You walk in like you own the room Flash that smile, yeah, you know what to do
Think you got me wrapped around your hand Like I'm just another foolish man
You think I've fallen, think I'm blind But I'm two steps ahead this time
Keep on dancing, play your part But I was running game from the start
Don't hate the player, hate the game You thought you had me, that's a shame
You're just a move, I'm checkmate So don't hate the player, hate the game
You drop your lines, yeah, you talk real smooth Acting like you make all the rules
But I wrote the book, I know the score I've seen your kind a thousand times before
You think I've fallen, think I'm blind But I'm two steps ahead this time
Keep on dancing, play your part But I was running game from the start
Don't hate the player, hate the game You thought you had me, that's a shame
You're just a move, I'm checkmate So don't hate the player, hate the game
Oh, you never saw it coming Oh, now you're the one who's running
Split the script, tables turned Bet it stings, yeah, bet it burns
Don't hate the player, hate the game You thought you had me, that's a shame
You're just a move, I'm checkmate So don't hate the player, hate the game
So walk away with your pride intact But we both know you can't play me back
Next time, girl, just know my name And don't hate the player, hate the game