Coolidge's early career was as a backing vocalist, for artists such as Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, and Leon Russell. Her performance of "Superstar" on the Cocker/Russell Mad Dogs and Englishmen album helped gain her attention. She became known as "The Delta Lady" and inspired Leon Russell to write a song of the same name for her. It was during this time that she met Kris Kristofferson; the two married in 1973. With him, she recorded several duet albums which sold well, and earned them a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1974 for From the Bottle to the Bottom, and in 1976 for Lover Please.
In 1997, Coolidge was one of the founding members of Walela, a Native American music trio, that also includes Coolidge's sister Priscilla and Priscilla's daughter Laura Satterfield. The trio released albums in 1997 and 2000. Walela means hummingbird in Cherokee.
Only You Know And I Know
Rita Coolidge Lyrics
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About a lot of things
But I don't know enough about you
Just when I think you're mine
You try a different line and
Baby, what can I do?
I read the latest news
Baby, I'm confused about you
You've got me in a spin and
What a spin I'm in
Cause I don't know enough about you
Jack-of-all-trades, master of none
And isn't it a shame
I'm so sure that you'd be good for me
If you'd only play my game
You know I went to school and
I'm nobody's fool
That is to say until I met you
You've got me in a spin and
What a spin I'm in
Cause I don't know enough about you
I know a bit about biology
A little more about psychology
I'm a little gem in geology
But I don't know enough about you
The lyrics of "Only You Know And I Know" by Rita Coolidge express a sense of frustration and confusion in a relationship. The singer admits to having knowledge in various subjects but feels ignorant when it comes to understanding their partner. They confess that just when they think they know their partner, they change, leaving the singer unsure of how to respond or what to do.
The lines "I know a little bit about a lot of things, but I don't know enough about you" highlight the singer's self-awareness of their own versatility and knowledge. They have a broad range of knowledge in different areas, but they realize that it is insufficient when it comes to truly understanding their partner. The repetition of "I don't know enough about you" emphasizes their longing to have a deeper connection and comprehension in the relationship.
The second verse continues this theme, with the singer mentioning being up-to-date with the latest news and having no buttons on their shoes, implying a supposed sophistication and awareness of the world. However, they remain confused about their partner's intentions and actions. The phrase "You've got me in a spin, and what a spin I'm in" suggests the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty that the singer is experiencing due to their lack of understanding.
The chorus introduces the idea that the singer is a "jack-of-all-trades, master of none," indicating their versatility and adaptability. They believed their partner would be good for them if only they played their game, suggesting that the singer desires their partner to meet their expectations and wants. However, the repeated phrase of not knowing enough about them reflects their realization that their knowledge and understanding fall short.
Overall, "Only You Know And I Know" conveys the frustration of a narrator who possesses knowledge in various fields but realizes they lack understanding when it comes to their partner. It speaks to the challenge of truly knowing and comprehending another person, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties that can arise within relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I know a little bit
I have some knowledge or understanding
About a lot of things
About various subjects or topics
But I don't know enough about you
I lack sufficient knowledge or understanding about you
Just when I think you're mine
Right when I believe you belong to me
You try a different line and
You change your approach or behavior and
Baby, what can I do?
My dear, what options do I have?
I read the latest news
I stay updated with current information
No buttons on my shoes
I'm not concerned with materialistic things
Baby, I'm confused about you
My dear, I'm uncertain or puzzled about you
You've got me in a spin and
You have me feeling dizzy or disoriented and
What a spin I'm in
Such a state of confusion I'm experiencing
Cause I don't know enough about you
Because I lack sufficient knowledge or understanding about you
Jack-of-all-trades, master of none
Someone who has knowledge or skills in various areas but not specialized in any particular one
And isn't it a shame
And isn't it unfortunate or regrettable
I'm so sure that you'd be good for me
I strongly believe that you would be beneficial or suitable for me
If you'd only play my game
If you would just follow my rules or expectations
You know I went to school and
You are aware that I received an education and
I'm nobody's fool
I'm not easily deceived or taken advantage of
That is to say until I met you
That is, until I encountered you
You've got me in a spin and
You have me feeling dizzy or disoriented and
What a spin I'm in
Such a state of confusion I'm experiencing
Cause I don't know enough about you
Because I lack sufficient knowledge or understanding about you
I know a bit about biology
I have some knowledge or understanding about the study of living organisms
A little more about psychology
Slightly more information or knowledge about the study of the mind and behavior
I'm a little gem in geology
I have some expertise or knowledge in the study of rocks and the earth's structure
But I don't know enough about you
But I lack sufficient knowledge or understanding about you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David M. Barbour, Peggy Lee
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind