I Wish I Knew You Wanted Me: The Untold Story Behind Steve Lacy's Viral Anthem And His New 2025 Album

The phrase "I wish I knew you wanted me" is more than just a lyric; it’s a cultural touchstone that perfectly encapsulates the universal ache of romantic regret and missed opportunities. As of December 15, 2025, this line remains instantly recognizable as the emotional core of R&B sensation Steve Lacy's multi-platinum, Grammy-winning smash hit, "Bad Habit." The song exploded across social media and topped global charts, but the true depth of its meaning—and the latest news from the artist himself—is a story that continues to evolve.

Originally released in 2022 on the critically acclaimed album Gemini Rights, the song’s refrain taps into a vulnerability that resonated with millions, turning a lo-fi bedroom recording into a global phenomenon. While the world was caught up in the lo-fi funk grooves of "Bad Habit," Steve Lacy has been busy crafting his next chapter, which includes a highly anticipated new album and a fresh musical direction. The story of this iconic lyric is inextricably linked to the unique journey of the artist who penned it.

The Life and Times of Steve Lacy-Moya: A Complete Biography

Steve Lacy, born Steve Thomas Lacy-Moya, is one of the most innovative and genre-defying artists of his generation. His career trajectory from a teenage prodigy to a global superstar is a testament to his unique vision and DIY approach to music production.

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• Full Name: Steve Thomas Lacy-Moya
• Date of Birth: May 23, 1998
• Place of Birth: Compton, California, U.S.
• Primary Roles: Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist (Guitarist), Record Producer
• Musical Genres: R&B, Neo-soul, Funk, Indie Rock, Psychedelic Soul
• Early Career/Collective: Gained initial recognition as the guitarist and youngest member of the Grammy-nominated R&B collective, The Internet (joining at age 17).
• Key Solo Albums: Apollo XXI (2019), Gemini Rights (2022)
• Breakout Hit: "Bad Habit" (2022)
• Major Awards: Won a Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album for Gemini Rights (2023). "Bad Habit" was nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
• Notable Collaborators: Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, Fousheé, Solange, Vampire Weekend, Mac Miller.
• Personal Life: Openly identifies his sexuality as fluid, a theme that informs much of his vulnerable songwriting.

Lacy’s signature style—often referred to as "Pluto Funk" by fans—is a blend of his diverse influences, which famously include rock bands like Paramore and the video game Guitar Hero, alongside R&B and jazz legends. His early work was famously recorded primarily on his iPhone using the GarageBand app, solidifying his reputation as a true independent artist before signing with RCA Records.

Decoding "Bad Habit": The Anatomy of a Missed Opportunity Anthem

The lyric "I wish I knew you wanted me" is the emotional peak of "Bad Habit," a song that chronicles the painful realization of letting a perfect romantic chance slip away due to insecurity and a failure to act. The song's success lies in its relatability; it is an anthem for anyone who has ever "bitten their tongue" instead of making a move.

The True Meaning of the Core Lyric

The entire song is a conversation with a past self, lamenting a "bad habit" of self-sabotage. The refrain is a direct expression of this regret. Lacy is not just wishing for a second chance; he is reflecting on the crucial information he lacked: the mutual desire.

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• The Conflict: Lacy sings, "Kinda mad that I didn't take a stab at it / Thought you were too good for me, my dear." This highlights the internal struggle between desire and crippling low self-confidence.
• The Revelation: The line "I wish I knew you wanted me" is the moment of clarity, where he realizes the other person was interested all along, making his inaction all the more frustrating.
• The Famous Edit: Interestingly, the original lyric was "I wish I knew you / I wish I knew you wanted me." It was reportedly suggested by a friend (often rumored to be Tyler, The Creator) to cut the first "you" to make the refrain more punchy and memorable, which clearly worked.

The track's production, which starts with a slightly warped, lo-fi guitar riff before building into a fuller, funk-infused sound, perfectly mirrors the feeling of a memory coming into sharp focus—the moment he realized his mistake.

The Cultural and Commercial Impact

"Bad Habit" transcended the R&B genre to become a mainstream pop success. It was a massive viral hit on TikTok, where users connected with its themes of vulnerability and late-blooming confidence.

• Chart Dominance: The song climbed the charts for nearly three months before peaking at Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, dethroning Harry Styles and solidifying Lacy's status as a solo star.
• Critical Acclaim: Beyond the Grammy win for the album, the song itself was celebrated for its genuine, unpretentious, and innocent quality, a rarity in modern pop music.
• The "Biscuit is Gravy" Line: Another curiosity-driven entity is the lyric "It's biscuit is gravy, babe." This phrase is often interpreted as the romantic interest being attracted to Lacy for his genuine self, adding a layer of self-acceptance to the song’s narrative.

The Next Chapter: Steve Lacy's Fresh Music and Future Plans (2025 Update)

For fans eager for new music, December 2025 brings exciting news that confirms Steve Lacy is moving into the next phase of his career, ensuring his name remains at the forefront of contemporary music.

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The Highly Anticipated Album: Oh Yeah?

Following the monumental success of Gemini Rights, Lacy confirmed in a September 2025 Rolling Stone cover story that his third studio album is on the way. The new project is titled Oh Yeah? and is slated for release in the "near future," promising a lean and confident sound that marks a new chapter for the Filipino-American artist.

The Lead Single: "Nice Shoes"

The first taste of this new era arrived with the single "Nice Shoes," which dropped in August 2025. This release marks Lacy’s first new song in three years, generating significant buzz and setting the tone for the Oh Yeah? album. The single is a crucial piece of current information that keeps Lacy's topical authority fresh and relevant, moving the conversation beyond just "Bad Habit."

While the themes of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery are expected to remain, the new music is anticipated to explore a more evolved and self-assured perspective, perhaps moving past the regretful tone of "I wish I knew you wanted me" and into the confidence of knowing one's worth.

Future Collaborations and Touring

Lacy has continued to be active on the live circuit, with appearances at major events like "The Pop Out: Ken & Friends" in June 2024, and earlier tour dates across Australia and Japan in early 2024.

As the new album cycle begins with "Nice Shoes," fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of a major world tour for 2026. His history of collaborating with A-list artists suggests that Oh Yeah? may feature a new roster of high-profile entities, further cementing his role as a central figure in the modern music landscape. The evolution from the insecurity of a "bad habit" to the confident swagger of "Nice Shoes" is a narrative arc that promises to keep Steve Lacy’s music fresh and compelling for years to come.