Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
You'll Never Know
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
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You'll never know just how much I care
And if I tried I still couldn't hide my love for you
You ought to know for haven't I told you so
A million or more times
You went away and my heart went with you
If there is some other way to prove that I love you
I swear I don't know how
You'll never know if you don't know now
The lyrics of "You'll Never Know" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong reflect the pain of being in love with someone who doesn't realize or acknowledge the depth of their love. The opening lines express a sense of longing and sadness that comes with missing someone deeply. The artist laments that their love interest will never truly understand the extent of their feelings, despite having told them countless times. Yet, they are unable to mask their emotions and constantly have to hold back their love.
The second verse delves deeper into the feelings of devotion and sacrifice. The artist confesses that their heart went away with the object of their affection and they think of them in every prayer they say. They wish there was a way to prove their love fully, but they are unsure of how to do so. The song ends with the repeated line, "You'll never know if you don't know now," as a plea for the lover to recognize the love they have for them before it's too late.
Overall, the lyrics of "You'll Never Know" are emblematic of the vulnerability and emotional turmoil that often accompanies unrequited love. The artist yearns for their love to be acknowledged and returned, but they are unable to convey the depth of their feelings because their lover is seemingly oblivious or indifferent to them.
Line by Line Meaning
You'll never know just how much I miss you
I miss you more than words can express.
You'll never know just how much I care
I care deeply for you, beyond any measure.
And if I tried, I still couldn't hide my love for you
Even if I wanted to, I couldn't conceal my love for you.
You ought to know, for haven't I told you so
I've expressed my love for you countless times, so you ought to understand.
A million or more times?
I've told you so many times, I've lost count.
You went away and my heart went with you
When you left, you took my heart with you.
I speak your name in my every prayer
I constantly pray for you and think of you.
If there is some other way to prove that I love you
If there's any other way for me to show my love for you.
I swear I don't know how
I don't know how to prove my love for you any more than I already have.
You'll never know if you don't know now
If you don't recognize my love for you now, you might never know.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mack Gordon, Harry Warren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind