Jamie Smith (born 28 October 1988), better known by his stage name Jamie xx… Read Full Bio ↴Jamie Smith (born 28 October 1988), better known by his stage name Jamie xx, is an English music producer, remix artist and DJ who is known both as a solo act and as a member of the London-based band The xx. He has been recognised with a 2016 Grammy Award nomination in the Best Dance/Electronic Album category for his album In Colour. In 2007, Smith joined The xx accompanying old school friends Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim, Baria Qureshi from the Elliott School, notable for alumni including Hot Chip, Burial and Four Tet. The band's first album 'xx' was released in August 2009 and went on to become platinum in the UK.

Jamie went on to produce a series of remixes of songs by Gil Scott-Heron from his 2010 album I'm New Here. The first remix single 'NY Is Killing Me', credited to Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx, aired on radio stations across the UK and Europe in late 2010, followed by 'I'll Take Care Of U' in January 2011. Both singles drew a lot of attention by the public and critics and set the way for a 13-track remix album entitled 'We're New Here', out February 21, 2011 on the XL Recordings label and produced entirely by Jamie xx. 'We're New Here' received very positive critical acclaim and was named "a masterpiece in its own right" by BBC's Ele Beattie.

On June 6th, he released the single 'Far Nearer / Beat For', which was met with strong critical acclaim.

Idontknow
Jamie xx Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Must be happy
Happy
Must be happy

I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know

I don't know
I don't know
I don't know

I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know

I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know (must be happy)
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know (happy)
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know (you must be happy)

I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know (happy)
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know (must be happy)

Tell you what
I can help you, oh
I'm talking, help you, oh
I can help you, brave (must be happy)
Tell you what
I can help you, oh
I'm talking, help you, oh
I can, I can

I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know

I can
I can tell
Must be happy
I can tell

I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know (must be happy)
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know

I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know
I don't know, I don't know

Must be happy
Happy

Overall Meaning

At first glance, the lyrics to Jamie xx's "Idontknow" may seem quite repetitive and meaningless. However, when looking deeper into the context of the song, it becomes clear that the repeated phrase "Must be happy, happy" is a direct response to society's pressure to constantly be happy and optimistic. The phrase is repeated over and over again, almost as if to emphasize the weight of this demand. The repeated phrase "I don't know" can also represent a feeling of confusion or uncertainty, as if the singer is unsure of what they need to do to be happy or meet society's expectations.

The chorus of the song is quite hypnotic and minimalist which adds a hypnotic quality to it. It captures the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of uncertainty and confusion, while also hinting at a desire to break through to the other side. The phrase "Tell you what, I can help you brave" appears towards the end of the song and can be interpreted as a message of hope to the listener, the assurance that they are not alone in their struggle to be happy and that things will eventually get better.

Line by Line Meaning

Must be happy
The singer suggests that the listener should be happy, but it is unclear why.

Happy
The singer repeats the previous line, emphasizing the importance of happiness.

I don't know
The singer expresses ignorance or uncertainty about a topic or question.

I can help you, oh
The artist offers to assist the listener in some way, perhaps related to their happiness.

I'm talking, help you, oh
The artist clarifies that they are indeed offering to help the listener.

I can help you, brave (must be happy)
The singer encourages the listener to be brave while suggesting that their help could lead to happiness.

I can tell
The singer claims to have information or knowledge that could be useful to the listener.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: James Thomas Smith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Comments from YouTube:

seaica

1y↑33

This song still hits me on a spiritual level. During COVID, I was getting sober and spent most of my recovery completely alone and cut off from the world. I was so angry and when I listen to this song it just all releases. I remember being in my room and just dancing away by myself, having a good cry and picking myself back up. This song it just on another level., you can hear frustration but also hope.

Optimus Pringle

40w↑2

Congratulations on your sobriety and recovery!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥰🫶

Nick The Crowening

4y↑528

This song hits me on a spiritual level, especially in headphones

Adam Mitchell

4y↑7

Every Jamie xx song is like that... Like oh my gosh

Nick The Crowening

4y↑7

@Adam Mitchell he definitely takes me to higher places I can't reach without him!

eduards gavars

3y↑4

Have you tried running with this song?

Justme Justme

@Adam Mitchell p00

Ty

2y↑1

Music to guide your psychadelic journey

2 More Replies...

GABE MUSIC OFFICIAL

4y↑601

One of the most unique electronic tracks I’ve ever heard! Expected nothing less from Jamie XX though

Nonentity

4y↑6

I bet youve never listened to idm then.. lol

GABE MUSIC OFFICIAL

4y↑19

Kholden Caulfield i listen to loads of idm and produce it myself mate. This track is very unique tell me if you think differently

Nonentity

4y↑6

@GABE MUSIC OFFICIAL I think it's an interesting and good track, but definitely not ''one of the most unique electronic tracks''

Freddie

4y↑40

@Nonentity he didnt say one of the most unique electronic tracks period he from what he's heard. no one cares that youve bummed out autechres entire discography, this track can still be solid

M. Keehl

4y↑3

165 likes.. so you are wrong. This is definitely a unique electronic track, extremely creative.

10 More Replies...

iloveclois4ever

4y↑891

I dunno how but somehow this is the perfect song for both a nervous breakdown and an unapologetic rave.

Jake Morrison

4y↑35

Need to edit your comment to Idontknowhow

Lakhveer Singh

4y↑2

david peckham

4y↑2

Dichotomy is often intriguing

david peckham

4y↑4

Lakhveer Singh No to what? Expand boy

Audio Pervert

if this was the tune at a rave .. it's done with. boiled eggs ... Rather make music at home.

19 More Replies...

Stranger

4y↑211

Jamie is so fuckin good at transitions (merging live tracks seamlessly), but the way he flows at 1:10 is just epic the way it falls apart and reconstructs itself in double time. Dude's an artist with an excellent ear for continuity.

Alpha_WJH17

He’s awful

BriskTea 123

3y↑6

@Alpha_WJH17 cmon man!

Alpha_WJH17

@BriskTea 123 carnt tell if u r being sarcastic or serious🤣

Avid Odd

2y↑3

fuckin read your comment the moment this happened. 😂

Gabriel Jalbert

2y↑1

If you like smooth transitions and this somewhat chaotic style, i'd recommend taking a look at Jacquadis by Polo & Pan too

2 More Replies...

Gab

4y↑60

Trust me, play it with headphones on * chills down the spine*

Nathan Hammond

4y↑1

Yeah, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the superb panning techniques while listening en mi coche. Sweet😃

Anna Skvortsova

Вот да! Особенно когда звук переходит из уха в ухо!

Bartek ZZZ

4y↑507

you can literally feel so many emotions while listening to this song: anger, frustration, aggression... whenever I feel that way (and since the release of the song I feel angry and frustrated every day) I just play the song out loud and dance to it. I get rid of all these negative emotions while dancing. I am locked in my house over 3 weeks now and I need to stay inside for almost two more weeks. It’s because I am carrying coronavirus. Complete lockdown in a small room is playing with my mind but Jamie literally helped me with Idontknow release. I know it might sound strange but that’s truth, he’s in-directly changing my life with his music, and that’s not the first time in my life he does that! We love you Jamie, thank you xx

Wils Tierney

4y↑15

@dancelover23 Good luck buddy, hang in there <3

J

4y↑8

hey bro good luck

Anney Martinezz

4y↑4

Sending u the best vibes! Take care!

Nada saidi

4y↑1

Good luck 👏👏

Ewa Różańska

Hej, zdrówka ! Dołączam się w szalonym tańcu:)

14 More Replies...

JaMMze

4y↑55

the song is truly amazing, but Oona's performance is absolutely breathtaking. Such raw display of emotions - left a clear imprint on my mind and feelings that I can't seem to shake. Bravo

sezisace

4y↑32

His music never disappoints, love the visuals too! 🙏

Scott Jensen

1y↑5

4:12 onwards is just otherworldy. The drooping vocal sighs. The change up near the end. Sends me everytime.

