About the song
“Maybe I Know” is a timeless pop classic that has been delighting audiences for generations. Written by the legendary songwriting duo Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, and produced by the iconic Quincy Jones, this 1964 hit single is a masterclass in catchy songcraft and memorable melodies. Featured on Lesley Gore’s album “Girl Talk”, “Maybe I Know” is a prime example of the Brill Building Sound, a genre-defining style that emerged in the early 1960s and characterized by its blend of pop, rock, and doo-wop influences.
The song’s background is steeped in the rich musical heritage of New York City’s Brill Building, where some of the most influential songwriters and arrangers of the time, including Barry and Greenwich, worked together to create a string of hit songs. “Maybe I Know” is just one of many successful collaborations between Barry and Greenwich, who had previously scored hits with songs like “Be My Baby” and “Baby, I Love You” performed by The Ronettes, as well as “Then He Kissed Me” and “Da Doo Ron Ron” by The Crystals.
With its medium tempo and infectious dance beat, “Maybe I Know” was an instant hit upon its release in 1964, reaching #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charting in several other countries around the world. The song’s enduring popularity has led to numerous cover versions, including a 1972 single by The Seashells and a 1999 album track by They Might Be Giants. Today, “Maybe I Know” remains a beloved classic of the 1960s pop era, a testament to the timeless appeal of well-crafted songwriting and the Brill Building Sound.
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Maybe I know that he’s been a-cheatin’
Maybe I know that he’s been untrue
But what can I do?
I hear them whisperin’ when I walk by
“He’s gonna break her heart, and make her cry”
I know it’s me they’re talking about
I bet they all think I’ll never find out
Oh, but maybe I know that he’s been a-cheatin’
Maybe I know that he’s been untrue
But what can I do?
My friends are tellin’ me that he’s no good
He isn’t treating me the way he should
“He really loves me”, that’s all I can say
Before my tears fall, I just walk away
Oh, but maybe I know that he’s been a-cheatin’
Maybe I know that he’s been untrue
But what can I do? Woah-oh
Deep down inside he loves me
Though he may run around
Deep down inside he loves me
Someday he’ll settle down
Oh, maybe I know that he’s been a-cheatin’
Maybe I know that he’s been untrue
But what can I do?
“He really loves me”, that’s all I can say
Before my tears fall, I just walk away
Oh, maybe I know that he’s been a-cheatin’
Maybe I know that he’s been untrue
But what can I do?
Oh, maybe I know that he’s been a-cheatin’
Maybe I know that he’s been untrue
But what can I do?