<… Read Full Bio ↴Karrin Allyson is a Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist on Concord Records.
Allyson projects an instantly recognizable tonal personality, illuminating hidden layers of emotion within songs that are drawn from a vast well of styles and genres—from the blues, contemporary pop, and the Great American Songbook, to the bossa nova, chanson, and the more specialized jazz and bebop repertoire.
What really separates Allyson from her peers is her ability to communicate oceanic emotions with minimal artifice. “The idea of craft permeates her music,” wrote Richard Cook, author of the Penguin Guide to Jazz Records in a 2004 performance review that admirably encapsulates Allyson’s qualities.
“One of the most appealing things about her singing is its lack of mannerism. There are no dopey melismas, nothing of that afflicted gospel soul feel that a lot of younger singers depend on. She doesn’t try anything foolishly acrobatic. Yet in her way, she’s an ambitious and adventurous performer. She sometimes puts in a scat chorus which is done almost diffidently, without showoff contours. She’ll take over a familiar lyric and make it sound fresh by use of quiet touches—sitting back on certain beats, turning away from a big line and highlighting a different one.”
I Wish I Knew
Karrin Allyson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wish I knew you place no one above me
Did I mistake this for a real romance?
I wish I knew, but only you can answer.
If you don't care, why let me hop[e and pray so
Don't lead me on, if I'm a fool just say so,
Should I keep dreaming on, or just forget you?
In Karrin Allyson’s song I Wish I Knew, the singer is yearning for clarity in a relationship that seems to be one-sided. The lyrics express the singer's uncertainty about the relationship and questions if they are mistaken about the depth of the romance. With lines like “I wish I knew someone like you could love me” and “Did I mistake this for a real romance?” it is clear that the singer is unsure of where they stand with their love interest. They desperately want to know if their love is reciprocated and if they hold a significant place in their partner's life.
Throughout the song, the singer’s frustration and confusion become palpable as they express their willingness to move on if the love interest doesn’t care for them. However, they remain hopeful that their feelings are mutual and they can continue to pursue a meaningful relationship. The final line, “What shall I do, I wish I knew,” encapsulates the main theme of the song: the desire for certainty and the struggle to navigate the complexities of love.
This song is a thoughtful and introspective account of the confusion and uncertainty that can surround love. The lyrics are relatable, and the vulnerability in the delivery makes the song all the more powerful. Overall, it is a beautiful and poignant piece that speaks to the human experience of love.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish I knew someone like you could love me
I am uncertain of your love for me, but I hope that someone like you is capable of loving me.
I wish I knew you place no one above me
I hope that you prioritize me over anyone else in your life, but I am not entirely sure.
Did I mistake this for a real romance?
I am questioning if what we have is truly a romantic relationship or if I am just fooling myself.
I wish I knew, but only you can answer.
I cannot answer my own question, only you have the power to clarify the true nature of our relationship.
If you don't care, why let me hope and pray so
If you do not have any feelings for me, why do you give me false hope by leading me on?
Don't lead me on, if I'm a fool just say so
Please do not play with my emotions and make me believe that you feel the same way if you do not, just be honest with me.
Should I keep dreaming on, or just forget you?
I am torn between holding onto the idea of us being together or moving on and forgetting about you.
What shall I do, I wish I knew
I am at a loss for what my next move should be, I wish I had the answer.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dave Bartholomew, Bobby Mitchell, Elmo Montgomery
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Flavio Gominho
This is probably Karrin Allyson's best CD ever. She captures the spirit of the Coltrane ballads in a wonderful way. I rank her highly as an excllent Jazz singer and she is very personable on the stage, with a good rapport with the audience..
Mark Desmarais
Yep I feel exactly the same..she is just incredible and without equal. If you haven't got it already, get From Paris To Rio.
Mark Desmarais
I must admit..I have always been totally mesmerized by this album..it's just sheer perfection and so smooth and relaxing to listen to.
Peter Eyles
Superb interpretation Karryn has an amazing voice and her phrasing and diction is second to none! And yes the bass player is amazing too!
Catherine
I am amazed that I have only just found this phenomenal artist and all the stars that are backing her....Im making up for lost time believe me...... 🎤🎹🎸🥂🍾
DAVIDAPPLE
Dear Lord do I ever love this song- Truly gorgeous and a very nice interpretation by the artist- great arrangement. Truly lovely
Jerry Travis
Karrin Allyson must have the best voice, jazz or otherwise, of anyone singing today. I keep looking for someone to surpass her and the only one that comes close is Jackie Allen. I'd love to see these two do a concert together. I think I could die happily if I could go to such a concert.
Boo Hargis
I'm amazed by the tune! To think that this was done back in the twenties or thirties if I'm not mistaken by Rudy Valley. To me it's a magnificent tune!
Music Man
I never miss her in New York. She is phenomenal. Her read of the Thad Dameron standard "If You Could See Me Now" is masterful. Needless to say I have all her lps. I just needed to hear this song even in this crappy bitrate. Do yourself a favor and listen in 24/96. It will change your synapses.
toc1955
A wonderful version of the song!! Thaks for sharing it.