Amelie

4y↑66

This is probably the best thing we can get in quarantine, thanks Jamie for making that possible! More than happy to see he’s back after ages :)

OutroRui

4y↑1.1K

I work in a local radio station and sadly i had to remove this song from the playlist. My boss thought it didn't fit. Some people are still unprepared for this kind of sound that defies conventional genres & bpm's.

DizTnT Aspie

4y↑136

Your boss sounds dry AF!

Marcelo Mena

4y↑31

At first it's kinda hard to like it because the bpm changing it's very not conventional but the sample used in the track really helps and the whole song just grows in you over time.

gwz

4y↑10

Revolt

MATHIEU Pascal

4y↑5

Cela peut s'entendre , sans pour autant remettre en question l'incroyable talent et ingéniosité de Jamie Xx 🌍

65 More Replies...

A

4y↑67

This track is an example of being creative, experimental and genre splitting in the current scene. I think that maybe what the videos trying to tell us with the experimental and interpretative dancing. It pushes boundaries. I doubt he thought of any of this when he made it. We need people like this. Respect.

two dee

4y↑38

Incredible video and song! Love the atmosphere and the dancing.
I’ll be sure to buy the vinyl soon - can’t wait.

Wayne Qwele

2y↑20

This is still my jam , when this dropped I thought for we’re gonna get new album from him. A year later Im still hoping we get a new album.

Swanny

4y↑48

When i heard this track for the first time back when it was in development i was in awe and still am! It is just so exciting, the feel of the track is very dark and serious but still super fun and unique. Well done Jamie i am hoping there is an album to come this year!

Amelie

4y↑2

Swanny was searching literally everywhere for the ID since the first NTS set, where Jamie played that, but didn’t find out anything and freaked out, when I saw HAAi playing it too. Can’t be happier, that this incredible song just also is made by the best producer of all time!

Ana Ray

4y↑7

Powerful! Love the combination of emotional dance. Whenever I had a mental breakdown this is exactly what’s been going through my head. After listening such music, dancing and expressing yourself you can feel finally free.

Anna Skvortsova

О да!!!

Cyprien Delpuech

2y↑6

So many tempos, energies, inside this unique track. And this melody based on voices samples cut and paste to create some strange artifact emerged from an undiscovered and unexplored universe yet. Thank you Jamie.

Paul Hobeika

2y↑24

what's funny is you KNOW he can easily produce any kind of mainstream songs and beats and get more popular and richer yet he stays faithful to his own sound and craft and creates whatever he likes

Bart Pickford

3y↑5

Jamie always creates a mood and momentum plus moments of individual interest.

Love his shifts of tempo, beat and emphasis.

Tree of codes and in colour are great too 😎👌

Ivan Moss

4y↑8

Had this track on loop and bedroom raved for 48hrs. You’ve saved May/June 2020 lockdown Jamie xx Amazing video.

Requiem for a Meme

1y↑4

Crazy that this was filmed on the night before quarantine. I imagine a lot of this was improvised; the hold and slow catch-up at 4:00 is beautiful.

Frank Flegg

2y↑3

I have listened to Jamie for the last 10 years and he is a genius. The bloke has given me so much pleasure
A massive thank you to him.

LSTA

4y↑8

when i heard it on the radio it felt really fresh, I was almost guaranteed it wasn't an old undiscovered track but had to be somoething new. I can see jamie XX will be remembered as an electronic music classic

Stranger

4y↑41

Hell yeah, great as always Jamie. Loving the soundscape you created here.

Jazmin Vallejo

1y↑2

This beat is A-MA-ZING perfect for my workout 🤯🤯🤯

Nik Nak

1y↑3

Jamie xx will always be the goat! Greatest electronic dj and producer

EnnDot

45w↑1

This is exactly the type of music we ha in the clubs in the 80's and 90's in NYC. Its also an excellent mix of Indian, Middle Eastern, African, Asian, Latin, techno/electro sounds and beats. To me he makes musc that represents a little bit of everyone. A freekinn rhythmic Benetton Commercial!!! LOVE It!!!

