Meaning of "You Don't Know Me" by Emmylou Harris

The lyrics of "You Don't Know Me" by Emmylou Harris tell a bittersweet story of unrequited love and longing. The narrator feels deep affection for someone who only sees them as a friend, not realizing the depth of the narrator's emotions. The heartache of watching the person they love walk away while not being able to express their true feelings is evident throughout the song. The repeated refrain of "you don't know me" highlights the disconnect between the narrator's innermost desires and the reality of their relationship, or lack thereof. The final lines, where the narrator acknowledges that the person will never truly know the depth of their love, encapsulates the feeling of unreciprocated affection and missed opportunities for a deeper connection.