She was the first American singer to record at Abbey Road Studios in England. Her fan base even included Asia and the Philippines. She had 7 top hits, including "Why Don't You Believe in Me?", "Your Cheating Heart," "Almost Always," and "Have You Heard?"
She married composer Tony Acquaviva in 1956. In 1964, she dropped out of the public eye to take care of him and did so until 1986, when Mr. Acquaviva passed away. She began to tour again in the 1990's. She was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
I Understand
Joni James Lyrics
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You know you want to be free
Darling, you know I'll let you go
You'd do the same for me
I understand
And darling, you are not to blame
If when we kiss it's not the same
It's not your fault because your heart has changed it's mind
You didn't mean to be unkind
I understand
Forgetting you will be far from easy
I've grown so used to your charms
I'll miss that old thrill and no one can fill
The place here in my arms
But if you find our love was really meant to be
Then darling, hurry back to me
And I'll understand
I understand
And darling, you are not to blame
If when we kiss it's not the same
I understand.
It's not your fault because your heart has changed it's mind
You didn't mean to be unkind
I understand
Forgetting you will be far from easy
I've grown so used to your charms
I'll miss that old thrill and no one can fill
The place here in my arms
But if you find our love was really meant to be
Then darling, hurry back to me
The lyrics to Joni James’s song, I Understand, tell a story of acceptance and understanding from the perspective of someone who has just been let go. The song speaks to the idea of allowing someone the freedom to make their own choices and not holding them back. The first verse suggests that the person has been pretending to want to stay in a relationship, when in reality, they are yearning to be free. The singer acknowledges the situation and assures their lover that they understand their need for space. They even go as far as to say they would do the same for their partner.
In the chorus, the singer continues to stress that they understand the situation and reassure their partner that they are not to blame for any hurt their decision may have caused. The singer acknowledges that feelings can change over time and that it's not the person's fault for what is happening. They express that moving on will be difficult for them, but they are willing to accept and understand their partner's decision, and be okay with it. The final lines of the chorus, however, suggest they would be willing to reconcile if their partner realizes they still want to be together.
Overall, I Understand is an emotionally charged and mature song that acknowledges the complications and hardships of love and relationships, while also promoting understanding and forgiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do you go on pretending
Why do you continue to act as if everything is fine, when you know that you want to be free?
You know you want to be free
You are aware that you desire to be released from our relationship.
Darling, you know I'll let you go
My dear, you understand that I will allow you to depart from our romance.
You'd do the same for me
You would reciprocate such actions for me in our relationship.
I understand
I comprehend your intentions, and acknowledge your desires.
And darling, you are not to blame
My love, you are not at fault for feeling this way.
If when we kiss it's not the same
If our affectionate interactions are lacking the usual spark or fervor.
It's not your fault because your heart has changed it's mind
Your heart has experienced a change in feelings, but you are not to blame for it.
You didn't mean to be unkind
You did not intend to hurt me with your altered emotions.
Forgetting you will be far from easy
Erasing my memories and relationship with you will be an arduous task.
I've grown so used to your charms
I have become acclimated to your endearing or alluring qualities.
I'll miss that old thrill and no one can fill
I will long for the excitement our relationship once provided, but it is impossible for anyone else to replicate.
The place here in my arms
The space next to me where you once belonged.
But if you find our love was really meant to be
In the event that you realize our love was truly destined to exist,
Then darling, hurry back to me
My love, please return to me without delay.
And I'll understand
And I will continue to comprehend your feelings and prioritize your desires.
I understand
I acknowledge and comprehend your intentions and feelings.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WILLIAM PAT BEST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind