The Soul Children, I’ll Understand | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 131st edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “I’ll Understand” by The Soul Children.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 131^st edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “I’ll Understand” performed by The Soul Children.

Memphis, Tennessee-based soul collective The Soul Children contributed some stellar songs to the soul music catalog. “Hearsay” is a personal favorite.  Before the arrival of that gem, lead singer John “Blackfoot” Colbert (1946 – 2011), Anita Louis (1949 – ), and Norman West (1939 – ) unveiled a sensational ballad, “I’ll Understand”. “I’ll Understand” is the opener from The Soul Children’s 1969 self-titled album. David Porter (1941 – ) and Isaac Hayes (1942 – 2008) wrote and produced it. 

“I’ll Understand” stands out for many reasons.  The musical accompaniment shines, beginning with a lush instrumental introduction featuring strings and piano. Set in a compound duple meter, “I’ll Understand” excels at lilting, southern soul vibes.  The melodies are tuneful, particularly in the verses and the chorus. John Colbert flaunts his expressive, nuanced, rich vocals in the first verse. “We know each other like the palm of our hands,” he sings, and continues, “And we have to see each other / Whenever and however we can.” Colbert and Anita Louis duet during the pre-chorus, singing,  “And if we are caught together / We’ve got so much to lose…” The most memorable and dynamic moment is the chorus, highlighted by the titular lyrics (“I’ll understand, I’ll understand”). Louis sings the second verse, bringing plenty of soulfulness to the table:

“Society we’re from
And say it is supposed to be
But there’s a lot of people
Going through the same changes, baby
Just like you and me.” 

Colbert lends his distinct pipes to the second pre-chorus (“I know love can be a problem / If you give up tryin’, tryin’, tryin’ to solve them”). The soul gem concludes with fabulous ad-libs by Colbert and Louis. The gospelized vibes are everything.  Ultimately, “I’ll Understand” is a top-notch, unforgettable soul cut from The Soul Children.