The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
"I Don't Want to Know"
Hey!
I know where you live, yea
And I want to live there too
I drive buy almost everyday, its not even really on my way
When am I gonna get to see you?
It won't be misunderstood
It won't do you any good
Think I'm not the one you could
But I know that you would
I don't want to know if you don't want me, no
(Don't want me, no)
I don't want to know if you don't want me, no
Hey!
I have a shirt that belongs to you
And I use it to guess all the things you do
I already met your mom and dad
Said I'm the best one you never had
And I think you should really reconsider
It won't be misunderstood
It won't do you any good
Think I'm not the one you could
But I know that you would
I don't want to know if you don't want me, no
(Don't want me, no)
I don't want to know if you don't want me, no
I watched you through the window last night
And I thought I saw a girl in the candlelight
You think that's fair after all I've done?
Restraining orders one by one
And I sure hope that was your sister
I guess you misunderstood
Didn't do you any good
That you thought I never could
Now you know that I would
Now you know that I would
Now you know that I Would
I don't want to know if you don't want me, no
(Don't want me, no)
I don't want to know if you don't want me, no
Hey!
I know where you live, yea
And I want to live there too
I drive buy almost everyday, its not even really on my way
When am I gonna get to see you?
It won't be misunderstood
It won't do you any good
Think I'm not the one you could
But I know that you would
I don't want to know if you don't want me, no
(Don't want me, no)
I don't want to know if you don't want me, no
Hey!
I have a shirt that belongs to you
And I use it to guess all the things you do
I already met your mom and dad
Said I'm the best one you never had
And I think you should really reconsider
It won't be misunderstood
It won't do you any good
Think I'm not the one you could
But I know that you would
I don't want to know if you don't want me, no
(Don't want me, no)
I don't want to know if you don't want me, no
I watched you through the window last night
And I thought I saw a girl in the candlelight
You think that's fair after all I've done?
Restraining orders one by one
And I sure hope that was your sister
I guess you misunderstood
Didn't do you any good
That you thought I never could
Now you know that I would
Now you know that I would
Now you know that I Would
I don't want to know if you don't want me, no
(Don't want me, no)
I don't want to know if you don't want me, no
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
I Don't Want to Know (If You Don't Want Me) Lyrics as written by Nils Lofgren
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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