Mesinah

44w

I just found this GENIUS after googling song on Peleton ad! I'm STUCK!!!
RESPECT!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Анастасия Кустовецкая

4y↑6

В наушниках просто оргазм ушей😍 обожаю Джейми❤️❤️❤️

Yan

4y↑38

2:47 drops me every time!

krasky

3y↑6

And 3:48

miszmasz76

4y↑11

This track is just..., no words. I'm speechless!

Jael Snijder

1y↑2

Yes thank you Jamie I’m a dj and every time I play this song magic happens, 🙏❤️It’s just next level brilliant! The crowd goes for it 😍big time

pdmywlduzmqk

4y↑5

The track is awesome. pure energy and perfection in details.

heath robert

4y↑2

An another great track by Jamie XX. The quality of production is always excellent with many layers. The intenseness of this track made me want more....hopefully a new album very soon. I was only hankering for new Jamie the other day! Now I'm stressed and excited by the chaos.

Map of Ideas

4y↑3

Such an unique sound ❤️

Juan Diego Pinillos

4y↑3

This is absolutely brilliant... the song, the vid, I can almost feel what she's feeling, what she's going through, all the desperation and the anger... I guess we all have been there

Sophia TheSoap

4y↑5

this song just hits you differently
a similar feeling to when i first heard sleep sound, but i just can not describe it jamie has done it again

Daylon M

4y↑2

You can drop the hardest baselines I've heard just like "Gosh" absolutely incredible. Such an incredibly unique vibe

Anushree Sorokhaibam

43w

Woah! Heard for the first time and hit me right inside my head!! What a music.. just meditated with this music on.

Leo Ortiz

4y↑1

this song fits how I feel right now. Love it

Charlotte Rose

4y↑2

This has come at the right time in my life!! Makes you feel some type of way 🖤

Vidal Garcia Poblador

4y↑1

Very nice way to say absolutely nothing.

Timster

Percussive heaven. As always, thank you Jamie for this

Nick E.

3y↑4

Since its the end of 2020 I think I can confidently say this is the best song of the year with no doubt. Perfect track

D P

4y↑1

It's very hard to understand this composition by listening only once.. after about 5 times you begin to find new colours and details. Only good headphones and mood will help you to understand that it's unusually great!! Excellent work👍🏻

pascalecake

phenomenal song, phenomenal performance/choreo

Gonchar Aiia

Oona is gorgeous as usual! Hope to see new projects soon! Great collaboration!
Take care!!

Edith González

3y↑1

I had to rewatch this video several times: this dancer is hypnotic!

BowLattery2507

3y↑14

I've been a fan of Jamie xx since 'In Colour' but somehow missed this track. Only heard it today by chance upon going on Spotify to replay 'In Colour' for the billionth time. It floored me. It's unique, weird, trippy, original, shouldn't make any sense yet it makes perfect sense; simply genius. I have to keep reminding myself of the reality and things waiting to do just to stop myself from listening to it over and over again. The range of emotions in it is unbelievable. The guy is a major talent...

Izabella Torres

4y↑5

It’s so beautiful :’) thank you Jamie.

Benjamin Bernard

Y a une suite, c'est pas possible autrement ! Le son, le rythme est tout simplement génial !

Siba Retarde

2y↑2

such great beutiful melodies! never love something more

Subaru STI

4y↑1

OMG! Every Jamies track is phenomenal!

Visceral 369

Toca demais cara

Adam Sutcliffe

4y↑1

Incredible! Stunning dancing. Beautifully crafted. Bravo!

Daniel

3y↑6

This is fucking amazing. Especially in headphones.

Alfie

4y↑7

Great song and it was filmed in my little home town of east Belfast. Jamie always comes with that new shit when you least expect it 👌🏻

BMR SOCIETY

Jamie xx you are amazing - This Is art in all forms, Thank you, Those listening appreciate you are alive in a time where you can hear this

Spornykov Valera

4y↑2

Great music Jamie, as always. Your fan since 2009 💙

Octagon9

ciufo83

2y↑1

I love this song and video I made a sick day as nice to this and beat 💓❤️❤️❤️

Peck Heck

4y↑3

I'm feeling like this track stimulates cognitive abilities. Felt overwhelmingly productive while listening to it whole day.

