You Don't Even Know Who I Am
Patty Loveless Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

She left the car in the driveway
She left the key in the door
She left the kids at her mama's
And the laundry piled up on the floor
She left her ring on the pillow
Right where it wouldn't be missed
She left a note in the kitchen
Next to the grocery list

It said, You don't even know who I am
You left me a long time ago
You don't even know who I am
So what do you care if I go

He left the ring on the pillow
He left the clothes on the floor
And he called her to say he was sorry
But he couldn't remember what for
So he said I've been doing some thinking
I've been thinking that maybe you're right
I go to work every morning
And I come home to you every night

And you don't even know who I am
You left me a long time go




You don't even know who I am
So what do I care if you go

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "You Don't Even Know Who I Am" by Patty Loveless tells the story of a failing relationship that has lost its spark and ended up in apathy. The first verse describes a woman who has reached her breaking point and decides to leave her home, abandoning her responsibilities and leaving a note behind. The second verse tells the story of her partner's reaction, who realizes too late the emptiness of their relationship but is still unable to understand his mistakes. Both characters feel ignored and forgotten by each other, leading them to give up on the relationship.


The song touches on the theme of emotional neglect in relationships, where partners become so consumed in the daily routine that they forget to nourish the love and passion that brought them together. The lyrics show how a lack of communication and attention can lead to the breakdown of a relationship, and the knowledge that it cannot be restored.


In conclusion, "You Don't Even Know Who I Am" by Patty Loveless is a poignant reflection of the difficulties of modern relationships and the importance of paying attention to each other's needs. It is a reminder to cherish the love and bond that partners share and never leave it unattended.


Line by Line Meaning

She left the car in the driveway
She made a decision to leave and didn't care to take her car.


She left the key in the door
She didn't want to come back and left the door open.


She left the kids at her mama's
She left her children in the care of her mother to start a new life.


And the laundry piled up on the floor
She didn't care about the chores anymore; it was time to go.


She left her ring on the pillow
She didn't want to wear the symbol of their love anymore.


Right where it wouldn't be missed
She left the ring in a place of importance, but one she hoped he wouldn't think to look.


She left a note in the kitchen
She wanted to make sure he knew why she left.


Next to the grocery list
She wanted to remind him of the everyday things he took for granted.


It said, You don't even know who I am
She felt like he didn't know her anymore, after years of neglect.


You left me a long time ago
She realized that their relationship was over long before she physically left.


So what do you care if I go
She knew he wouldn't fight to keep her, and that made it easier to leave.


He left the ring on the pillow
He wanted to show her that he was willing to let go of their relationship, too.


He left the clothes on the floor
He was offering an olive branch by leaving his clothes behind, rather than taking everything with him.


And he called her to say he was sorry
He recognized the role he played in their relationship falling apart, and wanted to apologize.


But he couldn't remember what for
He made mistakes throughout their relationship, and wasn't sure which one he was apologizing for.


So he said I've been doing some thinking
He wanted to show her that he was willing to make changes.


I've been thinking that maybe you're right
He was putting his pride aside and acknowledging that she may have been right about some things.


I go to work every morning
He was trying to show her the stability he could provide.


And I come home to you every night
He was offering his presence and commitment to their relationship.


And you don't even know who I am
He was hurt that she felt like she didn't know him anymore.


You left me a long time go
He was also acknowledging that their relationship was beyond repair.


So what do I care if you go
He was trying to protect his feelings by acting like he didn't care if she left.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GRETCHEN PETERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@donchapman1122

48 years old here...married 20+ years...with 3 GREAT kiddos!...Me and my wife struggle with issues like this....EVERY Day!...This song was what "County Music "...used to be!

@gingerharris7583

You have no idea,I've been with the same man for a long time and he still tells me that his ex is better than me!

@xtreme3353

​@@gingerharris7583 wow I'm so very sorry to hear (read) this

@deborahfolwer2989

Well Ginger tell him to go back to the ex and you get out of Dodge. No respect is worse than loneliness.

@robertjackson6588

cut's tooooo the bone ..........

@dianapatrick4482

Oh but you feel this song , so I think you & yours will be ok.. this is also me & my husband, 37 yrs married now . 💓💔❤️

@bryce1597

When someone asks for a sad song, I play this one. Absolutely heart wrenching stuff.

@TheHavrelandtExperiment

Listen to She Never Stopped Loving Him, that song makes me cry like a baby every time I listen to it even though I know how it ends. My throat gets a knot in it and it's so painfull.

@jamesbonnell8843

Patty sings this song with so much emotion that if you don’t get a tear in your eye there is something wrong with you!! Very emotionally done by one of the best female country music singers of our time!! Beautiful sad love song!! I agree 100% that Patty Loveless belongs in the Country Music Hall of Fame as a singer!!

@ginadisbrow9324

Just unbelievable that she's not yet been inducted. However, I haven't researched whether or not she resides in TN. I found out only lately that it is a stipulation of a CM artist. That is the only reason that George Strait has never been inducted. He's always decided to remain a resident of TX. I think this rule is just preposterous.

More Comments

More Versions