"You Don't Know" is a song by American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper, released by Epic as the first single from Lauper's fifth album, Sisters of Avalon (1997). Remixes of the song were made by several producers such as Tony Moran and Junior Vasquez. It peaked at number 27 in the UK, while peaking at number 16 on the US BillboardHot Dance Club Play chart. The song contains the word "bullshit" and was not edited out of the UK singles as is typical. While performing on several UK shows, such as Noel's House Party, she skipped the word. The music video for the song was directed by Lauper.
Critical reception
Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Lauper unveils her new Sisters Of Avalon collection, offering a tune that is far more biting and intelligent than fluffy past hits like "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" and "She Bop". If programmers can move beyond the singer's old cartoonish image, they will discover an artist and music worthy of placement alongside the likes of Alanis Morissette." He added further, "The original version of "You Don't Know" unfolds with a jittery funk beat and jangly guitars that deserve a listen at modern rock radio. Redrafted by Tony Moran, the song becomes an anthemic disco revelation that popsters will love. Add the underground club perspective of remixers Prince Quick Mix and Junior Vasquez, and you have a single that aims to hit every possible mark. The next step is for people to listen."[2]
Kevin Courtney from Irish Times said, "The unusual girl is back at last, and that Hazel O'Connor-on-helium voice still has that girlie edge, but as the song builds in intensity, she sounds in danger of totally eclipsing Bonnie Tyler in the overkill department, and when she prances around in her new video, she looks like she's stuck in a jerky 1980s movement. A pleasant, nondescript attempt at resurgence from a lady out of time."[3] Caroline Sullivan from The Guardian commented, "And who else could endow the word 'bullshit' with such fervour while denouncing US politics on "You Don't Know"?"[4] A reviewer from Music Week gave it four out of five, noting that "Lauper's trademark vocal performance is more restrained for this nicely produced, acoustic-style pop song. A certain airplay hit, expect massive sales success, too."[5]
Music video
The accompanying music video for the song was recorded in Washington Square, New York City in the beginning of September 1996. Lauper directed it herself. The little Japanese boy who closes the video is called Grayson. The 6-year-old boy was hand-picked by Lauper.