Tracey Ullman's "They Don't Know": The Story Behind The Hit Song

19 May, 2025

Ever found yourself humming a tune and wondering about the story behind its rise to fame? Tracey Ullman's rendition of "They Don't Know" isn't just a catchy song; it's a cultural touchstone, a launchpad for a multifaceted career, and a reminder that sometimes, the best things happen when you least expect them.

The year was 1983, and the airwaves were buzzing with new sounds. In October, Tracey Ullman, a rising star from the United Kingdom, soared to number two on the UK singles chart with her recording of "They Don't Know," released under the Stiff Records label. This track, a vibrant cover, quickly became an anthem, capturing hearts with its relatable lyrics and upbeat tempo. "They Don't Know" wasn't just a single; it was an introduction to Ullman's unique style and comedic timing, a taste of what was to come. The song found its place on Ullman's debut album, "You Broke My Heart in 17 Places," solidifying her arrival on the music scene.

Category	Information
Full Name	Tracey Ullman
Birth Date	December 30, 1959
Birth Place	Slough, Berkshire, England
Nationality	British-American
Occupation	Actress, Comedian, Singer, Writer, Producer, Director
Years Active	1980present
Spouse(s)	Allan McKeown (m. 19832013, his death)
Children	2
Musical Career	Singer, Cover Artist
Debut Album	You Broke My Heart in 17 Places (1983)
Associated Acts	BBC, HBO, Showtime
Website	traceyullman.com

But the story doesn't end there. The song's appeal transcended borders. In the United States, Ullman's rendition of "They Don't Know" climbed to number eight on the charts, introducing her to a whole new audience. The accompanying music video became a talking point, not just for its quirky visuals but for a special guest appearance: Paul McCartney. This cameo added another layer of intrigue to the song, further cementing its place in pop culture history. The narrative of how Ullman secured McCartney's involvement in the video remains a fascinating tale, often discussed in retrospectives of surprising cameos in television, movies, and songs.

Adding to Ullman's musical footprint, in 1984, Jeff from Liverpool, England, noted Tracey Ullman's release of a cover of Madness's 1980 hit "My Girl," cleverly retitled "My Guy." This version, featuring then Labour leader Neil Kinnock in the music video, reached number 23 in the UK, showcasing Ullman's knack for blending music with social commentary. The video's use of Kinnock was a bold move, adding a layer of political satire to the already popular song.

Beyond her success on the charts, Tracey Ullman carved out a unique space for herself in television. "The Tracey Ullman Show," as pointed out by Jay from Glen Burnie, MD, became a platform for innovative sketch comedy, punctuated by animated shorts that provided quirky interludes between segments. This show was a breeding ground for talent and creativity, launching careers and pushing the boundaries of what television comedy could be. It was a testament to Ullman's vision and her ability to curate a show that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The lyrics of "They Don't Know" resonate with anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or judged for their choices, particularly in matters of the heart. The verses, such as "You've been around for such a long time now, oh, maybe I could leave you, but I don't know how," and "Why should I be lonely every night when I can be with you, oh, yes, you make it right," capture the push and pull of relationships, the internal conflict between societal expectations and personal desires. The pre-chorus, "We should just take our chances while we've got nothing to lose, baby, there's no need for living in the past now, I've found good loving, gonna make it last," speaks to the courage required to embrace the present and build a future based on love and acceptance.

The chorus, a defiant declaration of love and understanding, is the heart of the song. "I tell the others, don't bother me, 'cause when they look at you, they don't see what I see. No, I don't listen to their wasted lines, got my eyes wide open, and I see the signs, 'cause they don't know about us," it's an affirmation of the power of personal connection in the face of external criticism. This sentiment, echoed throughout the song, makes it a timeless anthem for anyone who has ever felt like their love was under scrutiny.

Numerous interpretations and personal experiences shared online attest to the enduring impact of "They Don't Know." Some listeners see it as a celebration of unconventional love, while others view it as a broader statement about the importance of individual perspective. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the song's message of resilience and self-acceptance continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

The success of "They Don't Know" catapulted Tracey Ullman into the spotlight, paving the way for a diverse and successful career. She became a fixture on television, known for her sharp wit, impeccable timing, and uncanny ability to embody a wide range of characters. Her sketch comedy shows, both in the UK and the US, earned critical acclaim and a devoted following. She also ventured into film, showcasing her versatility as an actress in both comedic and dramatic roles.

The impact of "They Don't Know" extends beyond Ullman's individual success. As some have pointed out, the song's popularity may have played a role in the creation of "The Simpsons." "The Tracey Ullman Show" was, after all, the platform that introduced the animated family to the world. Without the show's success, which was undoubtedly boosted by the popularity of Ullman's music, it's possible that "The Simpsons" would never have found its way to television screens.

The music video for "They Don't Know," filmed concurrently with another project, captured the energy and spirit of the song. The inclusion of Paul McCartney added a touch of star power and helped to elevate the video to iconic status. The video remains a nostalgic reminder of the 1980s, with its vibrant colors, quirky fashion, and playful choreography.

Tracey Ullman's journey to stardom began in 1959. Her early success in England, particularly her sketch comedy work on the BBC, established her as a comedic force. She then transitioned into music, achieving a string of hit records and securing a place in the British Top 100 charts multiple times in a short span of time. This rapid ascent is a testament to her talent, her work ethic, and her ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels.

The enduring appeal of "They Don't Know" lies in its universality. The song speaks to the human experience of love, loss, and self-discovery. It's a reminder that we are all unique individuals with our own perspectives and experiences. It's a call to embrace our individuality and to celebrate the connections that make us who we are. The songs lines, "They say we're crazy but I just don't care, and if they keep on talkin', still they get nowhere, so I don't mind if they don't understand when I look at you and you hold my hand," encapsulates the feeling of defying societal expectations and choosing love over judgment.

Live performances of "They Don't Know" showcase Ullman's charisma and stage presence. Footage from Swedish TV shows and other performances captures the energy and excitement that she brought to the stage. These performances are a reminder of the power of live music to connect artists and audiences in a shared experience.

The song's legacy continues to grow. New generations discover "They Don't Know" through streaming services, classic rock radio stations, and online videos. The song's message of hope and resilience resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. It remains a timeless classic, a testament to the power of music to inspire, uplift, and connect us all.

The enduring success of Tracey Ullman's "They Don't Know" is a testament to the power of a well-crafted song, a charismatic performer, and a message that resonates with audiences across generations. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the ones that others don't understand, and that true love can conquer all.

The sentiment within the song, 'cause they don't know about us and they've never heard of love', highlights the unique bond between two people, a connection that outsiders simply cannot comprehend. The lyrics speak to the frustration of being judged or misunderstood, and the unwavering commitment to stand by one's choices, regardless of external opinions.

In essence, "They Don't Know" by Tracey Ullman remains a vibrant and poignant anthem, celebrating the power of love, resilience, and self-acceptance. It's a song that continues to inspire and uplift, reminding us that the connections we forge and the choices we make are ultimately our own, regardless of what "they" may think.

The impact of Tracey Ullman's "They Don't Know" also touches upon the issue of artistic interpretation and legacy. As some have noted, there might be fans of Kirsty MacColl, who originally recorded the song, who feel that Ullman's version overshadowed the original. However, Ullman's version, with its own unique energy and appeal, introduced the song to a broader audience, solidifying its place in popular culture. The song is a heartfelt and enduring pop anthem that celebrates the power of love to overcome judgment and misunderstanding.

Ullman's cover was released as the second single from her debut album, "You Broke My Heart in 17 Places." It became a cultural touchstone, a launchpad for a multifaceted career, and a reminder that sometimes, the best things happen when you least expect them. Its relatable themes, combined with its infectious melody and nostalgic production, have made it a timeless classic.

Verse 1: You've been around for such a long time now oh, maybe I could leave you, but I don't know how and why should I be lonely every night when I can be with you oh, yes, you make it right

The song is a reminder that we should just take our chances while we've got nothing to lose baby there's no need for living in the past now I've found good loving gonna make it last I tell the others don't bother me 'cause when they look at you they don't see what I see no I don't listen to their wasted lines got my eyes wide open and I see the signs 'cause they don't

The chorus emphasizes, I tell the others, don't bother me 'cause when they look at you they don't see what I see no i don't listen to their wasted lines got my eyes wide open and i see the signs 'cause they don't know about us and they've never heard of love no i don't listen to their wasted lines got my eyes wide open and i see the signs 'cause they don't know about

No I dont listen to their wasted lines. Got my eyes wide open and i see the signs but they dont 'cause they don't know about us and they've never heard of love I get a feeling when I look at you wherever you go now I want to be there too they say we're crazy but I just don't care and if they keep on talking still they get nowhere so I don't mind if they don't understand when I look at you and you hold my hand 'cause they don't know about us

I get a feeling when I look at you wherever you go now I want to be there too they say we're crazy but i just don't care and if they keep on talking still they get nowhere. So I don't mind if they don't understand when I look at you and you hold my hand 'cause they don't know about us

Top of the pops 1983

Tracey ullman they don't know live. Tracey ullman live at the swedish tv show njesmaskinen 1984. New singing lesson videos can make anyone a great singer you've been around for such a long time now oh maybe i could leave you but i don't know how and why should i be lonely ev'ry night when i can be with you oh yes you make it right and i don't listen to the guys who say that you're bad for me and i should turn you away 'cause they don't know about us and they've never heard of love

Today, we look at how tracey ullman got paul mccartney to guest star in her they dont know about us music video? This is took me by surprise, about surprising cameos in tv shows, movies and songs and we try to figure out why the famous people made the cameos in question.

Look, I know that there might be kirsty maccoll cultists who are still mad that tracey ullmans version became the version of this song that everybody knows, but I look at it this way: Without the massive success of this song, maybe we dont have the simpsons.

Amazing footage in great quality. The video to they dont know was shot while the movie was being filmed.

Tracey Ullman They Don't Know (2013, Vinyl) Discogs

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Tracey Ullman They Don't Know Vinyl (10", 45 RPM + 2 more), 1983 [r732494] Discogs

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Tracey Ullman They Don't Know (1983, Vinyl) Discogs

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