The song "Baby You Know" by John Cale is a track that explores themes of betrayal, deception, and the complexity of relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and anger towards someone who is described as having a negative influence. The song opens with the line, "You've got a bum end, babe," implying that the person being addressed is not in a favorable situation or has a negative attitude. The line "Something in the back of my mind reminds me of you" suggests that even though the singer is aware of the person's negative traits, they still have a lingering memory of them. The lyrics depict the person being addressed as someone who talks to themselves alone at night and schemes on their friends in the midnight. This suggests that they are untrustworthy and engage in manipulative behavior. The line "Some things go wrong and some things go right" indicates that in life, both positive and negative experiences occur. However, the singer expresses a desire for the person to face consequences, saying, "Was for you to die in a fight." This suggests a strong resentment or wish for the person to face the repercussions of their actions. The lyrics also highlight a sense of missed opportunities. The line "When you turned your back and walked away, you could have stopped me then" suggests that the person had a chance to prevent the singer from experiencing pain or harm, but they chose not to intervene or help. This further emphasizes the negative nature of their relationship. The chorus, "Easy come and easy go, there's much more to get by than what she shows," implies that the person being addressed may have a superficial or deceptive exterior, masking their true intentions or character. The line "Talking to me through the wall again" signifies a lack of direct communication and a sense of distance between the singer and the person. Overall, the song captures the emotions of resentment, disappointment, and a desire for the truth to be revealed. It showcases the complexities of relationships and the pain caused by deceit and betrayal.
