Never Know

Album: Never/Know (2025)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Never Know" is a love song born out of those moments when life decides to throw a little magic your way, like finding a tenner in an old coat pocket or meeting your future wife on a dating app.
  • The Kooks frontman Luke Pritchard did indeed meet his wife Ellie Rose, a singer-songwriter from London, through a dating app for creatively inclined people. They hit it off, and in July 2019, tied the knot.

    This song, the title track of the Never/Know album, is steeped in this spirit of spontaneous beauty. "It's a love song about a cute meet with someone unpredictable," Pritchard said. "I like the idea of it being played in a convertible on a road trip somewhere ridiculous. Because really, you never know."
  • "Never Know" opens with a gentle whistle and a mellow organ line and is surprisingly low-key for a band best known for jangly indie rock bangers.

    But beneath its breezy vibe, "Never Know" is also quietly profound. "You never know when you're going to meet the love of your life," Pritchard mused to NME, "but also when it's all going to end."

    Still, Pritchard insists, it's a hopeful song, a reminder to grab joy wherever you can find it.

    "It's that cliché, 'Smile, and the world smiles with you.' When I met my wife, honestly, I didn't think that was ever going to happen for me," he said. "All of a sudden, you're in a whole new universe, and the simple things are much more beautiful – that's the miracle of life. It doesn't mean it's not hard on the way, but it's about hope."
  • Pritchard co-wrote the song with Swedish songwriters Fredrik Häggstam and Elina Stridh. The latter also contributed background vocals.

    Fredrik Häggstam is a Stockholm-based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose credits include-writing and co-producing "Paris" by The Chainsmokers, which peaked #6 on the Hot 100. Häggstam also runs the publishing company BLNK Music.

    Elina Stridh, professionally known as Elina, is a Swedish singer. Before launching her solo career in 2018, she built a strong reputation as a songwriter, co-writing hits such as NEIKED's multi-platinum single "Sexual" and songs for Astrid S and Hilary Duff.
  • The Never/Know album was largely self-produced by Pritchard, with contributions from The Kooks' guitarist Hugh Harris.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."