Yorn started as a drummer who also played guitar. In 1990, he was drumming for his band in a high school talent contest when someone suggested he sing the Replacements song "Talent Show." That went over so well, a competing band asked him to sing Neil Young’s "Rockin' In the Free World" with them.
He was first recognized when the Farrelly brothers picked "Strange Condition" for their film Me, Myself & Irene.
He has gained increasing popularity following the use of his song "Just Another" on popular WB television show Dawson's Creek.
Another of his songs, Murray was used in the credits of the film Igby Goes Down
The song "Undercover" was used in the first Spiderman movie and appears on the soundtrack.
The song "Lose You" was used in the closing of an episode of House on Fox.
Knew Enough to Know Nothing at All
Pete Yorn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She stole the records from your van
You opened to her
And made her understand
But you're still locked in that same young love
Still locked in that same young love
You knew enough to know nothing at all
They took the news and distorted it
She was the one who was loving it
She always wanted more
Than you can give today
So you really can't complain once more
You know that she is spoken for
This dream and lie without her
Would fade away
He was a loner for 16 years
Embracing all his defended fears
He nearly lost her name
Instead he called today
But he's still feeling that same old way
He whispers what she used to say
He knew enough to know nothing at all
He's still locked in that same young love
It's mostly what he's thinking of
He knew enough and never should've called
The song Knew Enough To Know Nothing At All by Pete Yorn tells the story of a person who is still trapped in a past relationship despite knowing that they should move on. The song contains two verses, each featuring the story of a character who is still hung up on their past loves. The first verse talks about a man who once stole records from the singer's van but later went on to take care of a baby. The second verse features a man who had been lonely for 16 years before meeting someone who he began obsessing over.
Both these characters seem to know that their feelings are backward and unproductive. However, they are incapable of freeing themselves from their past love lives. They both have regrets and memories of their past relationships, which they can't seem to let go of. Despite knowing that they are not doing themselves any good by holding onto their past, they cannot help themselves.
The song is highly relatable. Most people have, at some point in their lives, struggled to let go of people they know they should not be holding onto. The song discusses how one can be aware that what they are doing is not good for them but is still unable to stop. It is a reminder that even though people know what's best for them, their heart and mind might not always be in sync.
Line by Line Meaning
You took a baby off her hands
You adopted a child she couldn't raise.
She stole the records from your van
She took your music collection without asking.
You opened to her
You shared your true feelings with her.
And made her understand
And helped her comprehend your perspective.
But you're still locked in that same young love
But you're still fixated on the same romantic relationship.
Still locked in that same young love
Still obsessed with that youthful romance.
You knew enough to know nothing at all
You realized you didn't really understand anything about love.
They took the news and distorted it
They twisted the story to fit their own narrative.
She was the one who was loving it
She enjoyed the attention and drama of the situation.
She always wanted more
She always craved greater passion and commitment.
Than you can give today
Than you are currently able or willing to provide.
So you really can't complain once more
So you have no right to protest any longer.
You know that she is spoken for
You know she is now attached to someone else.
This dream and lie without her
This fantasy of being with her again
Would fade away
Would gradually disappear.
He was a loner for 16 years
He was solitary and distant for a long time.
Embracing all his defended fears
Holding onto all of his insecurities and anxieties.
He nearly lost her name
He almost forgot her identity.
Instead he called today
But he reached out and contacted her recently.
But he's still feeling that same old way
But he is still experiencing the same emotions he had before.
He whispers what she used to say
He hears her words echoing in his mind.
He knew enough to know nothing at all
He understands that he doesn't really understand love.
He's still locked in that same young love
He is still trapped in that youthful romance.
It's mostly what he's thinking of
It's what consumes his thoughts the most.
He knew enough and never should've called
He knew he was better off leaving things unsaid and unresolved.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind