About the song
## Smokie – If You Think You Know How to Love Me
**A Timeless Ballad of Love and Loss**
In the annals of pop music history, few bands have captured the hearts of listeners as enduringly as Smokie. Their blend of melodic rock, soulful vocals, and heartfelt lyrics has solidified their place as one of the most beloved acts of the 1970s and beyond. Among their many iconic songs, “If You Think You Know How to Love Me” stands out as a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Released in 1975 as the lead single from their album “Changing All the Time,” “If You Think You Know How to Love Me” showcases Smokie’s signature sound at its finest. The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar strumming, setting a melancholic and introspective tone. As the arrangement builds, the band’s harmonies come into full bloom, creating a rich and emotive soundscape.
Lyrically, the song delves into the complexities of a troubled relationship. The narrator expresses frustration and disappointment with their partner, who they feel has failed to understand or appreciate them. The lines “If you think you know how to love me, then you’ve got a lot to learn” convey a sense of longing and hurt. Despite the pain, the narrator remains hopeful that their love can be rekindled, as evidenced by the poignant refrain: “I’ll be waiting, hoping that you’ll return.”
The song’s bridge offers a moment of reflection, as the narrator contemplates the possibility of losing their love forever. The lines “I’m afraid I’m losing you, my friend” evoke a sense of vulnerability and despair. However, the song concludes on a note of hope, with the narrator reaffirming their love and commitment to their partner.
“If You Think You Know How to Love Me” is a beautifully crafted song that captures the universal emotions of love, loss, and longing. Smokie’s heartfelt performance and the song’s timeless melody have ensured its enduring popularity. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the band for the first time, this classic ballad is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Video
Lyrics
Breathless drive on a downtown street,
Motorbike ride in the mid-day heat.
Dust that hung from the desert skies
Run though we’d run, it still burned our eyes.Oh yes, we may walk on the wild, wild side of life.
And our movements traced by a stranger close by your side.
In the shadows of a promise you can take my hand,
And show me a way to understand.So if you think you know how to love me,
And you think you know what I need,
And if you really, really want me to stay,
You’ve got to lead the way.
Yes if you think you know how to love me,
And you think you can stand by me,
And if you really, really want me to stay,
You’ve got to lead the way.Reckless night in a nameless town,
Then we moved out of sight with a silent sound.
A beach that wept, the deserted waves
That’s where we slept, knowing we’d be safe.Now you may think you can walk on the wild, wild side with me.
But there’s a lot I can learn and a lot I’d get to see.
I know you’ve got my life lying in your hands,
It’s up to you to make me understand.So if you think you know how to love me,
And you think you know what I need,
And if you really, really want me to stay,
You’ve got to lead the way.
Yes if you think you know how to love me,
And you think you can stand by me,
And if you really, really want me to stay,
You’ve got to lead the way.