I Really Don't Want To Know
Elvis Presley & The Imperials Quartet Lyrics

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Oh how many arms have held you
And hated to let you go
How many, oh how many, I wonder
But I really don't want, I don't want to know

Oh how many lips have kissed you
And set, set your soul aglow, yes they did
How many, oh how many, I wonder, yes I do

But I really don't want to know

So always make, make me wonder
And always make, make me guess
And even, you know even if I ask you
Oh darling oh don't you, don't confess

Just let it, let it remain your secret
Oh for darling, darling I love you so

No wonder, yeah no wonder, I wonder
Mmm, cause I really don't want, I don't want to know

Overall Meaning

In Elvis Presley and The Imperials Quartet's song, " I Really Don't Want to Know," the lyrics convey a sense of insecurity and jealousy, as the song's protagonist questions his lover about her past romantic entanglements. He wonders how many arms have held her and how many lips have kissed her, but despite this curiosity, he states repeatedly that he "really doesn't want to know." The singer implores his lover to keep her past a secret, despite his insecurities and suspicions, as he loves her so much that he would rather not know the details of her romantic past.

The song is bittersweet, expressing the singer's intense love for his partner while also revealing his deep-seated insecurities and anxieties. The lyrics speak to the universal experience of jealousy and the fear of being inadequate compared to one's lover's past partners. The song's emotional resonance has made it a classic that continues to be covered by contemporary artists, including Jennifer Warnes and Linda Ronstadt.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh how many arms have held you
How many men have held you in their arms

And hated to let you go
How many men were reluctant to let you leave their grasp

How many, oh how many, I wonder
I'm curious to know how many men have held you

But I really don't want, I don't want to know
Although I'm curious, I don't actually want to know

Oh how many lips have kissed you
How many men have kissed you

And set, set your soul aglow, yes they did
And made you feel amazing

How many, oh how many, I wonder, yes I do
I'm really curious to know how many

But I really don't want to know
Despite my curiosity, I don't actually want to know

So always make, make me wonder
Always keep me guessing

And always make, make me guess
Always keep me in the dark

And even, you know even if I ask you
And even if I ask you directly