Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Genre
Label
Catalogue Number
Story Behind The Song
Released in 1984, “I Should Have Known Better” was written by Jim Diamond and Graham Lyle and produced by Pip Williams. It became the lead single from Diamond’s debut solo album, Double Crossed, released the following year. Musically, it is a classic soft-rock power ballad, built around Diamond’s powerful, soulful voice and an arrangement that gradually develops from a restrained opening into a more dramatic and emotional performance.
The song is essentially an apology from a man who realises he has made a serious mistake in a relationship. The title reflects his regret and self-recrimination, while Diamond’s delivery gives the lyrics a strong sense of sincerity rather than melodrama. His slightly rough-edged vocal style is particularly effective as the song builds towards its emotional climax.
The recording features an impressive collection of musicians, including Graham Lyle on acoustic guitar, Pip Williams on guitar, Chris Parren on synthesizer, John McKenzie on bass and Simon Kirke of Free and Bad Company on drums. Eric “ET” Thorngren handled the mix.
“I Should Have Known Better” remains one of Jim Diamond’s best-known recordings, combining heartfelt songwriting, a memorable melody and an unmistakably passionate vocal performance. It also established the emotional, adult-oriented sound that would characterise much of his subsequent solo work.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 1st December 1984.
UK 7'' SLEEVE COVERS
Shown below are the picture sleeve covers (front and back) for the UK release of this single. If no cover sleeve was issued in the UK, we will display another country’s picture sleeve.
UK 7'' TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | I Should Have Known Better (4:04) (Diamond, Lyle) Produced By Pip Williams |
| B-Side | Impossible Dream (4:30) (Diamond, Perrin) Produced By Nigel Gray |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [11 Weeks] – 3rd November 1984 – 12th January 1985 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
All officially released versions that appeared in the 80s:-
- I Should Have Known Better (Single Version) (4:04)
See ALL releases of ‘I Should Have Known Better’ on Discogs.
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OFFICIAL VIDEO
SONG LYRICS
And should have known better
To lie to one as beautiful as you
Yeah! Should have known better
To take a chance on ever losing you
But I thought you’d understand
Can you forgive me?
I saw you walkin’ by the other day
I know that you saw me
You turned away
And I was lost
You see
I’ve never loved no one as much as you
I’ve fooled around, but tell me now, just who
Is hurting who?
And should have known better
To lie to one as beautiful as you
Yeah! Should have known better
To take a chance on ever losing you
But I thought you’d understand
Can you forgive me?
I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I
Should have known better
I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I
Should have known better
It’s true!
I took our love for granted all along
And trying to explain where I went wrong
I just don’t know
I cry
But tears don’t seem to help me carry on
Now, there is no chance you’ll come back home
Got too much pride
And should have known better
To lie to one as beautiful as you
Yeah! Should have known better
To take a chance on ever losing you
But I thought you’d understand
Can you forgive me?
Ooh, yeah!
I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I
Love you
I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I
Love you
No! No! No! No! No! No! No!
I love you!
No! No! No! No! No! No!
Yeah!
And should have known better
To lie to one as beautiful as you
Written By J. Diamond, G. Lyle
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