Elvis Presley – I really don’t want to know – 1971

About The Song

I Really Don’t Want to Know by Elvis Presley: A Heartbreak Ballad of Self-Preservation

In the realm of rock and roll, Elvis Presley stands as an enduring icon, a figure whose influence continues to reverberate across generations. His music, a fusion of rhythm and blues, country, and gospel, captivated audiences worldwide, and his charismatic stage presence solidified his status as the King of Rock and Roll. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “I Really Don’t Want to Know” stands out as a poignant ballad that delves into the depths of heartbreak and self-preservation.

Released in 1971, “I Really Don’t Want to Know” marked a departure from Presley’s earlier, more upbeat style. The song’s somber tone and introspective lyrics reflected a maturing artist grappling with the complexities of love and loss. The opening lines, “Oh, how many arms have held you, and hated to let you go,” paint a vivid picture of a love that has endured through multiple partners, hinting at the protagonist’s own emotional turmoil.

As the song progresses, the protagonist’s vulnerability deepens. He yearns to remain blissfully unaware of his lover’s past relationships, seeking solace in ignorance rather than confronting the pain of potential infidelity. The repeated refrain, “I really don’t want to know,” serves as a desperate plea for self-protection, a poignant expression of the lengths one might go to shield their heart from further heartbreak.

Presley’s vocal delivery throughout the song is nothing short of masterful. His voice, imbued with a blend of raw emotion and restrained intensity, perfectly captures the protagonist’s inner turmoil. The subtle quaver in his voice during the line, “Oh, how many lips have kissed you, I wonder,” conveys the depth of his emotional anguish, while the controlled power behind the chorus reinforces his determination to remain in the dark.

“I Really Don’t Want to Know” is a testament to Presley’s ability to connect with his audience on an emotional level. The song’s exploration of heartbreak and self-preservation resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced similar pain, offering solace and understanding in the face of emotional turmoil. Presley’s masterful vocals and the song’s poignant lyrics have solidified its place as a timeless classic, a ballad that continues to touch the hearts of listeners across generations.

Video

Lyrics

Oh how many arms have held you
And hated to let you go
How many, oh how many, I wonder
But I really don’t want, I don’t wanna know

Oh how many lips have kissed you
And set, set your soul aglow, yes they did
How many, oh how many, I wonder, yes I do
But I really don’t want to know

So always make, make me wonder
And always make, make me guess
And even, you know even if I ask you
Oh darling oh don’t you, don’t confess

Just let it, let it remain your secret
Oh for darling, darling I love you so
No wonder, yeah no wonder, I wonder
Mmm, ’cause I really don’t want, I don’t wanna know