How Can I Be Sure?

Album: Groovin' (1967)
Charted: 4
Play Video
  • How can I be sure
    In a world that's constantly changin'?
    How can I be sure
    Where I stand with you?

    Whenever I
    Whenever I am away from you
    I wanna die
    'cause you know I wanna stay with you

    How do I know?
    Maybe you're trying to use me
    Flying too high can confuse me
    Touch me but don't take me down

    Whenever I
    Whenever I am away from you
    My alibi, is tellin' people I don't care for you
    Maybe I'm just hanging around
    With my head up, upside down
    It's a pity
    I can't seem to find someone
    Who's as pretty 'n' lovely as you

    How can I be sure
    I really, really, really, wanna kno-o-ow
    I really, really, really, wanna kno-o-ow

    (insturmental)

    How's the weather?
    Whether or not we're together
    Together, we'll see it much better
    I love you, I love you forever
    You know where I can be found

    How can I be sure
    In a world that's constantly changing?
    How can I be sure?
    I'll be sure with you. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 11

  • Lyriclover from NyThe lyric is, "How's the whether, whether or not we're together" It's a play on words, but still literally makes sense, as in, is there a "we," are we together or not?

    Oh by the way, this melody and lyric is right up there with anything the Gershwin boys composed, which is why it is/should be considered part of the great American songbook.
  • Ryan Mcminn from Sequatchie TnLove the young rascals am 4o born in 81 rather listen to
    This then anything new
  • Dave Bush from Aston PaThis song has a magical effect on me. It takes me back to late summer 1967. I was 12 about to turn 13. When I hear it I can feel the warm days of summer about to end. What a great time of life.
  • Jim Lill from Rochester, New YorkIt's a wonderful song... The use of the concertina was to give a French Cafe feel. It has been erroneously stated to be an accordion.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn December 29th 1968, Lainie Kazan* performed "How Can I Be Sure?" on the CBS-TV program 'The Ed Sullivan Show'...
    Just over one year earlier on September 3rd, 1967 the Young Rascals' original version of the song entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #80, and six weeks later on October 15th, 1967 it peaked at #4 {for 2 weeks} and spent 11 weeks on the Top 100...
    And on October 22nd, 1967 it reached #1 {for 1 week} on the Canadian RPM 100 Singles chart; it was the groups' third straight #1 on the Canadian chart, it followed "Groovin'" and 'A Girl Like You"...
    * Ms. Kazan never had a Top 100 record, but did release six albums and was Barbra Streisand's understudy in the 1964 Broadway production of 'Funny Girl'.
  • Camille from Toronto, OhI do love the instrumentation of the song...it reminds me of a french waltz...I envision a large city park filled with all manner of people, young and old, enjoying various activities while the singer strolls along, questioning if he's found true love.
  • Camille from Toronto, OhI so remember when this song was popular. I was only 9 years old at the time. Things in my family were changing, my mother was experiencing a deep depression. It was not something people discussed or knew much about back in 1967. But the whole tone of our household changed forever, and this is one of the songs that seemed to capture the sadness of that time for me, (even tho this is not necessarily a sad song).
  • Mrcleaveland from Cleveland,Fort Devens.
  • Mixermatt from Bloomington, MnShelby Lynne did a cover on this and it's not bad at all
  • Jesse from Madison, WiThis song demonstrates very well what is missing from music in the '00s, and the '90s really. That is SOUL! FEELING! EMOTION! The vocals in this song are fantastic! The instrumentation is astounding! Orchestral, not schwilly. Complex, not simple. I LOVE this song! Listen to those AWESOME vocals! Think heart and soul. Real emotion.
  • Michael from Chicago, IlI always thought this song was from a Broadway musical! It just didn't sound like the rest of the Rascals' work. I turn it up when it comes on the radio, though!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Todd Rundgren

Todd RundgrenSongwriter Interviews

Todd Rundgren explains why he avoids "Hello It's Me," and what it was like producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell album.

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.