Lyrics: Knowing Me Knowing You
No more carefree laughter Silence ever after Walking through an empty house, tears in my eyes Here is where the story ends, this is goodbye Knowing me, knowing you (ah-haa) There is nothing we can do Knowing me, knowing you (ah-haa) We just have to face it, this time we're through (This time we're through, this time we're through This time we're through, we're really through) Breaking up is never easy, I know but I have to go (I have to go this time I have to go, this time I know) Knowing me, knowing you It's the best I can do Mem'ries (mem'ries), good days (good days), bad days (bad days) They'll be (they'll be), with me (with me) always (always) In these old familiar rooms children would play Now there's only emptiness, nothing to say Knowing me, knowing you (ah-haa) There is nothing we can do Knowing me, knowing you (ah-haa) We just have to face it, this time we're through (This time we're through, this time we're through This time we're through, we're really through) Breaking up is never easy, I know but I have to go (I have to go this time I have to go, this time I know) Knowing me, knowing you It's the best I can do [repeat]
The End of an Era: Reflecting on Heartbreak
“Knowing Me Knowing You” by ABBA is a classic anthem of heartbreak, capturing the emotional journey of a breakup with remarkable honesty. The opening lines, “No more carefree laughter, Silence ever after,” instantly set a somber tone, hinting at the profound change that comes when a relationship ends. The song’s narrator walks through an empty house, filled with memories and sorrow, acknowledging that the story has reached its unavoidable conclusion.
Acceptance and Moving Forward
One of the most poignant aspects of the song is its theme of acceptance. The repeated refrain, “Knowing me, knowing you, there is nothing we can do,” underscores a sense of inevitability. The breakup isn’t due to anger or betrayal, but rather the recognition that the relationship has run its course. This mature perspective is both painful and liberating, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of moving on.
Memories That Linger
Throughout the lyrics, memories play a central role. The lines, “Mem’ries, good days, bad days, They’ll be with me always,” evoke a sense of nostalgia. Even as the narrator prepares to leave, the past remains vivid and significant. The reference to “old familiar rooms” now filled with “emptiness” beautifully captures how spaces once alive with love and laughter can become reminders of what was lost.
Emotional Honesty and Universal Appeal
What makes “Knowing Me Knowing You” so enduring is its emotional honesty. ABBA doesn’t shy away from the pain of separation, but also offers a sense of resilience. The acknowledgment that “breaking up is never easy” is coupled with the resolve to move forward, making the song relatable to anyone who has faced the end of a significant relationship.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson
Release Year: 1977
Label: Polar Music