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 Yoy Know That I Love You
Shirley & Lee Lyrics
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Think you could hear this, babe
You would frown on a clown like me
I know Something that you don't know
Think you are safe there
You would frown on a clown like me
I know you look good, babe
I know these all your posh friends
But could you tell me how they really feel
Do you know what they say about you
Know what they say about you to me
So sad babe, Gotta hurry
'Cause whit a fake smile like you're it's hard to say you're sorry
I know Something that you don't know
Think you could hear this, babe
You would frown on a clown like me
I know Something that you don't know
Think you are safe there
You would frown on a clown like me
Oh, wee, what a kiss
You're the bliss what you reckon that you missed
I know you spend more than you got
Thank you daddy, 'cause he'll pay for the lot
Do you know what they say about you
Know what they say about you to me
So sad babe, you great pretender
In your shoes I'd lay down and surrender
I know Something that you don't know
Think you could hear this, babe
You would frown on a clown like me
I know Something that you won't ever know
Think you are safe
You would frown on a clown like me
See your hands they're shaking where you stand
Looking suspect and like you got a plan
You're nothing more than someone who looks down on us all
And everybody here
I know Something that you don't know
Think you could hear this, babe
You would frown on a clown like me
I know Something that you won't ever know
Think you are safe there
You would frown on a clown like me
In these lyrics, the singer is expressing their knowledge of something that the person they are addressing is unaware of. They believe that if this person knew what they knew, they would judge and look down upon them. This suggests a sense of inferiority or insecurity on the part of the singer.
The singer acknowledges the physical attractiveness of the person they are talking to, but also implies that they don't pay attention to anything else the person has to say. The mention of the person's "posh friends" highlights their social status, but the singer questions whether they genuinely know how these friends truly feel about them. It could be seen as a critique of the person's superficial relationships and possible lack of authenticity.
The chorus repeats the idea of the singer knowing something that the person they are addressing doesn't know, and that if they were aware of it, they would disapprove of the singer. This creates a sense of secrecy and a power dynamic wherein the singer possesses some kind of knowledge that can potentially affect the relationship negatively.
The final verse suggests that the person being addressed is putting on a facade or pretending to be something they're not. The singer observes their trembling hands and suspects that they have ulterior motives or a hidden plan. The singer implies that this person looks down on everyone else, indicating a sense of arrogance or superiority. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the notion that there is a significant imbalance in power and perception between the singer and the person they are addressing.
Line by Line Meaning
I know Something that you don't know
I am aware of information that you are not aware of
Think you could hear this, babe
If you were willing to listen, my message could reach you
You would frown on a clown like me
You would disapprove of someone like me who doesn't fit your standards
Think you are safe there
You believe that you are protected in your current situation
I know you look good, babe
I can see that you appear attractive
I looking closely reckon nothing else you got to say
Upon closer examination, I realize that you don't have much meaningful to say
I know these all your posh friends
I am aware of your affluent and fashionable friends
But could you tell me how they really feel
Can you honestly convey their true sentiments to me?
Do you know what they say about you
Are you aware of the things they say about you?
Know what they say about you to me
I am informed about what they say about you when they talk to me
So sad babe, Gotta hurry
It's unfortunate, my dear, that I must rush
'Cause whit a fake smile like you're it's hard to say you're sorry
Because with a false smile like yours, it is difficult for you to express genuine remorse
Oh, wee, what a kiss
Oh, what a delightful kiss
You're the bliss what you reckon that you missed
You bring happiness, which you may not even realize you have been longing for
I know you spend more than you got
I am aware that you exceed your available resources in spending
Thank you daddy, 'cause he'll pay for the lot
You are grateful to your father for covering all the expenses
you great pretender
You are a significant deceiver
In your shoes I'd lay down and surrender
If I were in your position, I would give up and admit defeat
See your hands they're shaking where you stand
I notice that your hands tremble while you remain in your current position
Looking suspect and like you got a plan
You appear suspicious and as if you have a hidden agenda
You're nothing more than someone who looks down on us all
You are simply a person who holds a contemptuous view of everyone
And everybody here
Including every individual present
I know Something that you won't ever know
There is information that you will never discover
Think you are safe
You believe that you are secure
You would frown on a clown like me
You would disapprove of someone like me who doesn't meet your standards
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Bjorn Hallberg, Linnea x Linnea Henriksson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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