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Patti LaBelle - If Only You Knew (1983/84)

troubleman84

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If Only You Knew - Patti LaBelle

Released on October 28, 1983, it hit number-one on the R&B chart in the early months of 1984 and has since become a STONE SOUL CLASSIC.

Recorded by one of the greatest vocalists of all time.

If Only You Knew
(D. Wansel/C. Biggs/K. Gamble)

I must have rehearsed my lines
A thousand times
Until I had them memorized

But when I get up the nerve
To tell you the words
It just never seemed to come out right

Ooh, if only you knew
How much I do
Do love you

Ooh, if only you knew
How much I do
Do need you

I dream of moments we share
But you're not there
I'm living in a fantasy

'Cause you don't even suspect
Could probably care less
About the changes I've been going through

Ooh, if only you knew
How much I do
Do love you

Oh if only you knew
How much I do
Do need you

(Instrumental)

No you don't even suspect
Could probably care less
About the changes I've been going through

Oh if only you knew
How much I do
Do love you

Oh-h-h if only you knew
How much I do
Do need you

Oh, oh-h-h-h if... only you knew
How much I do...
Do love you

O-h-h-h! IF...only you knew
How much I do
I do need you

Ohhhhh, IF...
IF...
If you knew I love you, ohhhh...!

You don't know!
I said you don't know how much I need you, sugar!
(If only you knew)
Oh, oh
(How much I do)
I said you don't know
(Do love you)
That I love you and I'm so fond of you
(If only you knew)
I love you babe
(How much I do)
Said I...

---
I can relate. I've been in love with at least two or three or four classmates growing up but I never got up the nerve to tell them how I felt and when I tried to, I got egg in my face because as the song said "the words never came out right".
 
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Hey I found a rare treat!

Patti singing the song for the first time LIVE on "Soul Train" in 1984:



She looked so young (of course she was a month away from her 40th birthday here). :wub:

And I was amazed she performed this five days BEFORE I was born! :eek: :lol:
 
^lol:p Wow what a voice!
I enjoyed this vid, nice find and thanks for sharing!
smiley_hug.gif
 
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Thanks, y'all. ^_^

Here's some interesting facts about this song prior to Patti recording it:
Dexter Wansel originally wrote the instrumental to this brilliant song. He was part of the staff team of Philadelphia International Records. His lyrical songwriting partner Cynthia Biggs was requested to write the lyrics. When it came to some problem with the lyrics, Kenny Gamble insisted the title be "If Only You Knew".

Kenny gave the song to Patti, who had yet to score a solo hit following her departure from Labelle in 1976. She had released, I believe, six solo albums with little success on Epic Records despite some critical success. Kenny said he felt the key for Patti to get a HIT was her softer singing voice. Remember this is a woman who has always sung VERY LOUD and I guess he felt she should soften the gospel just a smudge. This was recorded in the summer of 1983. I think she had just left the Broadway play of "Your Arms Are Too Short to Box with God" after a bitter disagreement with Al Green. Patti sung the song in that rare refined style that she wasn't necessarily famous for.

Kenny turned out to be right:
The song not only became Patti's first number-one R&B hit, but it also became her first crossover pop hit reaching #46 (which is unique since NONE of Patti's songs post Labelle never made a dent on the Hot 100). It helped her I'm In Love Again album become her first to go GOLD and made her a solo star at last. The rest, as we say, is history.
 
Yea Jamal the words never come out on time even though your emotion is so strong. That's one of those moments that "makes you wanna holler~". I've been there too. In my case, two classmates:) in the entire school years from elementary to high school.

Patti is the real "diva". Her stage presense is truly charismatic. Not getting away from the topic, but I cried listening to one of her live versions of "You Are My Friend." I think I heard "If only you knew" once or twice but gotta listen again.
 
I do not know if anyone here has ever seen. There is a video on You Tube of Patti LaBelle singing "I Just Can not Stop Loving You" live. Amazing! It was perfect!

Here is the video. I hope you enjoy! :)

Patti LaBelle - I Just Can't Stop Loving You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPBgN7GeyCQ


P.S. I have not learned how to post videos! lol! Sorry!
 
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