Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, developed her singing style while singing with her family at Baptist church functions. Though the group first released recordings in 1958, their career really got started when Motown founder Berry Gordy witnessed them perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 1966 and felt very impressed. With a career following spanning decade after decade, featuring many hits, the group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
Didn't You Know
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
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You had your own rules about playing the game
And any day, you could walk away feeling no pain
Now look at yourself
You're all hung up on somebody else
And in your eyes I see all the signs of the misery That you laid on me
Baby, baby
Didn't you know
Didn't you know you'd have to hurt sometime?
Didn't you know that you'd lose your pride?
Didn't anybody tell you love had another side?
You used to be so proud
Now, your head's a little lower
And you walk slower
And you don't talk so loud
You've gotten wise
You know how love can build you up one moment
And the next, cut you down to size
Then you discover All she told you was a bunch of lies
Baby, baby
Didn't you know you'd have to cry sometime?
Didn't you know
Didn't you know you'd have to hurt sometime?
Didn't you know that you'd lose your pride?
Didn't anybody tell you love had another side?
Baby, baby
Didn't you know you'd have to cry sometime?
Didn't you know
Didn't you know you'd have to hurt sometime?
Didn't you know you'd have to cry sometime?
Didn't you know you'd have to hurt sometime?
Didn't you know you'd have to hurt sometime?
Didn't you know you'd have to hurt sometime?
The lyrics to Gladys Knight & The Pips's song "Didn't You Know" speak to the idea that love's journey is not always easy, and that it can sometimes lead to heartbreak and pain. The song seems to be directed at someone who left a relationship thinking that they could avoid these difficult moments, only to find themselves in a similar situation with a new partner.
The first verse sets up the premise, with the singer remembering when the person they're addressing left a relationship with their own set of rules. The singer notes that this person could walk away from that situation without feeling any pain. However, things have changed. The person is now in a new relationship, but they're not as confident or self-assured as they once were. In fact, the singer sees evidence of misery in their eyes, suggesting that this person is experiencing familiar struggles in love.
The chorus drives home the message, with the singer asking "Didn't you know you'd have to cry sometime?" "Didn't you know you'd have to hurt sometime?" "Didn't you know that you'd lose your pride?" and "Didn't anybody tell you love had another side?" These questions point to the idea that no one can escape the ups and downs of love, and that everyone will experience moments of pain, loss, and vulnerability.
The second verse continues this theme, noting that the person the singer is addressing has changed since they left their previous relationship. They're not as proud or loud as they once were, and they now understand how love can both build you up and cut you down. The singer notes that the person has also discovered that the things they were told in their new relationship weren't true, suggesting that they may have been misled or lied to.
Overall, "Didn't You Know" is a powerful song about the realities of love and the need to embrace the full spectrum of emotions that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Remember when you left
Think back to the time when you walked away
You had your own rules about playing the game
You had your own way of approaching relationships
And any day, you could walk away feeling no pain
You were emotionally detached and never felt hurt
Now look at yourself
Reflect on your current situation
You're all hung up on somebody else
You're caught up on someone new
And in your eyes I see all the signs of the misery
Your eyes reveal the pain and unhappiness you feel
That you laid on me
That you caused me to feel
Baby, baby Didn't you know you'd have to cry sometime?
You should have expected to feel emotional pain at some point
Didn't you know Didn't you know you'd have to hurt sometime?
You should have known that love involves both joy and pain
Didn't you know that you'd lose your pride?
You didn't expect to feel vulnerable or humbled in love
Didn't anybody tell you love had another side?
Did no one warn you about the negative aspects of love?
You used to be so proud
You were once self-assured
Now, your head's a little lower
Now you seem deflated or defeated
And you walk slower
Your pace has slowed as if weighed down by the past
And you don't talk so loud
You are less expressive or boisterous
You've gotten wise
You have become more experienced and knowledgeable
You know how love can build you up one moment
You understand that love can make you feel confident and happy for a time
And the next, cut you down to size
But then the same love can become a source of pain or difficulty
Then you discover All she told you was a bunch of lies
You realize that what you were told about love was untrue or misleading
Didn't you know you'd have to cry sometime?
You should have known that tears would be a part of your romantic journey
Didn't you know Didn't you know you'd have to hurt sometime?
You should have known that emotional pain would be inevitable
Didn't you know you'd have to cry sometime?
You should have known that tears would be a part of your romantic journey
Didn't you know Didn't you know you'd have to hurt sometime?
You should have known that emotional pain would be inevitable
Didn't you know you'd have to hurt sometime?
You should have known that emotional pain would be inevitable
Didn't you know you'd have to hurt sometime?
You should have known that emotional pain would be inevitable
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LINCOLN CHASE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind