About The Song
Dwight Yoakam’s “What I Don’t Know” is a classic example of his unique ability to blend honky-tonk with modern country music. Released in 1988 as part of his critically acclaimed album Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room, the song showcases Yoakam’s poignant storytelling and emotive vocal delivery. The album itself was a significant milestone in Yoakam’s career, containing some of his most celebrated tracks, including the chart-topping duet “Streets of Bakersfield” with Buck Owens.
“What I Don’t Know” stands out as a reflective and introspective piece. The lyrics delve into themes of heartbreak and emotional vulnerability, a recurring motif in Yoakam’s music. In this song, he explores the painful paradox of wanting to know the truth in a relationship while fearing the consequences of that knowledge. Lines like “What I don’t know might not hurt me / If I stay dumb and no one tells” highlight the inner conflict and universal fear of betrayal and loss. This raw emotional honesty is complemented by Yoakam’s signature blend of twangy guitar riffs and driving rhythms, rooted in traditional country while pushing its boundaries.
The release of Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room was a defining moment for Dwight Yoakam, cementing his reputation as one of the most innovative artists in country music during the 1980s. While “What I Don’t Know” did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of his other singles from the album, it became a fan favorite and remains a deep cut that showcases his artistry.
In terms of chart performance, Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room was a massive success on the Billboard charts, reaching No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart. Although “What I Don’t Know” wasn’t released as a standalone single, its inclusion on such a successful album contributed to Yoakam’s growing influence in the genre.
Video
Lyrics
What I don’t know might not hurt me
If I stay dumb and no one tells
But if I find out that you’ve been cheatin’
What I don’t know might get you killed
Well, death row in prison it don’t look half as bad
As a life filled with heartache over you
So if you’re a playin’ those dirty little games
You better pray that I don’t find out the truth
‘Cause what I don’t know might not hurt me
If I stay dumb and no one tells
But if I find out that you’ve been cheatin’
What I don’t know might get you killed
Well Smith and Wesson juries hold a real mean, nasty court
And the verdict that they pass is never slow
So keep on a wearin’ that little poker face
‘Cause soon enough your cards will have to show
And what I don’t know might not hurt me
If I stay dumb and no one tells
But if I find out that you’ve been cheatin’
What I don’t know might get you killed
What I don’t know might get you killed
What I don’t know might get you killed
