Elvis Presley – I Really Don’t Want To Know (1970)

Introduction:

In 1970, the undeniable King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, delivered a soulful rendition of a country standard, “I Really Don’t Want To Know”. This single, released towards the end of a prolific year for Presley, showcased his enduring versatility and his ability to breathe new life into established songs.

Originally recorded by country music legend Eddy Arnold in 1942, “I Really Don’t Want To Know” was a composition by Don Robertson. The song tells the story of a heartbroken man pleading with a friend not to reveal the details of his former lover’s new life. This theme of denial and emotional vulnerability resonated with audiences, and Arnold’s version became a hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

Nearly three decades later, Elvis Presley took on the song at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville. The recording session, overseen by producer Bob Ferguson, featured Presley alongside a stellar group of musicians, including guitarists James Burton and Chip Young, bassist Norbert Putnam, drummer Jerry Carrigan, and pianist David Briggs. Elvis’s own soulful guitar work is also credited on the track.

Presley’s version of “I Really Don’t Want To Know” leans more towards pop and soul than the original country ballad. The tempo is picked up, and Presley’s iconic vocals deliver the lyrics with a mix of vulnerability and simmering intensity. Backing vocals and a lush arrangement of instruments, including horns and strings, create a dramatic soundscape that perfectly complements the emotional weight of the song.

While not reaching the chart heights of some of Presley’s earlier hits, “I Really Don’t Want To Know” still managed to sell a respectable 700,000 copies. The song stands as a testament to Presley’s ability to connect with audiences across genres and his enduring influence on popular music. It also serves as a reminder of his remarkable recording output in 1970, a year that saw him release five singles, three budget albums, two new studio albums, two re-release LPs, and a box set. “I Really Don’t Want To Know” may not be one of Presley’s most well-known songs, but it offers a compelling glimpse into his artistry and his ability to reinterpret a classic in his own unique and captivating style.

Video:

Lyrics:

I Really Don’t Want To Know

Oh how many arms have held you
And hated to let you go
How many, oh how many, I wonder
But I really don’t want, I don’t wanna knowOh how many lips have kissed you
And set, set your soul aglow, yes they did
How many, oh how many, I wonder, yes I do
But I really don’t want to know

So always make, make me wonder
And always make, make me guess
And even, you know even if I ask you
Oh darling oh don’t you, don’t confess

Just let it, let it remain your secret
Oh for darling, darling I love you so
No wonder, yeah no wonder, I wonder
Mmm, ’cause I really don’t want, I don’t wanna know