Johnny recorded as a member of the 1980's southern rock band The Johnny Van Zant Band which released albums in 1980, 1981 and 1982. The band shortened its name to Van Zant for the release of its fourth album in 1985, the eponymous Van Zant, which saw some chart success with "You've Got to Believe in Love" and "I'm a Fighter". However, this band was not the same as the current version of Van Zant and did not include brother Donnie.
Johnny released another album under his full name in 1990, but spent most of his time in that period singing for the Lynyrd Skynyrd reunion group. He joined up with Donnie, and they revived the Van Zant name to release an album in 1998, which led to a follow up album in 2001. They have also released two albums to the country music format: 2005's Get Right with the Man and 2007's My Kind of Country. Overall, the group has had two singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks charts (the prior incarnation of Van Zant also had two), and six on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
I Know My History
Van Zant Lyrics
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I was cuttin' her grass when she asked me in
Learned everything that I needed to learn
When I was sixteen, know what I mean
Whoo, oh, oh, grew up fast
Fin'lly found somethin' I was really good at
When it comes to love
I know what I'm talkin' about.
I know my history, but good lovin' gets me
It ain't no mystery, just kiss me: kiss me, baby
I never learned my lesson: I'm pretty good at guessin'
I been down that road a time or two or three
I know my history
Come a little closer, let me show you what it's all about
Oh, I know my history, baby.
You can second guess me all night long
Make yourself believe that it's all wrong
Sooner or later, girl
You're gonna see you can trust me
Once again there, whoo, ooh, ooh, step into school
Let me show you a thing or two
When it comes to love
I know what I'm talkin' about.
I know my history, but good lovin' gets me
It ain't no mystery, just kiss me: kiss me, baby
I never learned my lesson: I'm pretty good at guessin'
I been down that road a time or two or three
I know my history.
Don't worry 'bout tomorrow, come along girl
Got his own road on a right cool world
Take my hand, it's just you an' me
Tonight's the night we're makin' history.
I know my history, yeah, good lovin' gets me
It ain't no mystery, just kiss me, (kiss me)
Come a little closer, let me show you what it's all about
Let me show you, baby, what my love is really all about...
The song "I Know My History" by Van Zant talks about the experiences the singer had when he was young and how they have shaped him in his current state, particularly in matters of love. The opening lines mention how as a teenager, he had already mastered the art of cutting grass, and it was during one job that he was invited inside by a woman. This experience taught him everything he needed to know about love. He emphasizes that he grew up fast and eventually found something he was good at, which was loving a woman. He is confident in his abilities and knows what he's talking about when it comes to love.
The chorus mentions how he knows his history and how good loving gets him. He has been down that road and learned from his experiences, so there is no mystery in what he wants. He's not perfect but is good at guessing and has made mistakes, but these experiences have shaped him, and he knows the history of his journey.
The song encourages the woman to trust him and come closer, where he will show her how passionate he is about love. The final lines of the song emphasize his confidence in his abilities as he asks the woman to take his hand and make history together, implying that the experience will be memorable.
Overall, the song tells a story of a man who is confident in his ability to love, having learned what he needed to know to be a success. His experiences have been a significant part of his journey, shaping him into the man he is today.
Line by Line Meaning
I was a freckle-faced kid with a buck tooth grin.
As a child, I had a distinctive appearance with freckles and buck teeth.
I was cuttin' her grass when she asked me in.
While mowing her lawn, she invited me inside for a chat.
Learned everything that I needed to learn,
I gained all the knowledge I required.
When I was sixteen, know what I mean.
At age 16, I became self-sufficient and informed.
Whoo, ooh, ooh, grew up fast.
I matured quickly and became an adult at a young age.
Finally found somethin' I was really good at.
I discovered a talent that I excelled at.
When it comes to love,
I know what I'm talkin' about.
I am well-versed in matters of the heart and can speak from experience.
I know my history,
good lovin' gets me.
Based on past experiences, I understand what excellent love entails.
It ain't no mystery, just kiss me, kiss me, baby.
There is no secret. Simply kiss me, and you will know.
I never learned my lesson: I'm pretty good at guessin'.
Although I make the same errors repeatedly, I have a talent for anticipating outcomes.
I been down that road a time or two or three
I know my history.
I have extensive experience in this area, and I am aware of what to anticipate.
Come a little closer, let me show you what it's all about.
Please approach me, and I will demonstrate why I am so good at love.
You can second guess me all night long,
Make yourself believe that it's all wrong.
You can doubt me all you want, convincing yourself that what we have is incorrect.
Sooner or later, girl,
You're gonna see you can trust me.
Sooner or later, you will realize that I can be relied upon.
Want some candy,
whoo, ooh, ooh, step into school
Let me show you a thing or two
Let me teach you a few things, just as children desire candy, and teenagers yearn to learn.
Don't worry 'bout tomorrow, come along girl.
Daddy's on a roll gonna rock your world.
Do not worry about the future; I am prepared and will amaze you.
Take my hand, it's just you an' me.
Tonight's the night we're makin' history.
Let us join hands and create a moment that will be remembered forever.
A little, little, little history.
Whoo, ooh, ooh.
A small but significant period will be made tonight.
I know my history, yeah, good lovin' gets me.
Because of my previous experiences, I know what constitutes exceptional love.
Let me show you, baby, what my love is really all about.
Allow me to demonstrate what genuine affection looks like.
Lyrics © 3 RING CIRCUS MUSIC LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind