Layton & Johnstone were an American vocal and piano duo in the 1920s and 19… Read Full Bio ↴Layton & Johnstone were an American vocal and piano duo in the 1920s and 1930s, consisting of Turner Layton and Clarence “Tandy” Johnstone. After forming in New York City in 1922, they moved to England two years later and met with immediate success. Between 1924 and 1935, they sold over 10 million records. They appeared at top venues in London, Paris and across Europe, and gave command performances for the British royal family on numerous occasions. They also appeared frequently on BBC Radio.

I don't know why
Layton & Johnstone Lyrics

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I don't know why I love you like I do
I don't know why, I just do
I don't know why you thrill me like you do
I don't know why, you just do

You never seem to want my romancing
The only time I hold you is when we're dancing
I don't know why I love you like I do

I don't know why, I just do

All day long you're asking me what I see in you
All day long I'm answering but what good does it do?
I have nothing to explain
I just love you, love you and I I'll tell you once again

I don't know why I love you like I do
I don't know why, I just do
I don't know why you thrill me like you do
I don't know why, you just do

You never seem to want my romancing
The only time I hold you is when we're dancing
I don't know why I love you like I do
I don't know why, I just do

You're as mean as you can be, always love to scold
But you treat your other friends quite differently I'm told
I should really hate you, dear
And in fact, I guess I do, except when you are near

I don't know why I love you like I do
I don't know why, I just do
I don't know why you thrill me like you do
I don't know why, you just do

You never seem to want my romancing
The only time I hold you is when we're dancing

I don't know why I love you like I do
I don't know why, I just do

Overall Meaning

The Layton & Johnstone song "I Don't Know Why" is a simple yet timeless love song that speaks to the inexplicable nature of love. The song begins with the singer expressing their confusion about why they love their partner so deeply and passionately, despite not being able to explain this feeling. They go on to describe how their partner seems uninterested in their advances, only allowing them physical closeness when they dance together. Despite this, the singer is content to continue loving their partner without explanation and defends their love to those who question it. The song ends with the singer admitting that they should hate their partner, but cannot help loving them when they are near.

The lyrics of "I Don't Know Why" capture the essence of that perplexing feeling one experiences when deeply in love. Love, by definition, is a profound and complex emotion that is often difficult to explain or rationalize. The song's lyrics depict one's love unabashedly despite their partners seeming disinterest in romance. The singer's declaration of their love is both passionate and unapologetic, a testament to the depth of emotion that love can elicit. The song highlights the irrationality of love and how it can lead one to love without explanation, despite all the signs pointing to the contrary.

In terms of composition, "I Don't Know Why" features a simple yet catchy melody that complements the lyrics' straightforwardness. The song's structure is also relatively simple, with a repeating chorus and two verses with the same melody. Its simple structure and concise lyrics have contributed to the song's staying power, making it a popular choice for performers of various genres, from jazz to pop to country.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't know why I love you like I do
I cannot explain why I have strong emotions of love for you

I don't know why, I just do
The reason for my feelings of love is unknown to me. I simply feel them

I don't know why you thrill me like you do
I am unsure why your presence and actions excite and please me

I don't know why, you just do
Without my understanding, you have a knack for providing me with thrilling sensations

You never seem to want my romancing
You do not respond to my advances of affection and intimate gestures

The only time I hold you is when we're dancing
The only physical touch we share is during moments of dancing together

All day long you're asking me what I see in you
You are constantly questioning why I am attracted to you

All day long I'm answering but what good does it do?
I spend my entire day attempting to provide an explanation, but it seems useless

I have nothing to explain
I cannot put my emotions and feelings of love for you into words

I just love you, love you and I I'll tell you once again
Regardless of my lack of explanation, I love you deeply and want to express it again

You're as mean as you can be, always love to scold
Your harsh words and negative attitude can sometimes make you seem cruel and unkind

But you treat your other friends quite differently I'm told
To others, you act differently and show kindness and compassion

I should really hate you, dear
With your negative traits, I should despise you

And in fact, I guess I do, except when you are near
Despite my logical reasoning, I cannot deny the love and affection that I feel when I am near you

Lyrics © Bluewater Music Corp., Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Fred Ahlert, Roy Turk

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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