Anita Lipnicka (b. 1975 in Poland) started her career as a vocalist in one of the most successful bands of the 90s “ VARIUS MANX”. She wrote almost all the lyrics for two albums, which sold over a million copies in Poland. Several songs from that period became hymns for a generation. They were compared to the likes of The Cardigans or The Cranberries, and received many prestigious awards. Anita became the biggest pop star in Poland and suddenly decided to quit the band to pursue a solo career. She left for London, where in 1996 she started working on new songs for her first solo album with well known session musicians and the record producer Danny Schogger. The album, accurately titled “Anything Can Happen” was released in Poland in 1996 and sold over 400.000 copies. Over the next few years she toured extensively, recorded two new albums and . . . searched for a new musical direction. In 2002 she and John Porter recorded a ballad “For You” written for his album “Psychodelikatesy”. It was the first step towards an amazing turn in their careers.
When John Porter (b. 1950, Wales) started collaborating with Anita, he had already been a legend in his own right. John was instrumental in creating the Polish rock scene in the 70s as one of the founders of MAANAM, and later, at the turn of the decade, founder of PORTER BAND - the most seminal rock group at that time. Their debut album “Helicopters” became a cornerstone for Polish rock music. Like Anita, John left the band at the peak of its career and worked on numerous solo projects (12 albums). Then, in 2002, he invited Anita to record with him a ballad, “For You” and this marked the beginning of their songwriting partnership.
Currently Anita & John are busily working on material for their third album which they hope to record in Poland with a western producer. Apart from that they have a beautiful year old daughter – Pola, who has given them a new dimension to their work and life.
You Never Know
Anita Lipnicka & John Porter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I look at you I want more
She threw blanket over me
Cause she thought I was looking cold
You never know who you've got
Till they've gone
An angel came down bearing a light
She had to change my station
It seems that something wasn't right
You never know who you've got
Till they've gone
It was dark when I opened my eyes
Felt an exhausted presence by my side
I don't know where she came from
I got up and closed my window tight
You never know who you've got
Till they've gone
The song "You Never Know" by Anita Lipnicka and John Porter expresses the idea that we often do not fully appreciate or value the people in our lives until they have left us. The first verse describes the intense feeling of desire and warmth that the singer experiences when looking at someone they care about deeply. The second verse introduces the idea of an angel, symbolizing the departure of someone close to them. The line "she had to change my station" suggests that this person played an important role in the singer's life, perhaps as a guiding force or mentor.
The final verse creates a sense of mystery, as the singer awakens to find someone they do not recognize by their side. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the sudden absence of someone who was once a constant presence in their life. The chorus "you never know who you've got till they've gone" is a harsh reminder that we often take the people in our lives for granted and only truly appreciate their value once they are no longer around.
Line by Line Meaning
The sun came crashing in onto the floor
The sudden arrival of something bright and powerful, like the sun, can throw everything into disarray and chaos.
When I look at you I want more
Being around the right person can inspire you to crave more of what makes you happy.
She threw blanket over me
Sometimes people are motivated by a kind heart and want to help others, even if it means doing something small like offering a blanket.
Cause she thought I was looking cold
Others can often see things about you that you can't see about yourself, and want to help when they can.
You never know who you've got Till they've gone
People don't always realize the value of what they have in their lives until it's no longer there.
An angel came down bearing a light
Sometimes unexpected events, like divine intervention, can shed light on a path or decision that needs clarity.
To illuminate her one-way flight
The path we take in life can sometimes seem pre-determined, like a one-way flight, but illumination can make it easier to navigate.
She had to change my station
In order to progress in life, sometimes we need a push or a nudge from someone else, like someone changing the radio station on us.
It seems that something wasn't right
When things don't feel right, it's important to pay attention and take action before it's too late.
It was dark when I opened my eyes
Sometimes we can be blinded by what we want, or what we think we want, and not see what's right in front of us until it's dark.
Felt an exhausted presence by my side
Feeling tired or drained can happen when we've been trying too hard or too long to hold onto something, like a relationship or a job.
I don't know where she came from
When someone unexpectedly enters your life and makes a positive impact, it can be a mystery where they came from, but you're grateful nonetheless.
I got up and closed my window tight
Sometimes the best thing to do in order to move forward is to shut out the past, like closing a window to shut out the cold.
Contributed by Sadie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.