I Know Him So Well

Album: Chess (1985)
Charted: 1
Play Video
  • Nothing it so good it lasts eternally.
    Perfect situations must go wrong.
    But this has never yet prevented me,
    Wanting far too much for far too long.

    Looking back, I could have played it differently,
    Learned about the man before I fell,
    But it took time to understand the man,
    Now at least I know I know him well.

    Wasn't it good
    (Oh so good)
    Wasn't it fine
    (Oh so fine)
    Isn't it madness
    He can't be mine.
    But in the end he needs a little bit more than me
    (More security)
    He needs his fantasies and freedom
    I know him so well.

    No one in your life is with you constantly
    No one is completely on your side,
    And though I move my world to be with him,
    Still the gap between him is too much.

    Looking back I could have played it differently,
    One or a few more who can tell,
    But I was ever so much younger then,
    Now at least I know I know him well.

    Wasn't it good
    (Oh so good)
    Wasn't it fine
    (Oh so fine)
    Isn't it madness
    He can't be mine.

    Didn't I know,
    How it would go from the start If I knew,
    Why am I falling apart.

    Wasn't it good
    Wasn't it fine
    Isn't it madness,
    He can't be mine.
    But in the end he needs a little bit more than me.
    (More security)
    He needs his fantasies and freedom.
    I know him so well.

    It took time to understand him.
    I know him so well Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 5

  • Chris Tutton from PorthmadogI can remember an orchestral version of this tune of almost indentical rythmn from the Autumn of 1954 when it was popular on the radio !
  • Robin Brown from Hadleigh.essex UkI have enjoyed this song for many years
  • Sara from Silver Spring, MdIn the musical this is sung by a Hungarian woman who is in love with a Russian (Soviet) chess master and the chess master's wife.
  • Sara from Silver Spring, MdSadly the song did not do to well in the US
    as it did in the US. Chess opened on Broadway
    with miscast actors and a terrible book and lasted only two months. The song was recorded by Barbra Streisand as well as Whitney and Cissy Houston. A recent concert version of the show starred Josh Groban and Julia Murney.
  • Dave from Cardiff, WalesOh blimey, I remember this was at number 1 for ages in the UK, seemingly 4eva...
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Harry Shearer

Harry ShearerSongwriter Interviews

Harry is Derek Smalls in Spinal Tap, Mark Shubb in The Folksmen, and Mr. Burns on The Simpsons.

Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root

Michael Glabicki of Rusted RootSongwriter Interviews

Michael tells the story of "Send Me On My Way," and explains why some of the words in the song don't have a literal meaning.