13 Dynamite Do Not & Does Not Songs

Reading Time: 19 min read

13 Dynamite Do Not & Does Not Songs features songs by Brandy, Elton John & Kiki Dee, Jill Scott, Kelly Clarkson, Ruel, and Wilson Pickett.

“Baby don’t play with it / Baby don’t play with it…”

Jill Scott let it be known! D-O-N-T! Nearly 30 years earlier, Brandy made it crystal clear that almost DOESN’T count: “But you can’t get to heaven half off the ground / Everybody knows, almost doesn’t count.” Handsome and talented Aussie singer-songwriter Ruel also dipped his toes into matters of do not/don’t and does not/doesn’t: “Come on now, don’t say that / Don’t do something you can’t take back.” All three of these gifted musicians are among 10 others who appear on 13 Dynamite Do Not & Does Not Songs. The premise is simple. This playlist features songs with do not, don’t, does not, or doesn’t in the title. It follows up Just Don’t Do It Songs, which was published in 2018. 13 Dynamite Do Not & Does Not Songs features songs by Brandy, Elton John & Kiki Dee, Jill Scott, Kelly Clarkson, Ruel, and Wilson Pickett. So, without further ado, let’s explore these 13 Dynamite Do Not & Does Not Songs, shall we?!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Jill Scott, “Don’t Play”	2. Ruel, “Don’t Say That”	3. Kelly Clarkson, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”
4. Journey, “Don’t Stop Believin’”	5. Brandy, “Almost Doesn’t Count”	6. RYANN, “Boy, Why Don’t You Touch Me?”
7. Norah Jones, “Don’t Know Why”	8. Queen, “Don’t Stop Me Now”	9. Madonna, “Papa Don’t Preach”
10. Stevie Wonder, “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”	11. Elton John & Kiki Dee, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”	12. Wilson Pickett, “Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You”
13. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”

1. Jill Scott, “Don’t Play”

To Whom It May Concern » Blues Babe Records LLC / Human Re Sources / The Orchard » 2026

“You just been humping me / Shallowly, superficially.”

👀 👀 👀… Later, Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter Jill Scott continues singing, “Touch me all over, squeeze my meat / Everything on me got me feeling.” The sex is electrifying on “Don’t Play”, the 15^th track on her sixth studio album, To Whom It May Concern. Scott is honest about her desires, particularly during the first verse, excerpted above. She mentions positions and wants him to “Please me hard / So hard like a K-Dot lyric, then sweet / Like my grandma’s yams.” Damn, Jill! Scott co-wrote “Don’t Play” with Marcus Christopher White and producer Seige Monstracity.

“Don’t Play” commences with a drum riff. Soulful sounds, firmly planted in the neo-soul and adult contemporary vein, follow. This is Jill’s lane, period. Before Scott mentions the humping in the first verse 😏, male background vocals perform the eventual chorus: “Baby don’t play with it / Baby don’t play with it…” The eyebrow-raising lyric, which made its rounds on TikTok, follows, in all of its sensual glory. Scott sings dynamically and expressively, particularly during the second verse. “Free your fantastic mind / When you’re here with me,” she sings, and adds, “You ain’t no jackhammer / I ain’t no city street.” Woo! Some compelling female background vocals accentuate this gem throughout the verses. Scott’s ad-libs are on point, too. The outro connects but distinguishes itself from the verses and chorus, where, “Cause I wanna get down I wanna be up I wanna be high wanna make love to / You.” She adds, “Mental and mattress satisfaction / I want the whole and not a fraction when you’re with me.” Oh, snap! What more can you say but, “Don’t Play”!

Appears in 🔻:

Jill Scott, Don’t Play: Spicy Tunez No. 18 (2026)

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2. Ruel, “Don’t Say That”

Kicking My Feet & Screaming » Recess Records Pty Ltd / Giant Music » 2026

“I’m coming home, leave the light on.”

Will do, Ruel (Ruel Vincent Van Dijk), you handsome and talented fella! In the first verse of “Don’t Say That”, he adds, “Oh, I drifted away, and I’m praying that I’m wrong / Keep me in the dark if it’s next to you.” Also, noted. “Don’t Say That” appears on his expanded 2026 LP, Kicking My Feet & Screaming. Van Dijk composed the song with Joel Little and Sean Douglas. Little produced it with M-Phazes (Mark Landon).

