I Don't Know
Jake and Elwood Lyrics


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Well, I learned the hard way real early in life
That money sure don't grow on a tree
And there's a few things that a dollar can't buy
The best things in life, they come free

[Chorus]
So girl, I can't buy you a big diamond ring
No house on a hill full of life's finer things
And I'll tell you right now there's a whole lot that I just can't do
Oh, but baby, don't think I can't love you

And when I get home after workin' all day
I'm beat down, girl dead on my feet
But as tired as I am, if you wanna play
Well, playin' sounds real good to me





[Chorus: x2]

Overall Meaning

The song "I Don't Know" by Jake and Elwood (aka The Blues Brothers) is a love song that speaks to the fact that material possessions are not necessary for love to exist. The song explains that the singer may not be able to afford extravagant gifts, but his love is genuine and sincere. The opening verse explains that the singer has learned from a young age that money does not come easily and that the best things in life are free. This verse hints at the idea that the singer has had to work hard for everything he has and that he values these experiences more than material items.


The chorus reinforces the ideas presented in the verse, explaining that the singer cannot provide all the material possessions that a typical "successful" man can. He can't buy his girl a diamond ring or a house on a hill full of life's finer things. However, he reassures her that there is one thing he can do, and that is love her. The repetition of the chorus highlights the importance of this message and makes it clear that the singer firmly believes in the value of love over material possessions.


The second verse talks about the singer's life and how exhausted he is after working all day. Despite his exhaustion, he still wants to play and spend time with his girl. This verse reinforces the idea that love is more important than material possessions as the singer prioritizes spending time with his girl over rest.


Overall, "I Don't Know" is a heartfelt message about how love can exist regardless of someone's material wealth. It shows that love is about the small things like spending time together and valuing each other's company.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, I learned the hard way real early in life
I gained knowledge through difficult experiences at a young age


That money sure don't grow on a tree
Earning money is not an easy task


And there's a few things that a dollar can't buy
Money cannot purchase everything


The best things in life, they come free
The most valuable things in life do not require any cost


So girl, I can't buy you a big diamond ring
I cannot afford expensive gifts for you


No house on a hill full of life's finer things
I cannot provide a luxurious lifestyle for you


And I'll tell you right now there's a whole lot that I just can't do
I am aware of my limitations and shortcomings


Oh, but baby, don't think I can't love you
Despite my shortcomings, my love for you is not limited by my financial status or abilities


And when I get home after workin' all day
After a long day at work


I'm beat down, girl dead on my feet
I am exhausted and physically tired


But as tired as I am, if you wanna play
Despite my exhaustion, I am willing to participate in activities with you


Well, playin' sounds real good to me
I am interested in engaging in playful activities with you




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOSHUA RYAN OWEN, KENDELL WAYNE MARVEL, JIMMY RITCHEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Nicole Morandi De Oliveira Nike

Tão especial, quando o saxofone é perfeito para uma dupla indomável. Amo.

Adam Holtz

This is the best song on the live album !!!!!

Dustin Melton

The whole album is great - "B Movie Boxcar Blues" is my personal favorite.

Derek Myers

I"ve been hearing this since I was 3 years old, and I understood every bit of innuendo. Old soul? Yeah. Who I was in my former life? Guaranteed to blow your mind.

Val

i remember hearing the innuendos for the first time and i literally had to look up the lyrics to make sure i was hearing them right . when he said " regular or king size " i said " WHAT " out loud

Steph P

Thanks for posting the words on the back of the album. Love that story.

Jens Stusche

THIS is music!

Klaus Der

Blues Brothers ⚡
The Best.

mark centner

1.24.1949 - 3.5.1982. 33 years, 1 month, 12 days old. That's how old John Belushi was when he died. MULTI-TALENTED!!!! For people who think that lack of self-structure, lack of self-discipline, lack of self-control, addiction and SELF-DESTRUCTION don't exist, WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE ☕!!!! ON 10.11.1975, SNL PREMIERED. AGE 26.5. BY THE SUMMER OF 1978, HE HAD THE #1 TV 📺 SHOW IN AMERICA 🇺🇸, THE #1 MOVIE 🎥 WITH ANIMAL HOUSE 🏠, AND THE NUMBER #1 MUSIC 🎶 ALBUM WITH THE BLUES BROTHERS. AT AGE 29.5, HE HAD PEAKED. "" TOP OF THE WORLD 🌎, MOM."" BUT THEN, HE REACHED THAT POINT THAT A LOT OF ARTISTS DID, NOT ALL OF THEM, CALLED, "" THE SOPHOMORE SLUMP "". THE STUDIOS 🎙 🎥 WANTED HIM TO DO THE SAME KIND OF SHIT AS ANIMAL HOUSE, AND HE HATED IT!!!! AND THEN, HE STUPIDLY ADDED HEROIN TO THE MIX, WHICH IS JUST A RECIPE FOR INSTANT AND/ OR INEVITABLE DISASTER!!!! IF HE HAD JUST STUCK TO ALCOHOL AND COKE, THEN QUIT THE COKE AND SWITCHED TO WEED, HE WOULD'VE LIVED. IT'S JUST VERY SAD 😥, AND HEY, DON'T FORGET CHRIS FARLEY. .... SO MUCH EDGY PROMISE AND TALENT!!!!! I'VE SEEN TOO MANY PEOPLE IN THE LAST FEW YEARS DIE BCUZ OFM HARD DRUGS AND SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR!!!! IF YOU HAVE A FRIEND WHO'S OUT OF CONTROL, PUT A FOOT UP THEIR ASS!!!! SIMPLE AS THAT. FOR BELUSHI, FARLEY AND SO MANY OTHERS, WE MISS YOU, MAN!!!! R.I.P.

Jason Everett

Calm down and quit yelling at us.

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