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Introduction
“You Don’t Know Me,” a timeless ballad that resonates with unexpressed affection and the quiet ache of unspoken feelings, holds a significant place in the landscape of American popular music. Though famously interpreted by numerous artists across genres, the song’s origin lies in the collaborative genius of country music icon Eddy Arnold and the prolific songwriter Cindy Walker.
The initial spark for “You Don’t Know Me” ignited at a disc jockey convention in Nashville in 1955. As Cindy Walker was departing, Eddy Arnold shared a poignant idea with her: the story of a man deeply in love with someone who sees him only as a friend, unaware of the depth of his emotions. Walker, a celebrated songwriter known for her ability to craft heartfelt lyrics and melodies, took Arnold’s concept and transformed it into the enduring song we recognize today.
Released as a single by Eddy Arnold in April 1956 on RCA Victor, “You Don’t Know Me” began its journey into the hearts of listeners. However, it was Jerry Vale’s rendition later that same year that first charted on the Billboard pop charts, reaching number 14. Arnold’s own recording also found success, climbing to number 10 on the Billboard country chart. This marked the beginning of the song’s remarkable life, one that would see it embraced and reinterpreted by countless artists, each bringing their unique sensibility to its poignant narrative. Willie Nelson’s later interpretations, particularly his 2006 album “You Don’t Know Me: The Songs of Cindy Walker,” further cemented the song’s status as a classic, honoring the legacy of its co-creator.
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Lyrics
You don’t know me
You give your hand to me and then you say hello
And I can hardly speak, my heart is beating so
And anyone could tell, you think you know me well
But you don’t know me
No, you don’t know the one who dreams of you at night
And longs to kiss your lips and longs to hold you tight
To you I’m just a friend, that’s all I have ever been
But you don’t know me, you don’t know me
For I never knew the art of making love
Though my heart ached with love for you
Afraid and shy, I let my chance go by
The chance you might have loved me too
You give your hand to me and then you say goodbye
I watch you walk away beside the lucky guy
To never, never know the one who loves you so
No, you don’t know me
For I never knew the art of making love
Though my heart ached with love for you
Afraid and shy, I let my chance go by
The chance you might have loved me too
You give your hand to me and then you say goodbye
I watch you walk away beside the lucky guy
To never, never know the one who loves you so
No, you don’t know me
You don’t know me…