December.
- Use will have to discuss an expected completed action in the future.
- This grammar is also called the future perfect.
- You might have seen me in the streets, but you don’t know me. You may have met my friends, but you still don’t know me!
- Use may have / might have for realistic past possibilities.
- I feel so sick right now! I shouldn’t have eaten that smelly sushi! We should have gone to the pizza restuarant.
- Use should have to express regrets.
- The diamond ring is beautiful! It must have cost you a fortune!
- Use must have to make logical deductions.
- Unlike might have / might have, use must have if you are 100% certain about a situation based on facts, evidence or logic.
I can have gone with my friends to Europe.- The verb can is not possible. Use could have instead.
Pronunciation and Writing
In spoken and written English, people often contract the modal and the verb have. Here are some common contractions
- could have = could’ve = /kʊdəv/
- would have = would’ve = /wʊdəv/
- should have = should’ve = /ʃʊdəv/
- must have = must’ve = /məstəv/
- might have = /maɪtəv/
- Most people don’t write might’ve
- In the song, T.I. pronounces it like /maɪtə/
- may have = /meɪəv/
- Most people don’t write may’ve
- will have =
will’ve= /wɪləv/- will’ve is not possible
Discussion Questions
What is success? In your opinion, who is a successful person? Do successful people have a lot of money and a big house? Why are people attracted to success? Do you think people become jealous and insecure over the success of another person? Please write your comments below!
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