About the song
“If You Don’t Know Me by Now” stands as a poignant testament to the enduring power of soul music, originally crafted by songwriting legends Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Initially intended for Labelle, the song found its home with Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, featuring the distinctive vocals of Teddy Pendergrass. Released in September 1972, it swiftly ascended the charts, topping the US R&B chart and reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a pivotal moment in the group’s career.
The song’s introspective lyrics, exploring themes of love, vulnerability, and personal acceptance, resonated deeply with audiences. Teddy Pendergrass’s emotive delivery, complemented by the soulful harmonies of producers Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Carl Helm, and Bunny Sigler, captured the essence of Philadelphia soul at its zenith. Included on their debut album “I Miss You,” the track not only defined the group’s sound but also became a cornerstone of the genre.
Over the years, “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” has been embraced by diverse artists seeking to reinterpret its timeless message. Patti LaBelle, recognizing its emotional depth, incorporated it into her live performances, further cementing its status as a soul classic.
However, it was the English pop and soul band Simply Red who propelled the song to renewed global acclaim with their 1989 rendition. Their soulful rendition topped charts worldwide, including a number one position on the Billboard Hot 100. This version’s success underscored the song’s universal appeal and enduring relevance, earning critical acclaim and accolades such as the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 1989.
Producer Stewart Levine’s decision to maintain simplicity in arrangement, opting for a two-part harmony, highlighted Mick Hucknall’s admiration for the original Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes version. This approach preserved the song’s emotional intensity while offering a fresh perspective that resonated with a new generation of listeners.
Critically acclaimed for its smooth delivery and emotional depth, “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” remains a timeless anthem of love and introspection. Its inclusion as one of the “Songs of the Century” by the Recording Industry Association of America solidifies its place in music history, affirming its enduring impact on soul and popular music alike. Through its evocative lyrics and soul-stirring melodies, the song continues to resonate, transcending decades and genres to captivate audiences worldwide.
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Lyrrics
If you don’t know me by now
You will never never never know me (oh)
All the things that we’ve been through
You should understand me like I understand you
Now baby I know the difference between right and wrong
I ain’t gonna do nothing to upset our happy home
Oh don’t get so excited when I come home a little late at night
‘Cause we only act like children when we argue fuss and fight
If you don’t know me by now (if you don’t know me)
You will never never never know me (you’ll never, never know me)
If you don’t know me by now(if you don’t, if you don’t know me baby)
You will never never never know me(No you won’t)
We’ve all got our own funny moods
I’ve got mine, woman you’ve got yours too
Just trust in me like I trust in you
As long as we’ve been together it should be so easy to do
Just get yourself together or we might as well say goodbye
What good is a love affair when you can’t see eye to eye, oh
If you don’t know me by now (if you don’t, if you don’t know me baby)
You will never never never know me (hey hey, hey hey, hey hey)
If you don’t know me by now (you will never never never know me)
You will never never never know me (oh)