Introduction:
By the early 1970s, Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, had already established himself as a global music icon. His electrifying performances and genre-bending hits had dominated the music scene throughout the 1950s and 1960s. However, as musical tastes began to shift, Elvis found himself navigating a changing landscape.
This period saw Elvis experimenting with a return to his roots – the world of country music. This wasn’t entirely new territory for him. Elvis’s early recordings and influences were heavily steeped in country and gospel sounds. “I Really Don’t Want To Know”, released in 1971, perfectly embodies this return.
The song, a melancholic ballad about the heartbreak of a crumbling relationship, showcased a more mature Elvis. Gone were the rebellious rock anthems of his early career. In their place, a deeper, more soulful Elvis emerged, his voice conveying a vulnerability and emotional range not often heard before.
“I Really Don’t Want To Know” wasn’t just a stylistic shift; it was also a commercial success. The song became the A-side of a single, with “There Goes My Everything” on the B-side. Produced by Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator with Elvis, the single reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This marked Elvis’s twelfth number one on that chart, solidifying his enduring appeal in the country music world.
The success of “I Really Don’t Want To Know” further cemented Elvis’s remarkable versatility. He could effortlessly transition between rock and roll, gospel, and country, captivating audiences with each genre. The song stands as a testament to his enduring legacy, showcasing not only his raw talent but also his ability to adapt and evolve throughout his career.
Video:
Lyrics:
Oh how many arms have held youAnd hated to let you goHow many, oh how many, I wonderBut I really don’t want, I don’t want to know
Oh how many lips have kissed youAnd set, set your soul aglow, yes they didHow many, oh how many, I wonder, yes I doBut I really don’t want to know
So always make, make me wonderAnd always make, make me guessAnd even, you know even if I ask youOh darling oh don’t you, don’t confess
Just let it, let it remain your secretOh for darling, darling I love you soNo wonder, yeah no wonder, I wonderMmm, cause I really don’t want, I don’t want to know