About the song
“I Know One” by Charley Pride, released in 1970, is a classic country ballad that exemplifies Pride’s unique ability to blend traditional country themes with emotional depth. Featured on his album “Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs,” this track stands out not just for its poignant lyrics but for the way Pride’s rich baritone voice infuses the song with both sincerity and strength.
The song itself is a beautiful expression of love and longing, with lyrics that reflect the narrator’s emotional vulnerability. In “I Know One,” Pride sings about a love that has gone wrong, yet he remains devoted and hopeful. The refrain, “I know one thing for sure, I’ll always be true,” underscores the theme of unwavering commitment, even in the face of heartache. This message of enduring love, despite setbacks and pain, resonates deeply with listeners, particularly in the context of country music’s long-standing tradition of storytelling.
The release of “I Know One” came at a time when Charley Pride was emerging as one of country music’s most successful and influential figures. Pride, an African American singer who broke barriers in a genre historically dominated by white artists, had already achieved major success with hits like “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’.” “I Know One” helped further solidify his place in the country music world, showcasing his vocal talent and storytelling abilities. At a time when the country music industry was predominantly white, Pride’s success was groundbreaking, and songs like “I Know One” helped to broaden the appeal of the genre.
The song’s meaning is both personal and universal. It speaks to the complexities of love — the loyalty, the pain, and the quiet resilience that comes with it. While Pride’s performance in this track is gentle and tender, there’s also an underlying strength in his delivery, capturing the essence of someone who has been hurt but is unwilling to give up on love. This emotional depth is part of what made Charley Pride’s music so powerful — he was able to bring a sense of personal authenticity to the music, allowing his listeners to relate deeply to his songs.
In terms of societal impact, “I Know One” was part of a larger cultural moment in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the country music genre was evolving. With the rise of outlaw country and the increasing mainstream popularity of artists like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, country music was starting to embrace more raw, introspective storytelling. Charley Pride, through songs like “I Know One,” played a crucial role in expanding the boundaries of the genre, bringing a new dimension to the classic country themes of love, loss, and loyalty.
“I Know One” also represents the deep connection between country music and the broader social and cultural context of the time. As a Black artist in a predominantly white genre, Charley Pride not only contributed to the evolution of country music but also helped to break down racial barriers, paving the way for future generations of diverse musicians in the genre.
In conclusion, “I Know One” by Charley Pride is a beautifully crafted country ballad that speaks to the heart of love and loyalty, while also showcasing Pride’s exceptional vocal talent and emotional depth. Released during a transformative period in both his career and in the country music genre as a whole, the song continues to resonate with listeners for its timeless themes and heartfelt delivery. Charley Pride’s ability to blend personal authenticity with universal themes makes “I Know One” a standout track in his career and a classic in country music history.
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Lyrics
When all your loves have endedWhen all your friends have flownWho’ll be around to want youWhen all your loves have goneOnly a fool would do itAfter the way you’ve doneHow many fools would have youI know oneThis fool keeps wonderingWhy he fell in love at allBut you might need this foolAround in case you fallAfter the party’s overAnd you’ve had your fill of funIf you need a fool to forgive youI know oneYou never know, you might be lonelyWhen all your loves have missedIt wouldn’t hurt to keepAn extra fool on your listAfter your heart’s been brokenAnd it needs a place to runIf you’ll take a fool who loves youI know oneYes, I know oneI know one