After singing in church choirs, Shirley recorded her first demo with a group of friends in 1950. Some months later, her solo voice caught the attention of Aladdin Records owner Eddie Messner, who tracked her down and paired her as a duo with a school friend, Leonard Lee.
As "Shirley & Lee," they recorded their debut single "I’m Gone," produced by Cosimo Matassa, which reached #2 on the Billboard R&B charts in 1952. The record contrasted Goodman’s soprano with Leonard's baritone, in a way in which subsequent songwriters have suggested was influential on the development of ska and reggae.
In their early songs, they pretended as if they were sweethearts and were dubbed "the Sweethearts of the Blues." However, they changed style in 1956 and recorded "Let the Good Times Roll," which became their biggest hit reaching #1 on the R&B chart and #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Although the follow-up, "Feel So Good" also made the charts, the duo’s later releases were less successful, and Goodman and Leonard split up in 1962. Leonard made some subsequent solo records with little success.
In the mid 1960s, Shirley Goodman moved to California, where she worked as a session singer on records by Sonny and Cher, Dr. John and others, and also formed a duo for a time with Jessie Hill. She sang backing vocals on The Rolling Stones’ Exile On Main Street album, but then briefly retired from the music industry.
Later in 1974, as Shirley Goodman Pixley, she was contacted by her friend Sylvia Robinson, previously of the duo Mickey and Sylvia and now co-owner of the All Platinum record label, and was persuaded to record the lead vocal on a dance track, "Shame, Shame, Shame." Credited to Shirley & Company, the record became an international pop hit, reaching #12 on the Billboard chart and presaging the disco boom. After a few further recordings and tours, Goodman finally retired from the music industry after returning to New Orleans in the late 1970s.
Don't You Know I Love You
Shirley & Lee Lyrics
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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
No buttons on my shoes
You get me in a spin
Oh what a stew 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!
I know a little bit about a lot of things
But I don't know enough about you
You know I went to school
And I'm nobody's fool
That is to say until I met you!
I know a little bit about a lot o' things
But I don't know enough about you
I know a little bit about biology
And a little more about psychology
I'm a little gem in geology
But I don't know enough about you
I guess I'd better get out the encyclopedia
And fresh up on from "shmer" to "shmoo" mmmm
'Cause I don't know enough about you
The lyrics to Shirley & Lee's song "Don't You Know I Love You" speak of the singer's frustration and confusion in their relationship. They admit to knowing a little bit about many things but not knowing enough about their partner. They express that just when they think they understand their partner, they change their behavior, leaving the singer feeling unsure and helpless. The lyrics convey a sense of longing to understand and connect on a deeper level with their loved one.
The song starts by highlighting the singer's knowledge in various areas, suggesting a sense of competence and intelligence. However, they emphasize that despite their wide range of knowledge, they lack understanding when it comes to their partner. They mention reading the latest news and being up to date with current happenings but feeling confused about their partner's actions and intentions.
The second verse introduces the idea of being a jack of all trades but a master of none. The singer acknowledges that they believe their partner would be good for them if they played by their rules, indicating a desire for control or for the partner to align with their expectations. They mention going to school and not being a fool, but that changes upon meeting their partner, implying that love can make one vulnerable and less certain about themselves.
In the final verse, the singer admits to knowing a little bit about many subjects, including biology, psychology, and geology. They humorously suggest consulting an encyclopedia to learn more about their partner, referencing made-up terms like "shmer" and "shmoo." This signifies their willingness to do whatever it takes to understand their loved one better.
Overall, the lyrics of "Don't You Know I Love You" convey the singer's frustration at not knowing enough about their partner, their desire for a deeper connection, and their willingness to go the extra mile to bridge the gap in their knowledge.
Line by Line Meaning
I know a little bit about a lot of things
I have knowledge in various subjects, but
But I don't know enough about you
I don't have sufficient understanding of who you truly are
Just when I think you're mine
Whenever I start to believe that you belong to me
You try a different line
You change your words or actions
And baby what can I do?
And it leaves me uncertain about what to do next
I read the latest news
I stay informed about current events
No buttons on my shoes
My appearance is well put together
But baby I'm confused about you
But when it comes to you, I'm completely puzzled
You get me in a spin
You make my head spin
Oh what a stew I'm in
I find myself in a complicated situation
'Cause I don't know enough about you
Because my knowledge about you is insufficient
Jack of all trades master of none
I have skills in many areas but lack expertise in any specific one
And isn't it a shame
And it's unfortunate
I'm so sure that you'd be good for me
I strongly believe that you would be beneficial to me
If you'd only play my game
If only you would follow my lead
You know I went to school
I have received education
And I'm nobody's fool
I am not easily deceived
That is to say until I met you!
At least, until I encountered you
I know a little bit about a lot of things
I have knowledge in various subjects, but
But I don't know enough about you
I don't have sufficient understanding of who you truly are
I know a little bit about biology
I have some knowledge about biology
And a little more about psychology
And a bit more about psychology
I'm a little gem in geology
I have some expertise in geology
But I don't know enough about you
But when it comes to you, I lack sufficient understanding
I guess I'd better get out the encyclopedia
I suppose I should consult the encyclopedia
And fresh up on from 'shmer' to 'shmoo' mmmm
And educate myself about various topics, from 'shmer' to 'shmoo'
'Cause I don't know enough about you
Because my knowledge about you is insufficient
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David M. Barbour, Peggy Lee
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind