I Can Understand It

New Birth

About I Can Understand It

"I Can Understand It" is a soul classic written and originally recorded by rhythm and blues musician Bobby Womack, who originally recorded the song for his top ten album, Understanding, released in late 1972. The Womack version was done in a more blues style. His brothers, The Valentinos, also recorded the song. Their version was released as a single, and became a chart hit. In 1973, New Birth recorded a James Brown-esque style recording of the song with lead singer Leslie Wilson, who sounded like Womack, was vocally influenced by Sam Cooke. Their fast-paced version peaked at number four on the R&B charts and number thirty-five on the Hot 100. The New Birth version is the better-known version and has garnered praise. In 1975 Columbia records released a third version of this classic track. The least known of the three, this version by Kokomo, a British-soul group, includes delicately mixed congas with a tempo similar to New Birth's and is perhaps, musically, the funkiest of the three. Lead singer Tony O'Malley's vocal style is reminiscent of [Dr. John]'s. The background harmonies and ad-libs make this an outstanding track. 


Year:
1998
4:23
80 
#2

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I know everybody realizes that a man works
Better when he works out of his own band
Can you understand that? I can understand that

Woah, yeah, yeah
Something sweet as a candy bar
My girl in need
That's what you are
Oh, I, I can understand it

Jack and Jill going up the hill
Storybooks and fairy tales
I, I can understand it

And if our love gets to be anything but this
If someone gets to feel your warm and tender kiss
Oh, tell me, baby, how will I ever understand it, baby?

Get on down, baby
Gonna do it on the good foot, yeah
Gonna do it on the right foot, baby
Gonna do it on the left foot, baby

Look here, y'all
Something cool but not too cold
Girl, you got to give to get, you know?
I, I can understand it

Try my best to make you happy
Woke up early one morning, find you packing
Lord, Lord, Lord, you can't make me understand it

I know sometimes that you wanna get away from home
But I get upset when you stay too long
Oh, your love, baby, your love
How will I ever understand it?

Get on down
Gonna do it on the good foot
Gonna do it on the right foot, baby
Gonna do it on the left foot
Ooh baby

I can understand it
Baby, I can understand it
Oh, I have no choice about the situation

But I'm trying my best to make you happy
Wake up early one morning and I find you packing
Lord, you can't make me understand it

I get a job and I work all the time
When I get home you better lay it on the line
Your love, baby, your love
How will I ever understand it?

Get on down
Gonna do it on the good foot
Gonna do it on the right foot
I can understand it
You do yours
Ill do mine
Can you understand it?
Can you understand it?
Can you understand it, baby?
I can understand it
Can you understand it?
I can understand it, baby
Can you understand it?
I can understand it, baby

Break it down
God Almighty
Lordy, Lordy, Lordy
Yeah

I'm going to find out can we keep the groove
Is y'all ready for this?
Look here
Ooh, yeah, baby
I can understand it, oh
Can you understand it?

Baby, baby, baby
Get on, get on, get on, get on down
Do in on the good foot, there it is
Lordy, Lordy, Lordy
Look here y'all
Don't put down a man with a better hand
Old Les trying to do the very best he can
You wear your hair long, baby
I wear my hair short
Come on, baby, talk that talk
I can understand it
Can you understand it?

Baby, baby, baby
Get on down
Look here
Gotta say it one more time
Lordy, Lordy, Lordy
Look here
Don't put down a man with the better hand
Old Les trying to do the very best he can
You wear your hair long, baby
I wear my hair short
Come on, baby
Talk that talk
You gotta
I gotta
You gotta
I gotta
You gotta
I gotta
You gotta
Hey, Baby

Yeah, look here
Can I say it?
Can I say it now, y'all?
Can I say it?
Can I say it
Look here y'all
I can understand it

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New Birth

New Birth was an American R&B and funk group formed in 1963. They had several chart-topping hits in the 1970s and were known for their energetic live performances. The group was known for their powerful horn section and soulful vocals. more »

2 fans

Written by: BOBBY WOMACK

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Artist Fact
"I Can Understand It" is a popular song by the American singer-songwriter Bobby Womack. Bobby was a prominent figure in R&B music, having begun his solo career in the early 1960s. He wrote and originally recorded the song, which has become a well-loved classic among fans of the R&B/Soul genres.
Chart Success Fact
Bobby Womack's version of "I Can Understand It" achieved significant success on the American music charts. It reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 1972.
Cover Version Fact
The song was notably covered by the American R&B and soul band, New Birth, on their 1972 album "Birth Day." It became one of their biggest hits, reaching number four on the Billboard R&B chart.
Band Fact
New Birth was a top group from Louisville, Kentucky, which experienced considerable success during the 1970s. They were known for their mix of R&B, soul, funk, and jazz music. "I Can Understand It" is one of their most recognized songs, displaying their signature soulful sound.
Lyric Content Fact
The lyrics to "I Can Understand It" are somewhat ambiguous but generally speak to themes of love, misunderstanding, and romantic tumult, common elements found in many soul and blues songs of the era.
Different Versions Fact
Both versions of "I Can Understand It" by Bobby Womack and then New Birth differ slightly with Womack's being more of a smooth R&B soul song and New Birth's having more of a funk-inspired beat, showcasing the eclectic styles of both these artists.
Continued Popularity Fact
The track remains popular to this date due to its timeless sound and meaningful lyrics, being frequently played on classic soul and R&B stations, and often being included in "best-of" compilation albums.
Sampling Fact
The song has been sampled multiple times in various genres like hip-hop and contemporary R&B, demonstrating its long-lasting influence on popular music.

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    I Can Understand It

    664K
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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1973

    Billboard #35


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