Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes – If You Don’t Know Me By Now (1972)

About the song

Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes’ “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” stands as a testament to the enduring power of soul music. Released in 1972, this soulful ballad quickly captivated audiences with its heartfelt lyrics and Teddy Pendergrass’s emotive vocals. Penned by the legendary songwriting duo of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.

Initially intended for the trio Labelle, “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” found its perfect home with Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. The group’s harmonious blend of voices, coupled with Pendergrass’s soulful delivery, elevated the song to new heights. The track’s infectious rhythm and poignant lyrics resonated with audiences, propelling it to the top of the R&B charts and solidifying the group’s status as soul music icons.

Beyond its commercial success, “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” has left a lasting legacy. The song’s timeless message of love, loss, and resilience has resonated with generations of listeners. Its inclusion in the Recording Industry Association of America’s “Songs of the Century” is a testament to its enduring impact on popular music.

Video

Lyrics

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)