They Don't Know - Tracey Ullman, 1983

 
 
You've been around for such a long time now
Oh maybe I could leave you but I don't know how
And why should I be lonely every night
When I can be with you
Oh yes you make it right

And I don't listen to the guys who say
That you're bad for me and I should turn you away
'Cause they don't know about us
And they've never heard of love

I get a feeling when I look at you
Wherever you go now I wanna be there too
They say we're crazy but I just don't care
And if they keep on talking still they get nowhere

So I don't mind if they don't understand
When I look at you and you hold my hand
'Cause they don't know about us
And they've never heard of love

Why should it matter to us if they don't approve
We should just take our chances while we've got nothing to lose

Baby

There's no need for living in the past
Now I've found good loving gonna make it last
I tell the others don't bother me
'Cause when they look at you they don't see what I see

No I don't listen to their wasted lines
Got my eyes wide open and I see the signs
But they don't know about us
And they've never heard of love

No I don't listen to their wasted lines
Got my eyes wide open and I see the signs
But they don't know about us
And they've never heard of love
 
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Tracey Ullman is primarily a comedic Television actress. She was born in Berkshire, England, where she perfected her ability to mimic neighbors, family members, friends and even celebrities. She attended the Italia Conti Academy stage school, and performed in such West End theatre productions as Grease and The Rocky Horror Show. Her biggest TV success was in the US, where she developed The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987.

Originally written and recorded by Kirsty MacColl in 1979, They Don't Know did not become a commercial success until 1983. Newcomer Tracey Ullman included the song on her debut album, You Broke My Heart in 17 Places. Ullman's version charted at #2 in the UK, and #8 in the US. To show what a good sport she was, MacColl even provided back-up vocals.

Tracey Ullman used They Don't Know as the theme song for her sketch-comedy-variety show, Tracey Takes On...

Connections: Song writer Kirsty MacColl had more success with her other songs.