“You Don’t Know My Name” is a soulful and romantic song performed by Alicia Keys, released on November 18, 2003. The song is one of the hit tracks from Alicia Keys’ second studio album, “The Diary of Alicia Keys.” The song is known for its memorable lyrics and catchy melody that make it a fan favorite even after almost two decades.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Produced By | Alicia Keys & Kanye West |
| Written By | Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Harold Lilly, Ken Williams, Mel Kent & J.R. Bailey |
| Label | J Records |
| Recording Engineer | Tony Black & Ann Mincieli |
| Mixing Engineer | Manny Marroquin |
| Mastering Engineer | Herb Powers |
| Background Vocals | Alicia Keys, Harold Lilly & John Legend |
| Release Date | November 18, 2003 |
Lyrics message:
The lyrics of “You Don’t Know My Name” speak to the feelings of a woman who has fallen for a man to that she has never spoken to. The song is an ode to unrequited love and the frustration of being ignored by someone you are attracted to. The lyrics convey the longing of a woman who wants nothing more than to catch the attention of the man she desires.
You Don’t Know My Name lyrics
[Verse 1]
Baby, baby, baby
From the day I saw you
I really, really wanna catch your eye
There’s something special ’bout you
I must really like you
There’s not a lotta guys are worth my time
Ooh baby, baby, baby
It’s gettin’ kind of crazy
‘Cause you are takin’ over my mind
The first verse of the song speaks to the initial attraction that the woman feels towards the man. She describes him as someone who catches her eye and is worth her time. She is already infatuated with him, and his presence is taking over her mind.
[Chorus]
And it feels like, ooh
But you don’t know my name
And I swear, it feels like, ooh (Ooh, ooh, ooh)
But you don’t know my name
(‘Round and ’round and ’round we go, will you ever know?)
The chorus of the song is the most memorable and catchy part of the lyrics. It speaks to the frustration of the woman who feels like the man does not know her name, even though she is attracted to him. The repetition of the phrase “But you don’t know my name” emphasizes the feeling of being overlooked and ignored by someone you desire.
[Verse 2]
Oh, baby, baby, baby
I see us on our first date
You’re doin’ everything that makes me smile
And when we had our first kiss
It happened on a Thursday
Ooh, it set my soul on fire
Ooh, baby, baby, baby
I can’t wait for the first time
My imagination’s runnin’ wild
The second verse of the song speaks to the woman’s fantasies about being on a first date with the man she desires. She describes the things that he does that make her smile, and how their first kiss set her soul on fire. Her imagination is running wild, and she cannot wait for the opportunity to be with him.
[Chorus]
It feels like, ooh
But you don’t know my name
And I swear it, baby, it feels like, ooh (Ooh, ooh, ooh)
But you don’t know my name
(‘Round and ’round and ’round we go, will you ever know?)
[Bridge]
“I’m sayin’, he don’t even know what he’s doin’ to me
Got me feelin’ all crazy inside
I’m feelin like, “Oww!” (Ooh, ooh, ooh)
Doin’ more than I’ve ever done for anyone’s attention
Take notice of what’s in front of you
‘Cause did I mention? (Oww!)
You’re ’bout to miss a good thing
And you’ll never know how good it feels to have all of my affection
And you’ll never get a chance to experience my lovin’ (Oww!)
The bridge of the song is a spoken interlude where the woman decides to take matters into her own hands and call the man she desires. She introduces herself as the waitress from the coffee house where she sees him every Wednesday. She tells him that she thinks he is sweet and suggests that they should get together outside of the restaurant. The bridge highlights the woman’s bravery in taking a chance and trying to make a connection with the man she desires.
[Chorus]
‘Cause my lovin’ feels like, ooh
But you don’t know my name
(‘Round and ’round and ’round we go, will you ever know?)
And I swear it feels like, ooh (Ooh, ooh, ooh)
But you don’t know my name
(‘Round and ’round and ’round we go, will you ever know?)
[Post-Chorus]
Will you ever know it?
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Will you ever know it?
The post-chorus of the song is a simple repetition of the phrase “Will you ever know it?” It speaks to the uncertainty and frustration of not knowing if the man will ever take notice of the woman’s affections.
[Spoken Interlude]
“I’m gonna have to just go ahead and call this boy
Hello? Can I speak to — to Michael?
Oh hey, how you doin’?
Uh, I feel kinda silly doin’ this, but uhh…
This is the waitress from the coffee house on 39th and Lennox
You know, the one with the braids?
Yeah, well, I see you on Wednesdays all the time
You come in every Wednesday on your lunch break, I think
And you always order the special, with the hot chocolate
And my manager be tripping and stuff
Talking ’bout we gotta use water
But I always use some milk and cream for you
‘Cause I think you’re kinda sweet
Anyway, you always got on some fly blue suit
‘N your cuff links are shining all bright
So, whatchu do? Oh, word? Yeah, that’s interesting
Look, man, I mean, I don’t wanna waste your time, but…
I know girls don’t usually do this
But I was wondering if maybe we could get together
Outside the restaurant one day?
‘Cause I do look a lot different outside my work clothes
I mean, we could just go across the street to the park right here
Wait, hold up, my cell phone’s breakin’ up, hold up
Can you hear me now? Yeah
So, what day did you say?
Oh yeah, Thursday’s perfect, man”
[Chorus]
And it feels like, ooh
But you don’t know my name
(‘Round and ’round and ’round we go, will you ever know?)
Baby, baby, I swear, it’s like, ooh
But you don’t know my name, no, no, no
(‘Round and ’round and ’round we go, will you ever know?)
And it feels like, ooh
But you don’t know my name
(‘Round and ’round and ’round we go, will you ever know?)
[Outro]
And I swear on my mother and father it feels like…
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
But you don’t know my name
(‘Round and ’round and ’round we go, will you ever know?)
