About the song
“You Know What to Do” is a song that encapsulates Carly Simon’s deft touch with introspective and emotionally resonant music. Released in 1983, the song is part of her album “Hello Big Man,” an album that reflects Simon’s experiences and thoughts during a period of personal change. This album, produced by Mike Mainieri and Paul Samwell-Smith, showcases Simon’s growth as an artist, blending her distinctive voice with evocative lyrics and rich arrangements.
Composed by Carly Simon, along with Jacob Brackman and Peter Wood, “You Know What to Do” exemplifies Simon’s skill in crafting songs that are both personal and universally relatable. The lyrics convey a sense of wistfulness and contemplation, themes that are recurrent in Simon’s body of work. The song explores the complexities of relationships and the emotions that accompany them, a subject that Simon has explored in many of her most memorable songs.
Though “You Know What to Do” did not achieve the chart-topping success of some of Simon’s earlier hits like “You’re So Vain” or “Anticipation,” it remains a significant part of her discography. The song’s nuanced melody and heartfelt performance highlight Simon’s ability to convey deep emotional truths through her music. The album “Hello Big Man” itself received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its mature themes and sophisticated production, while others missed the more immediate pop sensibilities of her earlier work. Nevertheless, it stands as a testament to Simon’s artistic evolution and willingness to explore new musical directions.
Simon, an artist renowned for her confessional songwriting style and distinctive contralto voice, has always infused her music with a sense of personal authenticity. “You Know What to Do” is no exception. The song’s introspective lyrics and melodic arrangement draw listeners into a reflective space, inviting them to ponder their own experiences and emotions.
Despite not being a major commercial hit, “You Know What to Do” has been appreciated by fans for its emotional depth and musicality. The song’s delicate balance of melancholy and hope, coupled with Simon’s poignant vocal delivery, makes it a standout track on “Hello Big Man.” This album, while perhaps not as commercially successful as some of her earlier works, nonetheless showcases Carly Simon’s enduring talent and her ability to create music that resonates on a deeply personal level.
In conclusion, “You Know What to Do” is a beautiful representation of Carly Simon’s artistry. It embodies her ability to blend lyrical introspection with compelling melodies, making it a cherished piece in her musical repertoire. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to her music, this song offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of one of the most influential singer-songwriters of her time.
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Lyrics
The night is filled with pretty girls
Dancing shoes and flying hair
Not one of them would refuse
To follow you up the stairs
You could have your pick of them
Why decide to pick on me?
You promised me you’d stay away
You promised me you’d set me free
Pounding of my heart
Trembling of my hands
Some things I’ll just never understand
You know what to do to me
You know what it does to me
You know what to do to me
You know what it does to me
You know what to do
Do, you know what to do
The night is filled with shooting stars
I watch them fall, ’cause I can’t sleep
I pray that you won’t call at all
I’m still awake at ten to three
I hear your motorcycle roar
You pull up short outside my door
I don’t know how I got outside
I don’t know why I’m on this ride
We made love like a house on fire
We made love like dogs gone mad
Some things I’ll just never understand
‘Cause you know what to do to me
You know what it does to me
You know what to do to me
You know what it does to me
You know what to do to me
You know what it does to me
You know what to do to me
You know what it does to me
You know what to do
Do, you know what to do
Yes, you do
You know what to do
Oh baby, oh yeah
You know what to do
Pounding of my heart
Trembling of my hands
Some things I’ll just never understand
‘Cause you know what to do to me
You know what it does to me
You know what to do to me
You know what it does to me
You know what to do to me
You know what it does to me
You know how to do it to me
You know what it does to me
You know what to do to me
You know what it does to me
You know what to do to me
You know what it does to me