Could Have Told You So

Album: The Witness (1990)
Charted: 6 63
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was written by guitarist Ray St. John, who previously worked with Sade Adu under the assumed name of "Pride." St. John also co-wrote Sade's biggest hit, "Smooth Operator." After Pride disbanded, he teamed up with former Atomage and Two People keyboard player Neil Palmer (who also worked with popular singer Melanie) and vocalist Christian James.
  • The band's name Halo James was a spoof of the comic book character Halo Jones. Formed in 1987, their highly acclaimed debut album The Witness sold in excess of 100,000 copies all over Europe in 1989. The band were tipped as one of British rock music's greatest hopes for the 1990s, but this was their only hit and the band split up soon after. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Dave - Cardiff, Wales, for above 2

Comments: 4

  • Dave from Cardiff, WalesRob from London, Halo James trump Johnny Hates Jazz anytime! This one song was better than anything JHJ ever did! The two weren't even part of the same genre. Ray St. John remains active and songwriter, and has written hits for Gabrielle and Snoop Dogg, as well as becoming a renowned producer, songwriter and performer on the country & western and Christian rock music scenes
  • Dave from Cardiff, WalesBut for my money it's a top song regardless of genre! One of those songs that makes you think "Blimey! Who did that?" when it plays on nostalgia radio shows
  • Rob from London, EnglandIf you like this, try Johnny Hates Jazz from three years earlier...
  • Dave from Cardiff, WalesAt the time of release, many critics noted a similarity between this song and The Walker Brothers' version of "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore)". By coincidence, the two songs even share the same theme of lost love
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.