You Dont Know What You Got
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Lyrics


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I was caught so unaware
When you made other plans
Promises you swore to keep
Where more than you could stand

You don't know what you've got
You don't know what you've got
You don't know what you've got
Till it's gone

I can't stand to hear your name
'Cause you were so unkind
And though you think you made out well
Someday you will find

You don't know what you've got
You don't know what you've got
You don't know what you've got
Till it's gone

Shame on you, I gave you love
I gave you love so true
But you ran away
So you just don't know what cha' blew

Yeah, yeah
You don't know what you've got
Oh baby
You don't know what you've got

I thought I knew you
You don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
You don't know what you've got

You don't know what you've got
You don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
I was weak when you were there

And I felt so protected
But I'll make sure that you regret
The one that you rejected
You don't know what you've got

You don't know what you've got
You don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
Oh baby

You really blew it
Oh baby
I thought you knew me
Oh baby





Oh baby

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "You Don't Know What You've Got" by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts express the idea of regret after a relationship falls apart. The verse begins with the singer being "caught so unaware" when their partner "made other plans." This implies that the partner was unfaithful or broke a promise, leaving the singer feeling betrayed. The chorus then repeats the phrase "you don't know what you've got till it's gone" to emphasize the idea of realizing the value of something after it's lost. The second verse highlights the singer's dislike of their ex-partner and the fact that they were unkind, and takes pleasure in the idea that the ex will eventually realize what they lost. The bridge emphasizes the idea of regret as Joan sings "I was weak when you were there, and I felt so protected, but I'll make sure that you regret the one that you rejected."


Overall, the song is a classic expression of regret and the human tendency to take things for granted. It emphasizes the importance of being grateful for what one has and not taking it for granted, as well as the pain of realizing what was lost.


Line by Line Meaning

I was caught so unaware
I didn't see it coming when you abandoned our plans


When you made other plans
You made different plans instead of keeping your promises


Promises you swore to keep
You made commitments you couldn't fulfill


Where more than you could stand
You couldn't handle the promises you made


You don't know what you've got
You don't realize the value of what you had


Till it's gone
You only realize what you lost when it's too late


I can't stand to hear your name
Your name brings up unpleasant memories


'Cause you were so unkind
You acted cruelly towards me


And though you think you made out well
You believe you benefited from your actions


Someday you will find
You'll eventually realize the mistake you made


Shame on you, I gave you love
I showed you affection and care


I gave you love so true
I loved you whole-heartedly


But you ran away
You left me without explanation or concern


So you just don't know what cha' blew
You don't comprehend the magnitude of your mistake


I thought I knew you
I believed I understood your character


I was weak when you were there
I relied on you for strength and support


And I felt so protected
I felt safe and secure with you


But I'll make sure that you regret
I'll ensure that you face the consequences of your actions


The one that you rejected
You turned away from someone who loved you


You really blew it
You made a huge mistake and lost something valuable


Oh baby
An affectionate term for the person being addressed




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOAN JETT, KENNETH LAGUNA, RITCHIE CORDELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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