About the song
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes’ poignant ballad “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” stands as a timeless anthem of love and heartache, showcasing their soulful vocals and emotional depth. Released in 1972 as part of their album “Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes,” this song has left an indelible mark on the landscape of soul music.
Written by prolific songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who were pivotal in shaping the Philadelphia soul sound, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” explores themes of love, trust, and vulnerability. The lyrics convey a sense of raw honesty, addressing the complexities of relationships and the need for mutual understanding.
Upon its release, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” achieved significant success on the charts, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and claiming the number one spot on the Billboard R&B chart. Its soul-stirring melody and Harold Melvin’s heartfelt delivery resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying the group’s reputation as one of the foremost voices in soul music during the 1970s.
Within the song, Harold Melvin’s smooth yet powerful vocals are complemented by The Blue Notes’ harmonies, creating a rich tapestry of sound that captures the emotional essence of the lyrics. The song’s orchestration and arrangement enhance its emotional impact, making it a standout in the group’s discography.
Beyond its chart success, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” has endured as a classic, covered by numerous artists over the years and featured in various films and television shows. Its universal themes of love and heartbreak continue to resonate with listeners of all generations, cementing its status as a timeless soul ballad.
For fans of soul music that delves deep into matters of the heart, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” remains a powerful reminder of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes’ musical legacy and their ability to evoke profound emotions through their music. It stands as a testament to their enduring influence on soul and R&B music, cherished by listeners for its authenticity and timeless appeal.
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Lyrics
If you don’t know me by now
You will never never never know me (oh)
All the things that we’ve been through
You should understand me like I understand you
Now baby I know the difference between right and wrong
I ain’t gonna do nothing to upset our happy home
Oh don’t get so excited when I come home a little late at night
‘Cause we only act like children when we argue fuss and fight
If you don’t know me by now (if you don’t know me)
You will never never never know me (you’ll never, never know me)
If you don’t know me by now(if you don’t, if you don’t know me baby)
You will never never never know me(No you won’t)
We’ve all got our own funny moods
I’ve got mine, woman you’ve got yours too
Just trust in me like I trust in you
As long as we’ve been together it should be so easy to do
Just get yourself together or we might as well say goodbye
What good is a love affair when you can’t see eye to eye, oh
If you don’t know me by now (if you don’t, if you don’t know me baby)
You will never never never know me (hey hey, hey hey, hey hey)
If you don’t know me by now (you will never never never know me)
You will never never never know me (oh)