If Your Girl Only Knew

"If Your Girl Only Knew" is a R&B/dance-pop and hip hop soul song written by Missy Elliott and Timbaland for Aaliyah's second studio album, One in a Million (1996). It also was produced by Timbaland, and released as the album's lead single during the third quarter of 1996 (see 1996 in music). The song was re-released in 1998 as a limited edition double A-side single with the single, "One in a Million". Notably, "If Your Girl Only Knew" was one of the earliest songs that showcased the production talent of Timbaland.

Chart success

Released as the album's lead single in August 1996, it peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week ending October 19, 1996,^[2] becoming her third single to reach the top 20. It reached the top of the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart for two weeks. The single sold 600,000 copies domestically.^[3] "If Your Girl Only Knew" was also a hit in the UK, peaking in the top thirty of the UK Singles Chart at number 21 when it was originally released by itself. It was re-issued with "One in a Million" as a double A-side and reached a new peak position of number 15. "If Your Girl Only Knew" was also a hit in many other countries.

Music video

In the video, Aaliyah, her brother, and clique appear at a party. She wears a dark leather outfit with her trademark sunglasses and bandana. Scenes include Aaliyah sitting in a futuristic chair, at a party, (the party scene is shot in black-and-white, but Aaliyah remains in color) Aaliyah and various others in an elevator, and also a close-up of Aaliyah's face. Color editing is used on her eyes here, and they change color towards the end of the video. Cameos include Missy Elliott, Timbaland, 702, Lil' Kim, Ginuwine, and her brother Rashad. The video was directed by Joseph Kahn.

Interpolation

Master P interpolated "If Your Girl Only Knew" on the song "Ghetto Prayer" from his 1999 album Only God Can Judge Me. Rahzel also interpolated "If Your Girl Only Knew" on the track "If Your Mother Only Knew", included on his 1999 album Make the Music 2000.

Track listings

U.S. CD single:

"If Your Girl Only Knew" (album mix) featuring Timbaland
"If Your Girl Only Knew" (extended mix)
"If Your Girl Only Knew" (remix) featuring Timbaland and Missy Elliott
"If Your Girl Only Knew" (beat a pella)
"If Your Girl Only Knew" (instrumental)
"If Your Girl Only Knew" (The New Remix)

U.S. cassette single:

"If Your Girl Only Knew" (radio edit)
"If Your Girl Only Knew" (remix) featuring Timbaland and Missy Elliott

Charts

Peak positions

Chart (1996)	Peak position
Swedish Singles Chart^[4]	49
New Zealand Singles Chart	20
UK Singles Chart^[5]	21
US Billboard Hot 100^[6]	11
US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks^[6]	1
US Billboard Rhythmic Top 40^[6]	1

Year-end charts

Chart (1996)	Position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100^[7]	69