“Don’t Say That” features warm instrumentation and sounds. Some of those sounds include keys and strings. Ruel sings expressively with incredible sincerity. He begins singing with restraint, never breaking a sweat. As the song progresses toward the chorus, he picks up steam. Notably, the first verse and most of the pre-chorus are percussion-less. The chorus is the crème de la crème. What makes it so good? A tuneful melody and memorable lyrics go a long way.

“Come on now, don’t say that

Don’t do something you can’t take back

Know I sound like a maniac

I just don’t wanna know (Ooh)

So just make it up

If I’m dreaming, don’t wake me up

Get me drunk on a half-full cup

‘Cause I just don’t wanna know (Ooh).”

The chorus is also groovier than the rest of the song. The second verse (“I know my hearing’s selective / If I don’t like the truth, then I’ll just reject it”) begins with a groove, a direct contrast to the first verse. The bridge, another high-flying section, was featured previously in the “dst (outro)” from Kicking My Feet (2025). It distinguishes itself from everything else. “Maybe it’s time to accept that it’s over / It’s best that you go,” he sings, and continues, “It’s been so nice to know ya / I promise I won’t try to change your made-up mind.” The harmonic progression changes as the key modulates. The change of pace is welcome. With the return of the chorus, the song also returns to familiar territory – key, groove, etc. Always good for a bop, Ruel brings it on “Don’t Say That”.

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from April 2026

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3. Kelly Clarkson, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”

Stronger » 19 Recordings Limited / RCA » 2011

“Think you left me broken down / Think that I’ll come running back / Baby, you don’t know me, ‘cause you’re dead wrong!”

Oh, snap 🫰! Kelly Clarkson released a pop juggernaut with “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” “Stronger” was the second single from her 2011 album, Stronger.  Catchy, encouraging, feel-good, spirited, and uplifting, it’s not surprising that “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” landed multiple Grammy nominations. Stronger walked away with the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. The crème de la crème of the record is the chorus:

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

Stand a little taller

Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone

What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter

Footsteps 👣 even lighter

Doesn’t mean I’m over ‘cause you’re gone

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, stronger

Just me, myself, and I

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

Stand a little taller

Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone.”

Ooh, wee! “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent three weeks in the penthouse. It was certified multi-platinum by the RIAA. Furthering the accolades, the music video has amassed hundreds of millions of views.

Appears in 🔻:

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4. Journey, “Don’t Stop Believin’”

Escape » Columbia » 1981

“Just a small town girl, livin’ in a lonely world / She took the midnight train goin’ anywhere…”

Can you say, ICONIC to nth degree?! “Don’t Stop Believin’” marked one of six top-10 hits by beloved, Grammy-nominated rock band, Journey. The ubiquitous, high-flying rock gem appears on the band’s 1981 album, Escape. Escape eventually peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 and has been certified diamond by the RIAA. Kind of a big deal! As for “Don’t Stop Believin’” itself, it peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified multiplatinum. “Don’t Stop Believin’” was composed by Neal Schon (guitar), Steve Perry (lead singer), and Jonathan Cain (keyboards/rhythm guitar). Kevin Elson and the late Mike Stone produced the band’s ace in the hole.

“A singer in a smoky room / The smell of wine and cheap perfume,” Steve Perry sings, assertively and dynamically in the second verse, adding, “For a smile, they can share the night / It goes on and on and on and on.” Woo! That precedes one of the biggest moments of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” the timeless pre-chorus, led by those “Strangers waitin’ / Up and down the boulevard.” After another pair of verses, another iteration of the pre-chorus, and a rousing guitar solo (get it Neal), Perry unleashes the chorus, uttering the titular lyrics thrice: “Don’t stop believin’ / Hold on to that feelin’ / Streetlights, people…” Beyond dynamic vocals, catchy lyrics, and tuneful melodies, the 80s rock aesthetic, captured by exuberant production, is lit. Besides those guitars, what about those keys? Woo! Who said the ‘ivories’ can’t rock?! Little analysis is necessary to express the glory and sheer excellence that is the crowd-pleasing, rock banger, “Don’t Stop Believin’” – it speaks for itself 🤘.

Appears in 🔻:

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5. Brandy, “Almost Doesn’t Count”

Never Say Never » Atlantic Recording Corporation » 1998

“Almost made you love me, almost made you cry / Almost made you happy, babe, didn’t I, didn’t I?” Almost is the keyword for Grammy-winning R&B singer Brandy (Brandy Norwood, b. 1979) on “Almost Doesn’t Count”. Anytime that the word almost is used, that means you didn’t quite reach the expectation, goal, or the mountaintop. Moral victories aren’t true victories, which is the point that Brandy makes loud and clear on the single and fifth track from her 1998 album, Never Say Never. “Almost” was a hit on the pop charts, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999. Impressive. Shelly Peiken and Guy Roche penned it, while Roche and Fred Jerkins III produced it.

“Almost Doesn’t Count” is a stunning, rhythmic R&B ballad. Brandy is the star of the show, expectedly. Her voice is buttery smooth and distinct. She brings the striking, tuneful melodies and memorable, thought-provoking lyrics to life. At the end of the first verse, excerpted earlier, she asserts, “But you can’t get to heaven half off the ground / Everybody knows, almost doesn’t count.” In the second verse, there is plenty of almost happening, but it’s not good enough regarding love. Looking for a “no doubt, be there kind of man,” Brandy sings, “You came real close / But every time you built me up, you only let me down.” The sentiment is similar in the third verse. The chorus is the crowning achievement:

“I can’t keep on lovin’ you one foot outside the door

I hear a funny hesitation of a heart that’s never really sure

Can’t keep on tryin’ if you’re looking for more

Than all that I could give you, than what you came here for.”

Beyond Brandy’s top-notch musicianship and stellar songwriting, the musical backdrop is elite. “Almost” is quintessential late ‘90s contemporary R&B, with ample soulfulness. All in all, this is another gem from the Brandy catalog. Yes, “The Boy Is Mine” and “Have You Ever” were bigger, but “Almost Doesn’t Count” is an epic gem, too!

Appears in 🔻:

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6. RYANN, “Boy, Why Don’t You Touch Me?”

“Boy, Why Don’t You Touch Me?” » RYANN » 2025

“Boy, why don’t you touch me? / Tell me, are you afraid?”

Queer Netherlands pop singer/songwriter RYANN (Ryan Adriaens) has a legitimate question. Dude, what gives? What’s the problem? Feeling fiery (and horny) on “Boy, Why Don’t You Touch Me?”, RYANN continues singing, “Bitch, don’t be lazy / I also want to get laid.” His brutal honesty is part of the charm of a bop, released in April 2025, that has summery vibes written all over it. Well-produced, “Boy, Why Don’t You Touch Me?” is groovy from the get-go. Trying to resist dancing to this one is impossible.

@ryann_beyourself

#makingmusic #colors #artist

♬ original sound – RYANN

As sickening as the instrumental is, it is our young, horny young man, RYANN, who is the star of the show. Don’t deny the handsome fella – he needs and wants some! As always, RYANN serves up sweet vocals, longing for some good, S-E-X! The boy he desires is anonymous – “I don’t even know your name, but I don’t care.” Risky, mind you, but not far-fetched in gay hookup culture. Also, later, he reveals the guy who won’t touch him, though it’s censored. Anyways, RYANN has made up his mind that he will sleep with him, but he won’t touch him, hence why RYANN must prompt him! The chorus is the section to beat. It is super fun – one of the biggest selling points of this queer little bop. Of course, all of the lyrics are fun, though less so for RYANN, who keeps striking out with this cutie, at least him receiving pleasure: “Still, every time we get home / And the heat starts to rise / Oh, you think about yourself / I’m sorry but I’m forced to stop and ask.” RYANN even gives us a story time about this selfish sex – whatever it is. “And every time we had sex or fooled around / He just didn’t touch me.” Wow – what a dick! Sadly, our hot Dutch boy doesn’t get the quality lay he deserves, but he drops another surefire bop with “Boy, Why Don’t You Touch Me?”.

Appears in 🔻:

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7. Norah Jones, “Don’t Know Why”

Come Away With Me » Capitol » 2002

Norah Jones was ‘kind of a big deal’ in the aughts. Her 2002 debut album, Come Away With Me, exploded. Reaching number one on the Billboard 200 nearly a year after its initial release, Come Away With Me would eventually become the rare diamond album, certified 12 times platinum as of 2021. Also, the album cleaned up at the 45^th Annual Grammy Awards, winning five Grammys, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best Pop Vocal Album. Two of those Grammys were attributed to the album’s pop hit, “Don’t Know Why” (Record Of The Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance). “Don’t Know Why” spent 31 weeks on the pop charts, peaking at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. One of just two entries on the pop charts from the incredibly successful artist, “Don’t Know Why” was certified multiplatinum by the RIAA.

Would Norah Jones qualify as a one-hit-wonder? Technically, yes (only one Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100). However, despite her lack of success on the Billboard Hot 100, she’s secured gold and platinum singles. What makes “Don’t Know Why” the sugar honey iced tea is her unique, one-of-a-kind voice, and the chill, cool vibes. Jesse Harris penned this stellar joint and recorded it first in 1999. However, the cover by Norah Jones earned the accolades. Jones, Arif Mardin, and Jay Newland produced. Jones radiantly brings to life lyrics regarding a relationship. “I waited ‘til I saw the sun / I don’t know why I didn’t come / I left you by the house of fun / I don’t know why I didn’t come,” she sings in the first verse. The house of fun lyric is one of my favorites, seemingly referencing intimacy. There is a lack of commitment in play. Later, she sings, “Something has to make you run / I don’t know why I didn’t come / I feel as empty as a drum.” Oh, snap! The refrain is another top-notch lyrical moment, where Jones asserts, “My heart is drenched in wine / But you’ll be on my mind forever.” A pop gem from the 2000s, had Norah Jones recorded no other songs, she’d be forever remembered for the utterly sublime “Don’t Know Why”.

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8. Queen, “Don’t Stop Me Now”

Jazz » Hollywood Records, Inc. » 1978

“Tonight, I’m gonna have myself a real good time / I feel alive.”

Woo, Freddie Mercury (1946 – 1991)! The frontman from the iconic rock band, Queen, delivered a standout performance with “Don’t Stop Me Now”, the 12th track from their 1978 album Jazz. Mercury and Brian May (b. 1947) wrote the song, produced by Roy Thomas Baker (1946 – 2025) and Queen. Despite only reaching number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100, the single has been streamed over 2.5 billion times and earned multiplatinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.

“Don’t Stop Me Now” is an uplifting song with memorable vocals from Freddie Mercury and impressive musicianship by Queen. Mercury’s tone is beautiful; his dramatic vocals are everything. One of the most creative moments is the playful, staccato titular lyrics. From the band’s perspective, the piano (Mercury) and stellar bass riffs by John Deacon (b. 1951) stand out.

The song’s tempo quickens, building energy with impressive musicianship—highlighted by standout piano, dynamic bass (Deacon), and driving drums (Roger Taylor, b. 1949). The vocal arrangement features celestial harmonies and playful moments throughout. Notable lyrics include Mercury’s lines: “I’m a shootin’ star, leapin’ through the sky like a tiger… Defyin’ the laws of gravity,” and, “I’m a sex machine, ready to reload like an atom bomb / About to explode.” The memorable pre-chorus and chorus make “Don’t Stop Me Now” particularly unstoppable.

“Don’t stop me now

I’m havin’ such a good time, I’m havin’ a ball

Don’t stop me now

If you wanna have a good time, just give me a call

(Don’t stop me now) ‘Cause I’m havin’ a good time

(Don’t stop me now) Yes, I’m havin’ a good time

I don’t wanna stop at all, yeah.”

One of the best instrumental moments is May’s electrifying guitar solo 🤘. After reaching a fever pitch with a quick tempo, Mercury concludes “Don’t Stop Me Now” with a dramatic, slower outro. “Don’t Stop Me Now” is one of those timeless, classic tracks that always pump you up. Queen brought it with this crowd-pleaser!

Appears in 🔻:

Queen, Don’t Stop Me Now: Music Lifts No. 1 (2026)

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9. Madonna, “Papa Don’t Preach” 

True Blue » Warner » 1986

Last time I checked, Madonna was a democrat, or, at least, she’s supported democratic politicians for years.  We are well aware that the controversial pop icon wasn’t a fan of 45.   Why do I mention Madge’s political affiliation? Well, her 1986 hit, “Papa Don’t Preach”, played better with the GOP than democrats, at least at the time. Why? Pro-Life, baby!

“Papa, don’t preach, I’m in trouble, deep

Papa, don’t preach, I’ve been losing sleep

But I made up my mind, I’m

Keeping my baby, ooh

I’m gonna keep my baby.”

We have a teenage girl who’s become pregnant with her boyfriend.  Rather than have an abortion, she decides she’ll keep the child against the judgment of many folks in her life.  Does her father advise her to abort the child? That’s not clear, but what is clear is that Madonna doesn’t want her father to give her a sermon – she’s taking matters into her own hands.  Furthermore, her boyfriend is going to step up, or so Madonna sings in the second verse: “He says that he’s going to marry me / And we can raise a little family / Maybe we’ll be all right / It’s a sacrifice.” Teenage pregnancy is rarely without controversy. Furthermore, the decision to keep the baby is polarizing. Abortion advocates loathe it.  Pro-life peeps embrace it. Madonna, ultimately, didn’t take a stance.  Controversy sells, so it’s no surprise this True Blue  gem reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Appears in 🔻:

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10. Stevie Wonder, “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”

Innervisions » Motown » 1973

“Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing / Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, mama / ‘Cause I’ll be standing on the side / When you check it out.”

Stevie Wonder (b. 1950) recorded seemingly endless hits during his career. “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”, the eighth track from his beloved, Grammy-winning album, Innervisions, marks another bright spot for the highly decorated, once-in-a-lifetime musician. “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” earned Wonder another hit on the pop charts. It peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974.

“Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” commences with an intriguing, colorful introduction that includes Spanish. Stevie Wonder brings plenty of personality to this skit alone, even with questionable Spanish (“Todo ‘stá bien chévere”[Everything is very cool] appears at various times). The Spanish connects with the Latin-tinged vibes, including the piano riff and groove. Vocally, Wonder sounds top-notch as always. He is buttery smooth and soulful. His power shines when he ascends into this awe-inspiring upper register. The melodies are incredibly tuneful, featuring equally memorable lyrics. “Everybody’s got a thing / But some don’t know how to handle it,” he sings in the first verse, and adds, “Always reaching out in vain / Just taking the things not worth having.” In the second verse, he advises, “But just don’t you feel too bad / When you get fooled by smiling faces.” Word. The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the crème de la crème. The musical accompaniment is marvelous. Notably, Wonder plays most of the instruments, including piano, synthesizer, and drums. He gets some assistance with the additional percussion. “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” is one of the many epic moments from Innervisions, and it’s not even the most renowned song! A masterclass on instrumental and vocal performance, songwriting, and production, this joint is a surefire masterpiece.

Appears in 🔻:

Stevie Wonder, Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing: Throwback Vibez No. 2 (2026)

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11. Elton John & Kiki Dee, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”

Rock Of The Westies » Mercury » 1975

“Don’t go breaking my heart,”

Elton John (b. 1947) sings in the first verse of his classic, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”. His duet partner, Kiki Dee (b. 1947), responds, “You take the weight off of me.” Word. Once more, both talented singers trade lines: “Oh, honey, when you knocked on my door / Ooh, I gave you my key.” “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” is the 10^th and final cut on John’s 1975, platinum-certified album, Rock Of The Westies. One of his biggest hits, it spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The single was certified double platinum by the RIAA. It was nominated for the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus at the 19th Annual Grammy Awards (1976). Elton John composed the music, while his longtime partner in crime, Bernie Taupin (1950 – ) composed the lyrics. Gus Dudgeon produced it.

To reiterate, both Elton John and Kiki Dee ‘bring it’ in the vocal department. They sing superbly separately, and ‘strike gold’ when they sing together. Beyond the playful verses, the two sections that shine brightest are the pre-chorus and the chorus. “Ooh, nobody knows it / When I was down, I was your clown,” they sing, respectively, continuing, “Ooh, nobody knows it (Nobody knows it) / Right from the start, I gave you my heart / Oh, I gave you my heart.” Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, in all its catchy, titular glory!

“Don’t go breaking my heart

I won’t go breaking your heart

Don’t go breaking my heart.”

Beyond the singing and songwriting, the music is ear-catching. The orchestration, particularly the strings, is lovely. The production is well-rounded. The tightness of the rhythm section is a selling point (drums, percussion, bass, and guitar). Ultimately, Elton John and Kiki Dee made a duet for the ages with “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”.

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12. Wilson Pickett, “Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You”

In Philadelphia » Atlantic Recording Corp. » 1970

“Girl, try to remember / When we didn’t have no shoes / We stuck together, just me and you.”

Remember those lyrics from the first verse of the Wilson Pickett (1941 – 2006) soul classic, “Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You”. “Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You” is the fifth track from Pickett’s 1970 album, In Philadelphia. Notably, it’s one of only two gold-certified singles by the legendary soul musician. “Grass” peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. Victor Drayton, Reginald Turner, Johnny Bellmon, and Jerry Akines composed it, while the Hall of Fame songwriting and production duo of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff produced it. The musical accompaniment is exquisite: exuberant, funky, groovy, and oozing with S-O-U-L. Among the sounds that shine the brightest are the guitar, organ, and those biting horns.

What has happened between Wilson Pickett and this nameless girl? She appears to be leaving for greener grass… Another man! Pickett tries to convince her otherwise. “It took a long time to get what we got today,” he sings in the first verse, and adds, “Now you wanna give it all up for another guy?” My, my, my. Devastated, in the second verse, Pickett asserts, “‘Cause if you leave / Leave me this way, baby / You know what? / I may not live to see a brand new day.” That is a big-time bummer! In the chorus, the centerpiece of this golden oldie, he gives her life advice that all of us can heed:

“Oh, baby, don’t let the green grass fool ya

Don’t let it change your mind

You know why?

It may be greener on the other side, baby

But right in my arms is where you belong.”

Sometimes, things that appear greener don’t end up that way. That doesn’t only apply to relationships, either! Wilson Pickett, one of the most dynamic singers of all time, brings it. He sounds commanding and gritty, showing off the power of his instrument. He hoops, hollers, and screams something fierce, singing with incredible authenticity and sincerity. Surely, given his convincing performance, his baby strongly reconsiders their relationship! “Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You” is nothing short of marvelous.

Appears in 🔻:

Wilson Pickett, Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You: Throwback Vibez No. 149 (2025)

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13. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”

***Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (Ft. Teddy Pendergrass*) » Epic » 1972**

“All the things / That we’ve been through / You should understand me / Like I understand you.”

Sing it, Teddy Pendergrass (1950 – 2010)! The late soul singer brings his dynamic and expressive baritone to the high-flying Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes classic, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”. “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” is the fourth track from Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (Ft. Teddy Pendergrass), released in 1972. It marks the soul group’s best-charting song on the pop charts. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Expectedly, on the R&B charts, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” reached number one. Written and produced by the iconic duo Gamble & Huff (Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff), “Know” is one of the all-time classics in the soul catalog.

Pendergrass’ once-in-a-lifetime vocals play a huge role in the success of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.” He masterfully brings lyrics and melody to life. The verses are terrific. So is the varying pre-chorus, where first, Teddy sings, “Oh, don’t get so excited / When I come home a little late at night / ‘Cause we only act like children / When we argue, fuss, and fight.” Oh, snap! In the second pre-chorus, he makes a valid point: “What good is a love affair / When we can’t see eye to eye?” The centerpiece is the chorus, which features sublime background vocals by The Blue Notes and top-notch ad-libs and vocal riffs from Pendergrass:

“(If you don’t know me by now)

If you don’t know me by now

(You will never, never, never know me)

You will never, never, never know me

(If you don’t know me by now)

If you don’t know me, baby

(You will never, never, never know me)

No, you won’t.”

Beyond songwriting and vocal performance, the musical accompaniment is stunning. This comes as no surprise with Gamble & Huff at the helm. This is Philly soul at its finest. The rhythm section! The dramatic, lush strings! The ambiance! “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” is a masterpiece.

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13 Dynamite Do Not & Does Not Songs (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 19 Recordings Limited, Atlantic Recording Corp., Blues Babe Records LLC, Capitol, Columbia, Epic, Giant Music, Hollywood Records, Inc., Human Re Sources, Mercury, Motown, RCA, Recess Records Pty Ltd, RYANN, The Orchard, Warner; from Gordon Johnson, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

13 Dynamite Do Not & Does Not Songs | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on May 11, 2026May 11, 2026