About the song
“You Might Think,” released in 1984, is a groundbreaking and iconic track by the American new wave band, The Cars. Written by Ric Ocasek, this song is a perfect blend of quirky lyrics, catchy synth riffs, and Ocasek’s signature deadpan vocal delivery. It’s a song that explores the complexities and absurdities of infatuation, presenting a somewhat humorous and self-deprecating perspective on the often irrational thoughts that accompany love. “You Might Think” is a prime example of The Cars’ ability to combine innovative music with witty and engaging lyrics.
The song is characterized by its driving synthesizer melody, prominent use of electronic drums, and the distinctive vocal style of Ocasek. The lyrics are both playful and slightly obsessive, creating a unique and somewhat unsettling atmosphere. The combination of the song’s new wave sound with its quirky lyrics and Ocasek’s unique vocal delivery made it an instant hit. The song’s memorable chorus and catchy hooks have made it an enduring classic, instantly recognizable and deeply engaging.
“You Might Think” was a significant commercial success, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of The Cars’ most recognizable hits. The song also won the inaugural MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year in 1984, recognizing its innovative use of computer-generated imagery and its contribution to music video as an art form. The award cemented the song’s status as a groundbreaking work in the early days of MTV. Its inclusion on the album Heartbeat City further contributed to the album’s success.
The lasting appeal of “You Might Think” lies in its unique blend of humor, innovation, and musical prowess. It’s a song that perfectly captures the quirky essence of new wave music while exploring universal themes of love and infatuation. “You Might Think” is more than just a catchy song; it’s a pioneering achievement in both music and video and a testament to The Cars’ creativity and lasting impact on popular culture.
Video
Lyrics
Oh well uh, you might think I’m crazy
To hang around with you
Or maybe you think I’m lucky
To have somethin’ to do
But I think that you’re wild
Inside me is some child
You might think I’m foolish
Or maybe it’s untrue
(You might think) You might think I’m crazy
(All I want) All I want is you
You might think it’s hysterical
But I know when you’re weak
You think you’re in the movies
And everything’s so deep
But I think that you’re wild
When you flash that fragile smile
You might think it’s foolish
What you put me through
(You might think) You might think I’m crazy
(All I want) All I want is you
And it was hard, so hard to take (So hard to take)
There’s no escape (There’s no escape)
Without a scrape (Without a scrape)
But you kept it going, till the sun fell down
You kept it, going
Oh well uh, you might think I’m delirious
The way I run you down
But somewhere, sometimes
When you’re curious
I’ll be back around
Oh, I think that you’re wild
And so uniquely styled
You might think it’s foolish
This chancy rendezvous
(You might think I’m crazy) You might think I’m crazy
(All I want is you) All I want is you, ah-oo
All I want is you (All I want is you)
All I want is you
