Music Review: Berlin "You Don't Know"
Berlin
from 
JoeUser Forums
JoeUser Forums
You Don’t Know
Album: Count To Three And Pray
Year: 1986
Terri Nunn is frustrated by her boyfriend’s lack of identity in the resolute “You Don’t Know.”
A peaceful shakuhanchi opens the single, setting an intial tone of realization. However, it leads to murmuring drum, creating a resentful atmosphere. In the first verse, she says her boyfriend grips her hand tightly, fearing to go any farther without her. She inquires if he would be able to make it home without her to give him directions. She thinks he is not aware of his co-dependence.
In the chorus, she says he knows he can be alone, he just won’t do it. She tells him it’s possible for him to carve out his own personality. He brushes it off, saying she’s being too hard on him. However, she informs him that he’s lost and fully capable of shaping his own life.
In the second verse, she says he can’t deal with being himself and has to have her validate him. He thinks of her as someone he needs in his life. He’s nothing without her to guide him.
In the chorus, she says he’s own person and can love as wholly as anyone else.
In the bridge, the shakumhanchi sparks and smokes as the drums snivel with every tap. She says he cannot think for himself and she can’t figure out what he has to gain by it.
The chorus and second chorus are sung again.
Without an accompiant, Nunn wonders if he will ever get it.
At first, Nunn thought his attention to her was touching and protective. But two years later, she has become responsible for his happiness and sense of belonging in the world. He has changed to like the exact things she does. He will agree with everything she says to please her. Her idolization of her is something she intended. It’s caused her to rethink the relationship and him.
She can’t hide her exasperation, chopping her words with a sharp knife of her insistent, discerning vocals.
The quiet weariness in the arrangment simmers, careful not to harm or cause an argument.
The compelling “You Don’t Know” takes a raw, hard-edged turn and succeeds.
Album: Count To Three And Pray
Year: 1986
Terri Nunn is frustrated by her boyfriend’s lack of identity in the resolute “You Don’t Know.”
A peaceful shakuhanchi opens the single, setting an intial tone of realization. However, it leads to murmuring drum, creating a resentful atmosphere. In the first verse, she says her boyfriend grips her hand tightly, fearing to go any farther without her. She inquires if he would be able to make it home without her to give him directions. She thinks he is not aware of his co-dependence.
“We cross the street/You hold my hand/Afraid to let go/And if I walked away/And left you there/Would you know why.”
In the chorus, she says he knows he can be alone, he just won’t do it. She tells him it’s possible for him to carve out his own personality. He brushes it off, saying she’s being too hard on him. However, she informs him that he’s lost and fully capable of shaping his own life.
“You are the answer now/You don't know/You can be everything/You don't know/You won't believe it now/You don't know anymore/You are the reason and the rhyme.”
In the second verse, she says he can’t deal with being himself and has to have her validate him. He thinks of her as someone he needs in his life. He’s nothing without her to guide him.
“We walk into your room/A mirror's caught your reflection/You walk away and call to me/To fill in the frame.”
In the chorus, she says he’s own person and can love as wholly as anyone else.
“You are the only one/You don't know/
You are the fire of love/You don't know/You can believe it now/You don't know anymore/You are the reason and the rhyme.”
In the bridge, the shakumhanchi sparks and smokes as the drums snivel with every tap. She says he cannot think for himself and she can’t figure out what he has to gain by it.
“I walk this road/You follow me/I don't know why.”
The chorus and second chorus are sung again.
Without an accompiant, Nunn wonders if he will ever get it.
“And if I walked away/And left you there/Would you know why?”
At first, Nunn thought his attention to her was touching and protective. But two years later, she has become responsible for his happiness and sense of belonging in the world. He has changed to like the exact things she does. He will agree with everything she says to please her. Her idolization of her is something she intended. It’s caused her to rethink the relationship and him.
She can’t hide her exasperation, chopping her words with a sharp knife of her insistent, discerning vocals.
The quiet weariness in the arrangment simmers, careful not to harm or cause an argument.
The compelling “You Don’t Know” takes a raw, hard-edged turn and succeeds.