About the song
“Don’t Know Much” is a timeless ballad penned by songwriting luminaries Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, and Tom Snow. Originally recorded by Barry Mann himself in 1980, the song gained modest success in the U.S. charts. However, it was Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville’s rendition in 1989 that catapulted “Don’t Know Much” to global fame and acclaim.
The song found its way to prominence when it was included on Linda Ronstadt’s platinum-selling album *Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind*. Produced by Peter Asher and Steve Tyrell, the track was released as a single in September 1989 under the Elektra label. Its emotionally resonant lyrics and the seamless vocal chemistry between Ronstadt and Neville struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
In the United States, “Don’t Know Much” soared to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and clinched the top spot on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart. It marked Linda Ronstadt’s tenth and final top-10 hit, eventually earning Gold certification with over 900,000 copies sold domestically. Internationally, the song also achieved remarkable success, reaching number one in Ireland, number two in the UK, and the top five in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
The critical reception was overwhelmingly positive. Billboard praised it as a “strong send-off” from the album, while Rolling Stone hailed it as “brilliant.” The song won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1990 and was nominated for Song of the Year.
The accompanying music video portrayed Ronstadt and Neville as a reflective middle-aged couple, adding a visual narrative to the song’s poignant lyrics. Backed by a stellar ensemble including Don Grolnick on piano, Michael Landau on guitars, and the Skywalker Symphony Orchestra, arranged by David Campbell, the song’s production matched its emotional depth with lush musical arrangements.
Overall, “Don’t Know Much” remains a testament to the enduring power of heartfelt songwriting and soulful vocal performance, continuing to resonate with listeners decades after its initial release.
Video
Lyrics
Look at this face, I know the years are showing
Look at this life, I still don’t know where it’s going
I don’t know much but I know I love you
And that may be all I need to know
Look at these eyes, they never see what matters
Look at these dreams, so beaten and so battered
I don’t know much but I know I love you
And that may be all I need to know
So many questions still left unanswered
So much I’ve never broken through
And when I feel you near me sometimes I see so clearly
The only truth I’ll ever know is me and you
Look at this man, so blessed with inspiration
Look at this soul, still searching for salvation
I don’t know much but I know I love you
And that may be all I need to know
I don’t know much but I know I love you
That may be all I need to know
I don’t know much but I know I love you
That may be all there is to know
Whoa-whoa-ah