You Don't Know
The 13th Floor Elevators Lyrics
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There you are again,
Standing down below me,
I honestly believe that there is something,
You could show me
While deep within your mind is what,
You give to even know me
You don't know,
You don't know how young you are
Her eyes are filled with coral snakes
And liquid plastic castles,
Her daily life revolves,
Around a thousand petty hassles,
Twenty dogs and windowpanes,
And papered silver tassels
You don't know
You don't know
You don't know how young you are
If I knew whats right for you,
You would not be without it
And if I knew the truth for you,
I'd surely stand and shout it,
There's better things that you could be,
There is no doubt about it
And you don't know,
You don't know
You don't know how young you are
You don't know, You don't know
How young you are now
You don't know
How young you are now
You don't know
How young you are now
You don't know
How young you are now
You don't know
How young you are now
You don't know
How young you are now
You don't know
You don't know
You don't know
The lyrics to The 13th Floor Elevators' song "You Don't Know" are open to interpretation. It appears to be a message from the singer to someone who is younger and less experienced. He sees potential in this person and wants them to realize their worth. The repetition of "You don't know how young you are" emphasizes that the person being addressed has not yet developed an understanding of themselves and their potential. The singer believes that if this person could realize their potential, they would be able to show him something new.
The second verse describes the person being addressed as someone who is consumed by petty problems and material possessions. The line "her eyes are filled with coral snakes and liquid plastic castles" is particularly strange and difficult to interpret, but it seems to be emphasizing that this person is lost in a world of artificiality. The singer believes that this person could be doing better, living a more meaningful life, if they could just see their true potential.
The final verse is the singer's declaration that he knows what is best for this person, if only he could get them to listen. He wants to shout the truth from the rooftops, so that this person can see the better life that is available to them. The repetition of "You don't know" emphasizes that this person is unaware of their own potential, and that the singer is frustrated by this lack of understanding.
Overall, "You Don't Know" could be interpreted as a song of encouragement, urging the listener to recognize their own worth and potential. The strange and surreal imagery used in the lyrics emphasizes the idea that this person is lost in a world of artificiality, and that they could be doing better if they could just see the truth.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey!
The beginning of the song and a call for attention.
There you are again, Standing down below me, I honestly believe that there is something, You could show me
Addressing someone, the singer believes the other person has something to offer.
While deep within your mind is what, You give to even know me, While you don't know, You don't know, You don't know how young you are
The other person's thoughts and feelings are concealed, and they may not realize their own youth and inexperience.
Her eyes are filled with coral snakes, And liquid plastic castles, Her daily life revolves, Around a thousand petty hassles, Twenty dogs and windowpanes, And papered silver tassels
Describing a person who is burdened with trivial problems or distractions, living in a world of fantasy and material possessions.
If I knew whats right for you, You would not be without it, And if I knew the truth for you, I'd surely stand and shout it, There's better things that you could be, There is no doubt about it
The artist wants to help the other person, giving advice and encouraging them to strive for better things.
You don't know, You don't know, You don't know how young you are
Repeating the idea that the other person may not fully understand their own inexperience.
You don't know, You don't know, How young you are now
Reinforcing the notion that youth is fleeting and the other person should take advantage of it.
You don't know, How young you are now
The ultimate message of the song, urging the listener to embrace their youth before it's gone.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, NORTH MUSIC GROUP
Written by: R P ST JOHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind