Chris Bell (January 12, 1951–December 27, 1978) was a singer, songwriter, a… Read Full Bio ↴Chris Bell (January 12, 1951–December 27, 1978) was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Memphis, Tennessee. Along with Alex Chilton, he led the power pop band Big Star, which recorded albums during the early 1970s. Chris Bell left the group after their first album, #1 Record, but contributed some music and lyrics to their second LP, 1974's Radio City. He recorded as a solo artist for the remainder of the 1970s; two of these influential solo recordings, "I Am the Cosmos" and "You and Your Sister," were released on a 1978 single on Car Records. These two songs became popular among collectors of Big Star-related items, and they were later covered on the 1991 Blood album.

Bell began to concentrate on solo work after leaving Big Star, recording demos at Ardent Studios and Shoe Recording in Memphis with old friends including Richard Rosebrough, Terry Manning, Bill Cunningham, Ken Woodley, and occasionally Chilton and Jim Dickinson. During the late 1970s, a few of Bell's pop song lyrics began to evince influences from his newfound interest in Christian spirituality. He worked at his father's restaurant as he grappled with clinical depression. Although he released the single in 1978, none of his solo material was released on a full length album during his lifetime.

Bell died in December 1978 when he lost control of his small Triumph sports car, sometime after 1 a.m. on the morning of the 27th, on his way home from Ardent Studios. The car struck a wooden light pole on the side of the road, killing him instantly. His funeral was held the next day, December 28th, the birthday of former bandmate Chilton.

Bell's music and that of Big Star became popular with alternative rock musicians in the 1980s through word of mouth. Well known artists including R.E.M. and The Replacements began touting the recordings of Big Star as significant works. Finally, almost 14 years after his death, the songs from his Car Records single and several of his other 1970s recordings were released on 1992's I Am the Cosmos full-length CD on Rykodisc.

I Don't Know
Chris Bell Lyrics

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Whatever it is you're thinking
Sit down and let's give it a try
You know that I'll always listen
But sometimes I'm wondering why
You don't lie to me
And I wouldn't lie to you, oh no
Baby I'm feeling lost
I don't know what I'm going to do

You don't know what you're putting me through
I gotta get away from you
Once in a while you're lonely
Tell me if needed a friend
I'm wondering what is the matter
But you say that you can't explain
But you don't lie to me
And I wouldn't lie to you, oh no
But baby I'm feeling lost
I don't know what I'm going through
You don't know what you're putting me through
I gotta get away from you
Do you want me
I want you
You don't want me,
I want you
Don't you know I'm losing sleep at night
Sleep at night
I don't know what I'm going to do
You don't know what you're putting me through
I gotta get away from you
Whatever it is you're thinking
Sit down and let's give it a try
You know that I'll always listen
But sometimes I'm wondering why
You don't lie to me
And I wouldn't lie to you, oh no
But baby I'm feeling lost
I don't know what I'm going to do

You don't know what you're putting me through
I gotta get away from you

Overall Meaning

In Chris Bell's song "I Don't Know," the singer struggles with feelings of confusion and uncertainty in a relationship. They address their partner directly, imploring them to be honest about their thoughts and feelings. The singer expresses their willingness to listen and support their partner, yet also acknowledges the emotional toll the situation is taking on them. Despite their entanglement, there is a sense of detachment and distance present, with the singer contemplating the need to "get away" from the relationship at times.

The song conveys a sense of introspection and vulnerability, with the lyrics touching on themes of communication, trust, and emotional resonance. There is a certain ambiguity to the situation, with the partner's motives and feelings left somewhat open-ended. The singer's own turmoil provides a glimpse into the complexities of romantic relationships, highlighting the challenges of navigating the emotional landscape and interpreting the signals of others.

Line by Line Meaning

Whatever it is you're thinking
Tell me what's on your mind

Sit down and let's give it a try
Let's talk it out and find a solution

You know that I'll always listen
I'm here for you and willing to hear you out

But sometimes I'm wondering why
I don't always understand your thoughts and actions

You don't lie to me
Tell me the truth

And I wouldn't lie to you, oh no
I'll be honest with you too

Baby I'm feeling lost
I'm confused and don't know what to do

I don't know what I'm going to do
I'm lost and unsure of my next steps

You don't know what you're putting me through
You're causing me strife and difficulty

I gotta get away from you
I need space and distance from you

Once in a while you're lonely
Sometimes you feel isolated and alone

Tell me if needed a friend
I'm here for you as a friend

I'm wondering what is the matter
I'm curious about what's wrong

But you say that you can't explain
You're having trouble putting your feelings into words

Do you want me
Do you have romantic feelings for me?

I want you
I have romantic feelings for you

You don't want me,
You don't have romantic feelings for me

Don't you know I'm losing sleep at night
I'm losing sleep because I'm so worried and anxious

Sleep at night
I can't sleep

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES GRANT, LINDA CREED, LINDA DIANE CREED, THOM BELL, THOMAS RANDOLPH BELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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