About the Song
There are songs that serve as mere background noise, and then there are those that demand to be heard, pulling you into their world with raw emotion and sincerity. “I’ve Got to Know” by The Stone Poneys is one such track—a heartfelt and introspective song that captures the spirit of folk-rock in the late 1960s.
For those familiar with The Stone Poneys, the group is often best remembered as the launching pad for the legendary Linda Ronstadt. However, their catalog holds a wealth of gems beyond their biggest hit, “Different Drum.” “I’ve Got to Know” showcases the band’s ability to blend traditional folk elements with a contemporary rock sensibility, creating a sound that feels both intimate and timeless.
The song itself is a plea for clarity, a yearning for answers in matters of love and uncertainty. Linda Ronstadt’s unmistakable voice carries the weight of the lyrics, imbuing them with a mix of vulnerability and quiet strength. Her delivery is gentle yet insistent, capturing the universal human need for truth and emotional security. There’s an almost haunting quality to her performance—never overdone, always just enough to stir something deep within the listener.
Instrumentally, “I’ve Got to Know” reflects the folk influences that defined The Stone Poneys. The arrangement is simple yet effective, with acoustic guitars weaving a warm, organic foundation while subtle flourishes of percussion and bass add texture. The song doesn’t rely on grandiose production; instead, it thrives on its honesty, drawing listeners in with its authenticity.
While The Stone Poneys as a group didn’t have an extended run in the spotlight, their music remains a testament to the era’s rich folk-rock movement. “I’ve Got to Know” stands as an example of why their work deserves recognition beyond just being a footnote in Linda Ronstadt’s career. It captures a moment in time—a blend of uncertainty, passion, and longing that still resonates today.
For those who appreciate the golden age of folk-rock, this song is a quiet treasure worth revisiting. It reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful music isn’t the loudest or the flashiest, but the kind that speaks directly to the soul.
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Lyrics: I’ve Got to Know
[Chorus]
I’d like to know, baby
How you feel about me
I’d like to know, baby
How you feel about me[Verse 1]
I’ve got to know if you think you might leave me
Baby, won’t you break it to me
If you’re planning to deceive me
Woah-oh, to deceive me[Chorus]
I’d like to hear
What you say when you talk about me
Do your friends know something I don’t
Or just what appears to be?[Verse 2]
Everyone says on the surface things look fine
Am I still the only one for you
And is it true are you really mine?
Woah-oh really mine[Bridge]
If you go away I won’t know what to do or what to say
Baby, I can’t make it without you beside me ev’ry day
Baby, tell me, baby, show that this is not a fake
Just try and show me that there’s no mistake
In staying with you
Woah-oh-oh, with you[Chorus]
I’d like to know, baby
How you feel about me
I’d like to know, baby
How you feel about me[Verse 3]
I’ve got to know if you think you might leave me
Baby, won’t you break it to me
If you’re plannin’ to deceive me
Woah-oh to deceive me[Outro]
I’d like to know, I’d like to know
I’d like to know
I’d like to know, I’d like to know
I’d like to know
I’d like to know, I’d like to know