I Don't Know
Céline Dion Lyrics


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A mountain of stone, a door of steel
Can't stand in my way, I'd go on
Brutal machines, unbending laws
Can't slow me down, I'd go on
I've learned how to deal and when to fight
I know what's real, I know what's right
I'm not afraid, a wounded dove
I can be tender in a world so tough

I'm sure I could face the bitter cold
But life without you, I don't know
I don't know

The winds of the heart can blow me down (blow me down)
But I get right up and I stand my ground
I've tasted fear, my share of pain
The wasted tears of love in vain
I've held you tight, pushed you away
Now with all my might, I beg you to stay

I'm sure I could face (sure I could face)
The bitter cold (so cold)
But life without you, I don't know (I don't know)

Know what I want, I know what I need (I know just what I need)
But there's just one thing I must believe (I must believe)
Deep in the night by a dying flame
You will be there when I call your name (call your name)

I'm sure I could face (sure I could face)
The bitter cold (so cold)
But life without you, I don't know (I don't know)

I don't know (I don't know)
I don't know
I don't know (I don't know)
I don't know, don't know (I don't know)




I don't know, don't know (I don't know)
Ooh (I don't know)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "I Don't Know" by Celine Dion are a powerful declaration of willingness and determination to face any obstacle or challenge that comes the singer's way. In the face of a "mountain of stone" or a "door of steel" nothing will stand in her way, and she will continue to persevere even in the face of "brutal machines" and "unbending laws". She has learned how to deal with difficult situations and knows when to fight for what is right. Despite the toughness and harshness of the world around her, she can still be "tender" and compassionate.


The chorus of the song speaks to the singer's uncertainty about what life would be like without the person she is addressing. She acknowledges that she is strong enough to face the "bitter cold", but cannot bear the thought of life without this person. The winds of the heart may blow her down, but she will always get back up and stand her ground. She has experienced both fear and pain, but she still holds onto the hope that this person will be there for her when she calls out their name.


Overall, the lyrics of "I Don't Know" paint a picture of a person who is willing to face any challenge, but who is also vulnerable and dependent on the love of another. It is a powerful ballad that showcases Celine Dion's impressive vocal range and emotional depth.


Line by Line Meaning

A mountain of stone a door of steel
I am strong enough to face any obstacle, no matter how insurmountable.


Can't stand in my way I'd go on
Nothing can stop me from moving forward.


Brutal machines unbending laws
Even the most rigid systems cannot halt my progress.


Can't slow me down I'd go on
No matter how tough the going gets, I will keep pushing forward.


I've learned how to deal and when to fight
I am wise enough to know when to negotiate and when to stand my ground.


I know what's real I know what's right
My moral compass is unwavering and true.


I'm not afraid a wounded dove
Despite my vulnerabilities, I am fearless and brave.


I can be tender in a world so tough
Even though the world can be harsh, I am able to show love and kindness.


The winds of the heart can blow me down
Emotional turmoil can be difficult to weather and overwhelming.


But I get right up and I stand my ground
However, I am resilient and determined, and will bounce back stronger than before.


I've tasted fear, my share of pain
I have experienced hardship and suffering, but that has only made me stronger.


The wasted tears of love in vain
I have shed tears over love that did not work out, but I have learned from those experiences.


I've held you tight, pushed you away
I have struggled with my emotions and what I want from relationships.


Now with all my might I beg you to stay
However, I now realize that I need this person in my life.


I know what I want, I know what I need
I am aware of my desires and needs in life.


But there's just one thing I must believe
However, I need to have faith in this one specific thing.


Deep in the night by a dying flame
In my darkest hour, when hope seems lost.


You will be there when I call your name
This person will be there for me when I need them most, even in the toughest of times.


I'm sure I could face the bitter cold
I am confident in my ability to weather difficult circumstances.


But life without you, I don't know
But I cannot imagine a life without this person by my side.


I don't know
Despite my strength and wisdom, there are some things in life that I still cannot predict or control.


I don't know
It is in these moments of uncertainty that I turn to this person for support and reassurance.


I don't know
But I am willing to face whatever the future may bring, as long as I have this person by my side.


I don't know
I acknowledge that life is uncertain, but I am ready to face it head-on with this person's love and support.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: J. Kapler, Phil Gladstone, Jean-Jacques Goldman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Kelley Popkowski

Her most underrated song. I wish she would have done this live more.

Nokuphiwa Ngema

"I've held you tight,pushed you away, now with all my might i beg you to stay" gets me every time.

J N

Me too

Christopher Johnson

I don’t have a favorite Celine Dion song because I love her so much.. this one makes my heart cry... true story this song is for me

Doris Martin

Me too.

Rodwell Simon

Some songs are simply soulful, my god! This is my all time favourite song by an artist.

Aldebaran V

the original version in French is even better called "je sais pas"

Michael Child's

In english or in french, this particular love song is incredible and powerful song to touch heart forever.

Letícia Alvarez

Maravilhosissima
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

JMV F

Lost in dance right now. Such a powerful song 😌

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