If I Didn't Know Better
Luther Vandross · Dance with my father
I think sometimes I can read your mind
When you make things up I can tell you lie
I see the things that your man canÂ’t see
And I wonder what kind of man is he
The one who you say is your lover
Who you insist takes care of you under the covers
And who is there for you and loves you like no other
Then you kiss and tell me that you love me like a brother
[CHORUS]
If I didnÂ’t know better
IÂ’d think that you were mine, youÂ’re with me all the time
If I didnÂ’t know better
IÂ’d swear weÂ’re more than friends, youÂ’re touching me again
If I didnÂ’t know better
IÂ’d think we were in love
Girl, do you wanna tell me something
Oh, oh, oh
I could be wrong about the things you say
But I donÂ’t rub up on my friends that way
You tell me that youÂ’ve always been a flirt
But if it goes wrong, I could get hurt
But no, you insist itÂ’s harmless playinÂ’
ItÂ’s just a part of who you are, that itÂ’s just your nature
And that itÂ’s fine
You know IÂ’m a friend, itÂ’s really nothing
You say that IÂ’m just like aÂ…
That IÂ’m just like a brother
[CHORUS]
My idea of a friend is when you
Do a lotta things together and have a lotta fun
But my definition of love is different
You touch and hold each other
And you only want to be alone clinging to each other
Like you and he should be, but like you and I are
Well, I know it sounds crazy butÂ…
[CHORUS]
When you make things up I can tell you lie
I see the things that your man canÂ’t see
And I wonder what kind of man is he
The one who you say is your lover
Who you insist takes care of you under the covers
And who is there for you and loves you like no other
Then you kiss and tell me that you love me like a brother
[CHORUS]
If I didnÂ’t know better
IÂ’d think that you were mine, youÂ’re with me all the time
If I didnÂ’t know better
IÂ’d swear weÂ’re more than friends, youÂ’re touching me again
If I didnÂ’t know better
IÂ’d think we were in love
Girl, do you wanna tell me something
Oh, oh, oh
I could be wrong about the things you say
But I donÂ’t rub up on my friends that way
You tell me that youÂ’ve always been a flirt
But if it goes wrong, I could get hurt
But no, you insist itÂ’s harmless playinÂ’
ItÂ’s just a part of who you are, that itÂ’s just your nature
And that itÂ’s fine
You know IÂ’m a friend, itÂ’s really nothing
You say that IÂ’m just like aÂ…
That IÂ’m just like a brother
[CHORUS]
My idea of a friend is when you
Do a lotta things together and have a lotta fun
But my definition of love is different
You touch and hold each other
And you only want to be alone clinging to each other
Like you and he should be, but like you and I are
Well, I know it sounds crazy butÂ…
[CHORUS]
If I Didn't Know Better
Luther Vandross delivers a soulful exploration of regret and missed opportunities in 'If I Didn't Know Better,' a standout track from his 1985 album *Dance with My Father*. The song exemplifies his signature smooth vocal style, blending R&B sensibilities with a reflective tone that resonates deeply with listeners. Vandross's emotive delivery transforms the lyrics into a poignant narrative about learning from past mistakes, a theme central to his broader discography. This recording remains a testament to his ability to craft intimate, emotionally charged ballads that have become staples in the soul and R&B repertoire, showcasing his enduring influence on the genre.