Originated from a surf rock group called the Crossfires, the Turtles delved into many genres such as breezy pop, psychedelic music, and folk rock. A precursor to the bubblegum pop of the late 60s and early 70s as well as a foil to the more self-consciously hip and "serious" acts of the era, the Turtles produced at least a dozen memorable, radio-friendly chart singles. Yet they remain best known for 1967's "Happy Together", which was their only chart-topping single.
The Turtles wound down their career in 1970.
The two prominent singers - Howard Kaylan ("Eddie") and Mark Volman ("Flo" a.k.a. "Phlorescent Leech") - collaborated with Frank Zappa for a short but very intensive period of one and a half years (between 1970-72) and were the cornerstone of what was known to be the Zappa "Vaudeville" band; two of the most famous achievements of that period being the albums Fillmore East – June 1971 and 200 Motels, the soundtrack of the film by the same name.
You Know What I Mean
The Turtles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know what I mean....
To be with you is something like a dream...
(You know what I mean)
And if you want me to,
I'll bring sunshine to you only.
You better stop, take a look,
If only you could see the dreams
That seem to mean so much to me,
Then you'd know the reason why
I would rather say "I do" than say
Goodbye and let you go forever!
Wouldn't we two be together?
Can't you see (Why can't you see?)
That I want you for me forever?
Wouldn't we two be together?
Do you know what I mean,
Can't you read in between the lines?
Sometimes I'm talkin,
And it doesn't seem too clear....
But if you have to know,
I'm in love with only.....
You know what I mean....
Do you know what I mean?
Do you know what I mean?
Do you know what I mean?
Do you know what I mean?
Do you know what I mean?
The Turtles' song "You Know What I Mean" is a soulful plea for love, featuring a straightforward yet emotional lyrical performance from lead vocalist Howard Kaylan. The song is a confessional, with the singer asking the object of his affection whether they should be together. The song is filled with beautiful and evocative imagery, with the singer comparing being with his lover to a dream and promising to "bring sunshine" to her. The song is essentially a love letter, with the singer pleading with the object of his affection to see what he sees and to understand how much he loves her.
Throughout the song, the singer implores his lover to take a chance on love and to be with him forever. He speaks of the dreams that he has about their future together, and how much those dreams mean to him. The song is essentially a plea to be with the one he loves, and the listener can't help but feel the depth of his emotions in every note. The lyrics are simple but meaningful, and the melody is hauntingly beautiful, making it an unforgettable classic.
Line by Line Meaning
Shouldn't we two be together?
I believe we should be in a relationship with each other.
You know what I mean....
I hope you understand what I'm saying.
To be with you is something like a dream...
Being with you feels like a wonderful dream.
(You know what I mean)
I hope you get what I'm saying.
And if you want me to,
If you desire, I will...
I'll bring sunshine to you only.
I'll make you happy and provide for you.
You better stop, take a look,
You need to pause and consider...
But, you know what I mean....
However, I hope you understand my intentions.
If only you could see the dreams
If you could visualize the aspirations...
That seem to mean so much to me,
That hold significant value to me...
Then you'd know the reason why
You would understand the justification for my feelings...
I would rather say "I do" than say
I prefer to commit to you than to...
Goodbye and let you go forever!
Leave you and never return!
Can't you see (Why can't you see?)
Can't you comprehend? (Why not?)
That I want you for me forever?
That I desire you to be with me indefinitely?
Do you know what I mean,
Do you comprehend what I'm saying?
Can't you read in between the lines?
Can't you understand my implication?
Sometimes I'm talkin,
Occasionally, I'm speaking...
And it doesn't seem too clear....
And it may not be evident what I'm conveying.
But if you have to know,
But if you must be informed...
I'm in love with only.....
I'm exclusively in love with...
You know what I mean....
I hope you understand what I'm saying.
Do you know what I mean?
Do you comprehend what I'm saying?
Do you know what I mean?
Do you comprehend what I'm saying?
Do you know what I mean?
Do you comprehend what I'm saying?
Do you know what I mean?
Do you comprehend what I'm saying?
Do you know what I mean?
Do you comprehend what I'm saying?
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Spyder Logan
One of the greatest examples of the perfect pop song: Lyrics, melody, chord progression, harmonies, arrangement and recording. A true '60s California production classic.
Doug Celeste
@blackmore4 You got that right! I have seen Howard and Mark in concert twice and really enjoyed their performances, though they did not sing the rarer songs that you and I mentioned which was not too surprising.
blackmore4
@Doug Celeste Absolutely. All brilliant tracks.
Doug Celeste
@blackmore4 I will add "Is It Any Wonder?," "So Goes Love," "Can I Get To Know You Better?" and "Me About You" to your list.
Kalvin J
I literally just said the exact same thing the other day. Epitome of what a pop song is
J F
@fshoaps Most of The Beatles songs are perfect pop songs.
Roxanne Moore
When singers could sing live as good as the record.
Jorge Farah
@Brock Reynolds Just to be clear, this harmony part is on the record, but on the third verse (not the second)
T800 model 101
@erestube yah but name one
T800 model 101
Yeah 😂😂😂