I Should Have Known Better
The Beach Boys Lyrics

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I should have known better with a girl like you,
That I would love everything that you do; and I do,
Hey, hey, hey, and I do.

Whoa, oh, I never realized what a kiss could be,
This could only happen to me
Can't you see, can't you see

That when I tell you that I love you, oh,
You're gonna say you love me too,
Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, oh

And when I ask you to be mine,

You're gonna say you love me too.
You love me too, you love me too.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Beach Boys' song "I Should Have Known Better" depict a feeling of falling in love with someone who the singer knows they should have avoided. The opening line "I should have known better with a girl like you" sets the tone for the entire song, as the singer acknowledges the brewing trouble with their love interest. Despite their better judgment, they find themselves enamored with everything that the girl does, and they cannot help but love her.

The second verse further highlights this love, as the singer talks about their newfound understanding of what a kiss can mean. They acknowledge that this could only happen to them and nobody else, driving home the idea that they are falling completely and helplessly in love. The chorus is the highlight of the song, as the singer admits that they will tell the girl they love her and that she will say it back. The last line is repeated twice for emphasis, providing a calming conclusion to the song.

Overall, the lyrics to "I Should Have Known Better" are simple yet effective, offering a relatable experience to anyone who has found themselves in a similar situation. The Beach Boys' use of harmony and upbeat music only serves to further their message of embracing love even when it seems like a mistake.

Line by Line Meaning

I should have known better with a girl like you,
I should have been aware of the potential consequences of falling for someone like you, who would inevitably make me adore everything you do

That I would love everything that you do; and I do,
As expected, I find myself loving everything you do, just as I predicted

Hey, hey, hey, and I do.
I cannot emphasize enough how much I love everything you do

Whoa, oh, I never realized what a kiss could be,
I never knew the true magic and power behind a simple kiss such as the one we shared

This could only happen to me Can't you see, can't you see
I feel blessed to have experienced something so special, but can't you understand that this only happens to someone like me?

That when I tell you that I love you, oh,
When I confess my deepest feelings for you and express my love, oh

You're gonna say you love me too,
I am confident that you reciprocate my love and will confess your love for me as well

Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, oh
My excitement and anticipation for your response are indescribable

And when I ask you to be mine,
Once I request that you become my significant other

You're gonna say you love me too. You love me too, you love me too.
I just know that you will respond with love and affection, agreeing to be with me and cementing our bond forever

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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