Introduction
Released in 1991, it became the lead single for Strait’s album “Chill of an Early Fall”, setting the tone for a collection of introspective ballads and down-home Texas two-steppin’.
Strait, by then already a well-established country music giant, was known for his smooth baritone vocals and his ability to deliver relatable stories through his music. “If I Know Me” perfectly exemplifies this strength.
Background
The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar picking, setting a melancholic mood that perfectly complements the lyrics. Strait’s voice enters, a touch world-weary, as he sings the opening line: “I’m drivin’ down the highway, leavin’ you behind” [Song Lyric].
This simple line immediately establishes the central conflict: a man on the road, separated from his love. But there’s a deeper layer to his departure. The use of the present progressive tense, “I’m drivin'”, suggests a sense of momentum, a decision already made. Yet, the following line hints at a flicker of doubt: “But if I know me, I won’t make it very far.” [Song Lyric]
This sets the stage for the song’s central theme: the battle between pride and affection. The narrator knows he should keep driving, that staying would only complicate things. But a deep-seated understanding of his own nature tells him he’ll likely crumble and return.
“If I Know Me” is a prime example of country music’s storytelling tradition. It doesn’t rely on elaborate metaphors or complex narratives. Instead, it focuses on a simple situation – a man wrestling with his emotions – and allows the listener to connect with the raw vulnerability in Strait’s voice.
The song’s strength lies in its universality. We’ve all experienced moments of self-doubt, where our actions contradict our better judgement. Strait’s portrayal of this internal struggle resonates deeply, making “If I Know Me” a timeless classic that continues to connect with audiences across generations.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
We both said some thingsI know we never meantAnd when I slammed the door tonightYou wondered where I wentIf I know youYou’re probably wonderin’ what to doYou’re thinkin’ that I’m gone for goodIf I know youBut if I know meI’ll turn this car aroundI won’t get half-way through townAnd I’ll be sorryI’ll stop and callAnd you’ll say you’re sorry tooAnd I’ll come runnin’ back to youIf I know meSometimes I lose my headSay things to break your heartForgettin’ if I lost your loveIt would tear my world apartIf I know youYou didn’t mean one single thing you saidTruth be knownYou’re dyin’, cryin’, lyin’, there in bedBut if I know meI’ll turn this car aroundI won’t get half-way through townAnd I’ll be sorry
Harley