Though best known for their instrumental hit "Pick Up the Pieces," the band's strength lies in their consistently accomplished songwriting, stretching across several gold-selling albums and multi-Grammy nominations for Atlantic Records. Despite their Scottish roots, the six-piece band developed their own "authentic" sound influenced by R&B heroes such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown, and Donny Hathaway, which was eagerly adopted by black audiences in the US and elsewhere.
Many of the band's cuts, such as "Cut The Cake" and "Let's Go 'Round Again," attracted chart action as hit singles, while album tracks like "Schoolboy Crush" and "Person to Person" became much-sampled "rare" grooves. Other tunes like "Cloudy," "A Love Of Your Own," and "Nothing You Can Do" stand alongside some of the finest soul album tracks ever recorded.
The current lineup of the band, with noted US musicians alongside founding members Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre, continues to delight audiences and critics alike in its wide-ranging touring. The musical energy and trademark sound are remarkably true to the original, and with constant revisitation and re-workings of AWB's, and others' classics in the mix, it is no surprise that the Average White Band is now a multi-generational attraction and a perennial fixture with many of the top music venues.
You Shoulda' Known
Average White Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
But you know me
You should know better
I belong to you an' only you
Girl, you got to know
If it's up to me, we'll be together
Forever and ever, ooh
I let her know that she best be on her way
Don't want to spend my time
Don't want to give my love
To no one but you
Girl, you shoulda' known
I'll never let you down
Your heart is my home
You're always on my mind
Girl, you shoulda known
This love is on solid ground
You shoulda known by the look in my eye
You shoulda known
Shoulda' known, baby
You shoulda known
Shoulda' known, baby
How could you doubt my love?
You know me, you know better
Darlin', I'd be a fool to lose your trust
Ain't nothin' in my life in this whole world
I've come to treasure the way I do you
So any time that you feel unsure
Look in my eyes
That's where you'll find the truth
I wanna fill you up
With all the love I feel
And take your worries away
Girl, you shoulda' known
I'll never let you down
Your heart is my home
You're always on my mind
Girl, you shoulda known
This love is on solid ground
You shoulda known by the look in my eye
And when I met you
I had a feelin' that we meant to be
And you were meant just for me
And I'm holding on to what I've found in you
You shoulda known
How could you doubt my love?
You shoulda known by now
Oh girl, you shoulda known
Shoulda known better, baby
Shoulda known by now
How could you doubt my love, baby?
In the lyrics of "You Shoulda' Known" by Average White Band, the singer expresses frustration and disbelief that their love is being doubted. The singer emphasizes the deep connection they feel with their partner and reassures them that their love is unwavering and exclusive. The lyrics convey a sense of commitment and dedication to the relationship, with the singer proclaiming their loyalty and devotion to their significant other. The repeated refrain of "Girl, you shoulda known" underscores the singer's belief that their actions and words should have made their love and loyalty clear.
The singer addresses any potential threats to the relationship, making it clear that they will not entertain the attention of other potential suitors. The lyrics indicate that the singer is willing to confront anyone who may try to come between them and their partner, showcasing a protective and possessive attitude towards their loved one. This possessiveness is rooted in a desire to maintain the sanctity of their relationship and to demonstrate unwavering devotion to their partner.
The lyrics also reveal a vulnerability as the singer acknowledges the possibility of losing their partner's trust. This vulnerability is contrasted with a strong sense of assurance and determination to prove the depth of their love and commitment. The singer expresses a deep sense of gratitude for their partner and values the trust and bond they share, emphasizing that their partner's heart is their home and their top priority.
Overall, the lyrics of "You Shoulda' Known" convey a message of steadfast love, loyalty, and dedication. The singer's heartfelt declarations and promises of eternal commitment underscore the importance of trust and communication in a strong relationship. The song celebrates the power of love to overcome doubt and uncertainty, highlighting the significance of recognizing and appreciating the love and connection shared with a partner.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Average White Band
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind