Lesley Gore recorded a French version of the song titled "Je Sais Qu'un Jour".
The song has been covered by The Seashells, They Might Be Giants, Ellie Greenwich and Alessi's Ark. The song was included in the musicals The Leader of the Pack and The Marvelous Wonderettes.
Maybe I Know
Lesley Gore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe I know that he's been untrue
But what can I do
I hear them whispering when I walk by
He's gonna break her heart and make her cry
I know it's me they're talking about
I bet they all think I'll never find out
Oh but maybe I know that he's been a cheatin'
Maybe I know that he's been untrue but what can I do
My friends are telling me that he's no good
He isn't treating me the way he should
He really loves me that's all I can say
Before my tears fall I just walk away
Oh but maybe I know that he's been a cheatin'
Maybe I know that he's been untrue
But what can I do
Oh
Deep down inside he loves me
Though he may run around
Deep down inside he loves me
Some day he'll settle down
Oh maybe I know that he's been a cheatin'
Maybe I know that he's been untrue
But what can I do
He really loves me that's all I can say
Before my tears fall I just walk away
Oh but maybe I know that he's been a cheatin'
Maybe I know that he's been untrue
But what can I do
Oh maybe I know that he's been a cheatin'
Maybe I know that he's been untrue
But what can I do
The lyrics to "Maybe I Know" by Lesley Gore tell the story of a woman who suspects her partner is cheating on her, but feels helpless and unsure of what to do about it. Despite hearing whispers of his infidelity and friends expressing their doubts about him, she still loves him and believes that deep down inside, he loves her too. The chorus repeats the conflicting emotions she's feeling - knowing that he's been unfaithful but feeling powerless to do anything about it. She ultimately decides to walk away before her tears fall, but the suggestion remains that she still holds hope for their future together.
This song represents a common emotional struggle that many people face when questioning a partner's loyalty. The feeling of both knowing and not knowing at the same time, as well as the fear of being alone, is a difficult space to navigate. The repetition of the chorus creates a sense of frustration and confusion, highlighting the difficulty of making a decision in this situation. The resolution of the song - holding onto hope and walking away - represents a potential path toward healing and moving forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe I know that he's been a cheatin'
I suspect that my partner has been unfaithful to me.
Maybe I know that he's been untrue
I have heard rumors of my partner's infidelity.
But what can I do
I am feeling helpless in this situation.
I hear them whispering when I walk by
I am aware that people are talking about my relationship.
He's gonna break her heart and make her cry
Others believe that my partner will hurt me emotionally.
I know it's me they're talking about
I am certain that the gossip is centered around me.
I bet they all think I'll never find out
I believe that people are keeping secrets from me.
My friends are telling me that he's no good
People close to me have been warning me about my partner's character.
He isn't treating me the way he should
I am feeling mistreated in my relationship.
He really loves me that's all I can say
Despite everything, I believe my partner truly cares for me.
Before my tears fall I just walk away
To avoid crying or showing my emotions, I choose to leave the situation.
Deep down inside he loves me
Despite his unfaithfulness, I believe that my partner has genuine affection for me.
Though he may run around
Although he has been unfaithful.
Some day he'll settle down
I am hopeful that one day my partner will change his ways and commit to me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JEFF BARRY, ELLIE GREENWICH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Raymond Nolan Scott
Why did Quincy double track Lesley's vocals on her early songs?
I have been checking out her live performances. What I have seen is somebody who puts in a lot of energy, passion, and emotion into her singing. I also see somebody who's quite expressive with facial expressions and gestures.
She was great at singing on key with great pitch.
She had a distinctive, beautiful voice.
Those are reasons why I like her live singing performances of these songs more than her songs on record.
This is a live version of Maybe I Know that she sang at T.A.M.I.
Here is her performances at Teenage Awards Music International (TAMI) back in October 29, 1964.
She was 18 years old.
"Maybe I Know"
"You Don't Own Me"
"You Didn't Look Around"
"Hey Now"
"It's My Party"
"Judy's Turn to Cry"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phIYJfJZ2vs
I thought she was terrific!
She was getting cheered on like she was the female version of Elvis Presley!
I like her live singing performances of these songs more than her songs on record.
Carl The Brit in The Philippines
She was such a beautiful woman...
james richards
that's what a lot of women said.
geo58impala
@james richards Lesbians?
james richards
yes, but as elton john might say, 'i won't hold it against her'!!
but 'maybe i knew' that.
James Hawkins
Yeah, but she broke my heart, all those years I thought she was waiting for me.
Eliza Sophia
Why can’t we have the 60’s style anymore? Let’s bring it back. Like if you want to
danielle Lewis
Omg such memories. Lesbian or not I really don’t care, She got the message across with that beautiful voice & lyrics♥️
Barbara Hunter
Her songs are among the best memories of my youth. I still love to sing along to her songs today; they're timeless. RIP Lesley. The world is a little sadder today with news of your passing.
LpsKiwi
Same here. :)
I'm 13 and she is my inspiration.
I will miss her so much.
SwellGalMary
LpsKiwi You have picked a wonderful inspiration. Are you a singer?