Creep

by TLC

What is “Creep” really about?

If you’ve ever wondered what “Creep” by TLC is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.

In 'Creep' by TLC, the song explores the inner turmoil of a woman who seeks emotional fulfillment outside her relationship due to her partner's neglect, while keeping her actions secret to avoid losing him.

So… what’s this song really about?

The song 'Creep' delves into the complexities of a relationship where communication and attention have dwindled, leading the narrator to seek affection elsewhere. Despite her secretive actions, there is a poignant undertone of guilt and the desire for intimacy from her original partner, which she feels compelled to hide to protect the relationship. This track judiciously uses a smooth, catchy rhythm to juxtapose the internal conflict faced by the narrator — a tug-of-war between moral integrity and the human need for emotional connection. The song is emblematic of the struggles many face in relationships where emotional needs are unmet, highlighting the often-overlooked nuance of why individuals might stray.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What year was 'Creep' by TLC released?
The song 'Creep' was released in 1994.

Q: Who wrote the song 'Creep' by TLC?
The song 'Creep' was written by Dallas Austin.

Lyrics to “Creep”

42 ContributorsCreep Lyrics
[Verse 2: T-Boz]
The 23rd of loneliness
And we don't talk like we used to do
Now it seems pretty strange
But I'm not buggin', 'cause I still feel the same
Yeah, yeah
[Pre-Chorus: TLC, T-Boz]
(Creep) I'll keep giving loving
'Till the day he pushes me away
Never go astray
If he knew the things I did (Woo)
He couldn't handle it
And I choose to keep him protected, oh
[Chorus: TLC, T-Boz]
So I creep, yeah
Just keep it on the down low
Said nobody is supposed to know
So I creep, yeah (Yeah)
'Cause he doesn't know what I do
And no attention goes to show, oh
(So I creep, yeah)
I think about us baby all the time
(Just keep it on the down low)
But you know that I'm gonna need some attention, yeah, yeah
(Said nobody is supposed to know)
And I shake it
(So I creep, yeah)
Love you forever, baby, soul and mind
('Cause he doesn't know what I do)
And you gotta know it, if you don't give it, I'm gonna get mine, yeah, yeah
(And no attention goes to show, oh)
[Refrain: TLC, T-Boz]
(So I creep) Oh I, oh I, oh I, yeah
(So I creep) Oh I, oh I, oh I, yeah
(So I creep) Oh I, oh I, oh I, baby
Oh I, oh I, oh I, ah yeah
[Interlude]
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
Yeah
[Bridge: TLC, T-Boz]
(So I creep, yeah)
I creep around because I need attention
(I just keep it on the down low)
Don't mess around with my affection, yeah
(So I creep, yeah)
I creep around because I need attention
('Cause he doesn't know what I do)
Don't mess around with my affection, yeah
(So I creep, yeah)
Oh I, oh I, oh I, ah yeah
(I just keep it on the down low)
Oh I, oh I, oh I, ah
(So I creep, yeah)
Oh I, oh I, oh I, ah yeah
('Cause he doesn't know what I do)
Oh I, oh I, oh I, ah
[Chorus: TLC, T-Boz]
So I creep, yeah (Yeah)
Just keep it on the down low
Said nobody is supposed to know
So I creep, yeah
'Cause he doesn't know what I do
And no attention, goes to show