Couldn't I Just Tell You

Album: Something/Anything? (1972)
Charted: 93
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • After Todd Rundgren had his big breakthrough hit with "I Saw The Light," his record company (Bearsville/Warner Bros.) decided "Couldn't I Just Tell You" should be the follow-up single. It bombed, so for the next single, they edited the LP version of "Hello It's Me" and released it, providing Rundgren with a Top 5 hit. "Couldn't I Just Tell You," while never a hit, became a huge FM staple and one of Todd's most influential recordings as a solo artist. Rundgren took a jab at the record company in the liner notes to the album, where he wrote of this song: "The hits just keep on coming." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jac - Goshen, KY

Comments: 4

  • Ric from Erskine, United KingdomYeah, Weavil. Most of Todd's genius flew below the radar of American musical minds... and into the statacaster-sphere as well!!!
  • Joe from Chicago, IlMaybe not #1, but still a tremendous song by an amazing rock legend.
  • Weavil from Wisconsin Rapids, Wione of THE best power pop riffs ever combined wi, full and lucious harmonies and a smokin'-hot lead guitar solo, this should have been a #1 hit but, like much of master Todd's work, it flew below the radar of America's minds.
  • Bill from St. Paul, MnIt's a mystery why this was never a hit. A great song. Love the rhythm guitar.
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.