Eduardo Cerdan

4y↑3

All it takes is one single take! A great video for a great song!

Michelle Richardson

Wonderful sound, movement and cinematography. Thank you!!

Станислав Петровский

4y↑1

I haven’t experienced such feelings from music for a long time.
It's very nice man

the names Chelle

I really like it I just want more of your voice Jamie 🥰

luis miguel

Excelente, magistral como no podría ser de otra forma, gracias Jamie.

Jon

Masterpiece

Annie_Vanuke'sMomma

1y↑4

Having this song drown out a soul sucking meeting in the background is the best thing I could ever do for my life today xxx Happy Friday from South Africa xxx

Camila Joanna

I feel it all, thank you Jamie!

zabooog

This is freaking genius!! A breakthrough! Viva Jaime XX

Cualquiera

1y↑1

Psicodelic master piece. Great job.

🧿Turles🧿

4y↑3

Captures uncertainty so well in my opinion. If you're wondering how to deal with uncertainty all you have to do is make peace with being uncertain. Sometimes life leaves you in a weird spot with no clear answer, trust your own guidance in those situations and relax. ✌️

Fab

4y↑4

So beautiful and raw. Jamie is from another planet. <3

Jorge Tlapale

4y↑4

Instant classic

Hussain

3y↑1

Heard this once and is easily one of the top 10 songs I’ve ever heard

j a z

Love it!!

Miriam Lorenz

3y↑1

How is no one talking about the dancing and how fucking GOOD it is

Eduardo Galeana

4y↑2

It sounds like Jxx took twelve songs from an amazing new album and pieced them together into one sound. Brilliant!

Mayla George

4y↑4

Oona is so beautiful, original and raw, just like the music.

Patricia L.

The videoclip and the music, complements each other... AMAZING!

Ruby Rayne

4y↑2

Love this!

niki

absolutely unique

Anett Jay

4y↑1

This is such a sick track ❤️

dan

Awesome song and great dance performance in the music video.

Lutum

3y↑5

I can't understand how powerfull this song is making me feel, même si je peux pas sortir chez moi, même si mon apart n'est pas grand, je vais danser fort avec ça

Amor from no place

Abdul Baki

方昊

4y↑1

Time will tell this is a very good electronic song for your great dedication. It will just blow some so-called deconstructed-club music or strange noise-art music（some noise-art music is great but personally some is so dull and so many people like copy）. Thank you for making this, dear drummer.

paramon

4y↑2

Got my eyes wet every time I watch it. Opens me up. Frees my inner wishes. It doesn’t work separately without video. Oona is amazing. Thank you.

No First

4y↑32

When your uber driver arrives and you been drunk all night trying to find it.

Give Jamie his Grammy already!

Maura Carty

41w

Amazing both the dance and the music

Isa

3y↑1

I think I would explode if I ever saw jamie xx live. I hope that happens

o_o

4y↑3

Smashing it pal. This is exactly what I needed for the last dregs of sun.

Aberdeen Flyers

Best track I ever heard. Need guts for glory❤❤❤❤

Billy O

2y↑1

i got the chills just adding this to my queue

TheRealFairingF

I'm diggin' it.

Keith Johnson

Love the beats for sure!!

YASİN BAYRAK

I listen to Doing It Stealthy when I'm experiencing existential dread. It makes it worse but... I just can't stop.

Bianca Unnasch

4y↑4

This is how I dance!!!
In my tiny kitchen. At least once a day.

This makes me happy! :D

Spaik 762

рили кайфовый трек! заводит и отправляет в такой охуенный ритм !! спасибо бро за трек !

DJ Neko

this will sound insane on a old school radio that i have at my house

Siro Casttro

Arte ✨

Carlos Said Zaldivar Beltran

Fabulosa🤟😎

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