Starbuck was a rock band formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1974. Their debut si… Read Full Bio ↴Starbuck was a rock band formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1974. Their debut single, Moonlight Feels Right, reached the #3 position on the Billboard singles charts in 1976. Although the band never re-created the success of their debut, several of their songs did chart in the Billboard Top 100 and their 1977 release Everybody Be Dancin' reached #38.

From 1976 to 1980, the band toured with popular groups of the era including ELO, KC & the Sunshine Band, Hall & Oates and Boston.

I Got To Know
Starbuck Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I helped you with your problems
You oughta help me with mine
Whoa I got to know, I got to know
Just gimme some kinda sign

You wanna be a lady scholar
You oughta know what to say
Whoa I got to know, I got to know

We can't go on this way

Any major fool down on 42nd street
Will tell ya dere's no way to beat da heat
You're a little younger maybe I'm a little old
I never said it but I need to be told

Whoa-oh

Whoa I got to know, I got to know, I got to know
Yay I got to know, I got to know, I got to know
Ooh I got to know, I got to know, I got to know

You communicate with silence
You expect me to understand
Whoa I got to know, I got to know
You can make me a happy man

While I'm waitin' for your answer
I'm sleepin' in my shoes
Whoa I got to know, I got to know
'Cause I wanna go spread the news

Any major fool down on 42nd street
Will tell ya dere's no way to beat da heat
You're a little younger maybe I'm a little old
I never said it but I need to be told

Whoa-oh

Whoa I got to know, I got to know, I got to know
Yay I got to know, I got to know, I got to know
Ooh I got to know, I got to know, I got to know

So if you think ya need me
Just give me a little call
Whoa I got to know, I got to know
What's on your mind, what's on it

But I'm tired of all this waitin'
You sweet-talk me to death
Whoa I got to know, I got to know
So I better not hold my breath

Whoa I got to know, I got to know, I got to know

Yay I got to know, I got to know, I got to know
Ooh I got to know, I got to know, I got to know

Overall Meaning

The song I Got to Know by Starbuck is a plea for clear communication in a relationship. The lyrics express frustration with the indirect nature of communication, with the singer stating that he helped his partner with her problems and now she should help him with his. He wants her to give him some kind of sign that she understands what he is saying and he wants her to be more direct in her communication so they can not go on this way anymore. The frustration and urgency in the lyrics are underscored by the repetition of the chorus, with the singer repeatedly stating that he needs to know what's on her mind.

The song also references the heat of 42nd Street, with the lyrics suggesting that the relationship is in danger of burning out if they don't start communicating better. The use of 'whoa' and 'yay' in the chorus gives the song an upbeat feel, but at the same time, the singer's frustration is palpable, with him drawing on his own vulnerability in order to get his point across. The lyrics make it clear that the singer is willing to be patient for a little while longer but that he is tired of waiting, and he needs to know what's on her mind if they are going to move forward together.

Line by Line Meaning

I helped you with your problems
I assisted you with your difficulties

You oughta help me with mine
You should reciprocate and assist me with my difficulties

Whoa I got to know, I got to know
I need to understand something important

Just gimme some kinda sign
Please give me a clear indication or message

You wanna be a lady scholar
You claim to want to be an intellectual woman

You oughta know what to say
You should possess the required knowledge and ability to express your thoughts

We can't go on this way
Our current situation is unsustainable and needs to change

Any major fool down on 42nd street
Even a foolish person on 42nd street knows

Will tell ya dere's no way to beat da heat
There is no way to avoid or escape a difficult situation

You're a little younger maybe I'm a little old
You might be a bit younger, and I might be a bit older

I never said it but I need to be told
I haven't expressed it, but I require the truth to be revealed

Whoa I got to know, I got to know, I got to know
It is imperative that I receive an answer or clarification

Yay I got to know, I got to know, I got to know
I'm excited to discover an answer or solution

Ooh I got to know, I got to know, I got to know
I'm eager to gain knowledge or understanding

You communicate with silence
You convey your message without talking

You expect me to understand
You anticipate that I will comprehend your nonverbal communication

You can make me a happy man
You have the power to bring joy and contentment into my life

While I'm waitin' for your answer
As I am patiently anticipating your response

I'm sleepin' in my shoes
I am restless and anxious, causing me to sleep poorly

'Cause I wanna go spread the news
Because I am eager to share the outcome with others

So if you think ya need me
If you believe that you require my assistance

Just give me a little call
Simply give me a quick phone call

What's on your mind, what's on it
What are you thinking or feeling? Please tell me

But I'm tired of all this waitin'
However, I am becoming fatigued from waiting so long

You sweet-talk me to death
You excessively flatter or compliment me to the point of annoyance

So I better not hold my breath
Therefore, it would be unwise for me to expect a quick or positive outcome

Contributed by Hudson T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Comments from YouTube:

Pazzo in Venezia

10y↑22

"I Got To Know" is Starbuck at their cool best. I still listen to this song almost daily. Great memories, and then came Everybody Be Dancin'...and we did.

Ellis Feaster

2y↑4

For about 45 years, this tune has been stuck in my head, or at least the "I've got to know" part, but it just didn't get enough radio airplay for me to ever find out who recorded the song. After all these years, I just found out on your channel it was Starbuck! Now I can finally put this musical mystery to rest! Thanks.

Supreme Ali

cool

Supreme Ali

i still remember when they played on American Bandstand in 1976

Ookpickable

10y↑7

I remember this song well. It must have been more popular on the easy listening station my parents listened to than just a #43 hit, as it was quite popular back in the day. Thanks for posting!

Rolbin Gutierrez

6y↑2

Hermosa canción ....bellos recuerdos de mi juventud.......

Janet O'Connor

10y↑23

I also remembered this flip side being played on one of our major AM radio stations but that was back in the middle seventies. I never thought I would ever hear it again.

Ken Rutherford

2y↑1

I've never heard this song on the radio or even "Lucky Man" FTM. The only Starbuck song I've ever heard on the radio was "Moonlight Feels Right"

pgh45rpms

13y↑7

Three Starbuck bandmembers -- Bruce Blackman, Bo Wagner (the marimba player) & Johnny Walker -- were part of Eternity's Children, who had chart success in 1968 with "Mrs. Bluebird".

William Adornetto

Great song Mike! Loved it the first time I heard it and still sounds good in 2022. It may not have charted as high, but is still another great song by Starbuck anyway!!

ManningAvenger

5y↑6

I remember watching Starbuck on American Bandstand. This was the second song they performed. Only time I ever heard it, but it was sure great. Thanks for sharing.

Edwin Romero

I love this song ❤️ thanks for sharing... great memories

bs27v1b

7y↑14

Bruce Blackman is still making great music. Check out "is that your yacht". Modern smooth with an emphasis on smooth, and still with a vintage sound. The whole album is great.

cnnw3929

Looked up that song on Google. It definitely has class, compared to other recent songs. Hope he'll be around for at least as long as I walk the earth!

tyroned532

12y↑3

this song was awesome right in the middle of the disco era, and NO ON has ever play a Xylophone like that! GREAT memories...

David Richter

2y↑1

Maybe Peter Appleyard.

tyroned532

@David Richter not even close

David Richter

2y↑1

I admit Bo Wagner is good, not saying he isn't, but to me Appleyard is just that much better.
Hey, that's just my opinion but I believe that Peter's playing speaks for itself.
I plan to enjoy both players music.

tyroned532

@David Richter theres room for everyone!

David Richter

2y↑1

So true Tyrone,so true.
Now, I'm off to listen to Moonlight Feels Right again.
Love these tunes.
Take care now.

butch sunny

4y↑1

love it

Anthony Davis

5y↑9

When songs told a story. Rupert Holmes and Starbuck were great.

chuckcollins

13y↑9

Thanks again for digging up my childhood. I have not heard this in 30 years. I wonder if Carole Bayer Sager heard this tune. Her song, "You're Moving Out Today" came out the very next year and the tempo is reminiscent of "I've Got To Know".

Ilona Bruinen

Fabulous song 👍👏!

Robert P. Wainman

4y↑12

Just heard 'moonlight' on BBC today and decided to look up Starbucks other songs - like your presentation!

MusicMike's "Flashback Favorites" and KVKVI Radio

4y↑2

Thank you!

Mike 213

4y↑1

@MusicMike's "Flashback Favorites" and KVKVI Radio Great find! 👏

Michael Morgan

2y↑1

I had the album on 8 track in the 70s and 80s, I loved it. Drop a Little Rock and Lash LaRue were a couple more favorites of mine

Terry Cormican

One of my favorites of all time hope you're still doing well Bruce and all the boys God bless

jason gordon

4y↑2

Music Mike makes everything sound great! My all time Fav by Starbuck thanks!

MusicMike's "Flashback Favorites" and KVKVI Radio

Thank you.

Larry Welch

Love this

Ken Rutherford

The xylophone was also heard in "Moonlight Feels Right," and the chimes in that song were also heard in "Lucky Man"

patriciobsas278

4y↑1

I just discovered your channel. Great material and presentations. THANK YOU. Regards from Argentina.

Tony S

12y↑3

I would like to see some unknown band go on "America's got Talent" and try to pull this song off with a terrific xylophone player like this guy. Good Luck!

Bob NIZNIK

5y↑1

Thanks for posting, MusicMike!!!!! Enjoy your site!!!!! Yes, not nearly as good as "Moonlight Feels Right", but IMO, very close. Both are excellent songs!!!

Musicscope

13y

You stumped me on this Mike, charted at 43, my graduation year 1976, thanks for the dig up man!

Marty Emmons

49w

I just listened to "I Got To Know" today (5/18/2023).
After all these years I'm finally getting time to catch up on some smooth songs.

Sean Perkins

This song slaps so hard.

JRobert111111

12y↑3

Cool song!

