I Don't Even Know Myself

Album: Who's Next (1971)
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  • There's nothing in the way I walk that can tell you where I'm going
    There's nothing in the words I speak that can betray anything I'm knowing
    Don't think about the way I dress, you can fit me on a labeled shelf
    Don't pretend that you know me, 'cause I don't even know myself
    Ooh, I don't know myself

    I don't mind if you try once in a while
    I don't mind if I cry once in a while
    The doors aren't shut as tight as they might seem
    I'm just trying to fight my way out of this dream

    Don't listen to the words I say, weighing up if I'm enlightened
    Don't shiver as you pass me by, 'cause mister, I'm the one who's frightened
    The police just came and left, they wanted me and no one else
    Don't pretend that you know me 'cause I don't even know myself
    Ooh, I don't know myself

    I don't mind if you try once in a while
    I don't mind if I cry once in a while
    The doors aren't shut as tight as they might seem
    And I'm just trying to fight my way out of this dream

    Don't pretend that you know me, 'cause I don't even know myself
    Ooh, I don't know myself

    Do you remember me, I don't remember you
    Do you still love me, you know I think you do
    I have been gone, and some prison warder knows my scream
    I'm just trying to fight my way out of this dream

    There's only five who know my real name
    And my mother don't believe they know it
    What she called me is the way I'm staying
    And no one'll ever know it
    Come on all of you big boys, come on all of you elves
    Don't pretend that you know me 'cause I don't even know myself
    Ooh, I said I don't know myself

    I don't mind if you try once in a while
    I don't mind if I cry once in a while Writer/s: Peter Dennis Blandfor Townshend
    Publisher: Spirit Music Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Leonard Anthony from Reno, NvChristmas comes early, I'm a Big Who fan! I didn't even know... After 50 years (+/-) I just found this song for the first time. Another great tune for the catalog.
  • Tony from UsaPeter was always so flippant about the songs he wrote. Stuff like this comes from the soul, not a reaction to some magazine articles.

    "There's only five who know my real name
    And my mother don't believe they know it
    What she called me is the way I'm staying
    And no one'll ever know it"

    Peter had rough time at home, it's reflected in much of his material if you dig deep enough. Quadrophenia chronicled his time as a teen when all these voices were forming in his head and as close as we will ever get to him. That's all true music is, someone's voice wanting to be heard. I always wonder why Peter always made light of his motivation to write many of his songs. By his own account he was a shy person, perhaps that's why he finds it so hard to admit this stuff comes straight from his gut. A fan since the days of the first pressing of this album. Saw the entire band live once before Keith passed away, many time since.
  • Paul from Cardiff, United Kingdomi would love to know more about this song - one of pete's best - and coupled with WGFA, probably the best single they ever released!
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