Tom Barnes

12y↑6

I rememeber seeing Starbuck playing on American bandstand and loved them and still do. ty

Bruce Blackman

7y↑2

Thanks, Tom. Come see us at MoonlightFeelsRight.com

Leroy Burton

7y↑3

Bruce Blackman I

duckman6819

I used to play this all the time classic

david hess

13y

never heard this one. i like th elead vocals voice.sounds great. nice song. thanks for posting

Mel Bird

Just heard this on the intro to an episode of the second series of Homecoming. I hadn't heard it for about 40 years.

Brad Lyman

I am surprised to hear that this song is about as good as "Moonlight Feels Right". Back in 1976, it was seen as a mistake. This single lost Starbuck's momentum. Billboard wrote that the 3rd single "Lucky Man" would have been a better choice.

Karl Fortuin

2y↑1

Endless masterpiece of music who's listening in 2022 ✌🎙🎹

David Richter

2y↑1

Here.

AtsfMike559

12y↑1

Hi there Mike, Is this album available on CD, and where might I look for it? Thank you for the beautiful memories of better times. Mike in Fresno, Ca.

José Blanco

6y↑2

Muchas gracias saludos desde Chile 😄

Ben Kechiouche

4y↑1

this is way better than moonlight feels right.

Julie Zuver

4y↑1

Like this better than Moonlight Feels Right. They used this song on the series Homecoming recently.

Dancing Spiderman

11y↑4

Hey Music Mike, I wish I had a voice and presentation like you.... I'd use "the voice" everywhere. People would look around, behind their shoulders, trying to find the movie cameras. I guy could have fun hanging around Red Robin...

vanintexas

13y↑1

Great add! Been looking for this!

Lea Merrill

I’m still in love with Bruce....
❤️

Almighty Shux

goddamn it mike, I always just want to hear the song, but it's always great to see you, buddy. cheers for all the hard work, now sthu and play the damn song! :P

MusicMike's "Flashback Favorites" and KVKVI Radio

6y↑2

Drat....double drat.

Smiley smile fan

3y↑1

I was going to search one of your videos , but I couldn’t remember the name of the channel so I just spent all night till now (23:47 pm) searching it and I finally found it , I was really scared that the channel was no longer in YouTube , but I found it

MusicMike's "Flashback Favorites" and KVKVI Radio

Glad ya found us. We are still here...although we have been in Youtube jail a few times. Ba-ha-ha! You may also enjoy my internet radio station featuring all the songs hear on my Youtube channel. Go to kvkvi.com

Smiley smile fan

Nice, I’ll listen the program ,sounds really interesting

hippyable

13y↑1

@redlabs I've been looking for this all over God's creation. Thank God for Youtube!!

Ken Rutherford

My personal favorite is "Lucky Man"

Michael Morgan

I'm reminded of the guy laying in the street in the first Dirty Harry movie, where he says the "you gotta ask yourself this one question.... Do you feel lucky?" And the bank robber in the street says: "I just got to know!"

Steve Hendrix

8y↑8

That's Bo Wagner on marimba he is still playing those hot solo's today he does not look like 69!

Richard Bowley

5y↑1

Sadly, Bo Wagner is not with us anymore. 😥

Chas S

11y↑3

" Everybody Be Dancin'" did slightly better than this one, but IMO was not as good as this was. I bought the LP in 1976 and the single of "EBD". It was #38 in 1977.

Supreme Ali

I still remember whe n they played on American Bandstand in 1976

MusicMike's "Flashback Favorites" and KVKVI Radio

12y↑1

Looks like Best Buy has it. Just search for it in the music section at Best Buy on line.

Davan Mani

Sounds a bit like the Jackson’s “Show You the Way To Go.”

Michael Morgan

Sounds like Bruce was in search of important data. "He just Got to Know"

Michael Morgan

Like Joe Friday used to say: "Just the facts, if you would, please".

vdelrio999

5y↑1

Does anyone recall a 70s song, possibly by Starbuck or similar, with the lyric "Back in 1967 (or 57)...". Not having any luck with Lyrics site.

Bruce Blackman

7y↑1

Available Here: http://moonlightfeelsright.com/

shaughnessy Moore

9y↑3

NICE

Colin Sanders

9y↑4

entered Cashbox Aug 28, 1976 ..follow up to "Moonlight, feels right"

grassfed

11y

I sampled the little breakdown and xylophone soundcloud dat com/cycle-ogic/itnahsa

Big K K

Bruce was a little infatuated with young women and maybe looked down on women a bit from his lyrics. Pretty horny dude too it sounds like. 70’s were a different time not sure some of his lyrics would fly now lol. Still love the music though

MusicMike's "Flashback Favorites" and KVKVI Radio

Big KK, I read nothing in the lyrics that points to infatuation with young woman or even a hint of looking down on females. A horny dude? It's a love song! The lyrics of Moonlight Feels Right are refreshing and would be enjoyable to hear something similar to them in a song today. You are greatly over analyzing things. Loosen up.

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