About The Song
By the time Loretta Lynn released “I Know How” in 1970, she had already established herself as one of the most forthright and fearless voices in country music. Known for her candid lyrics and unapologetic storytelling, Lynn brought a refreshing sense of realism to the genre—particularly from the perspective of women. With “I Know How”, she once again stepped into the shoes of the everywoman, giving voice to complex emotions with the same honesty and plainspoken wisdom that had become her signature.
At first glance, “I Know How” might seem like a straightforward love song. But as with much of Lynn’s work, there is far more bubbling beneath the surface. The song is sung from the perspective of a woman trying to reassure her partner that she can make him happy, that she knows how to love him—how to comfort him, please him, and keep him satisfied. But there’s a quiet undertone of vulnerability here, a sense that this isn’t just a declaration of devotion, but perhaps also a plea. The narrator is staking her worth on her ability to meet someone else’s needs, and in doing so, reveals both strength and an aching kind of insecurity.
Musically, “I Know How” fits squarely within the smooth, Nashville sound that dominated country radio at the turn of the decade. The production is lush but not overpowering, allowing Lynn’s voice to remain front and center. Her vocal performance is tender and full of heart, marked by a gentle, aching sincerity that draws the listener in without demanding attention. There’s no vocal acrobatics or over-dramatization—just the pure, unvarnished truth of a woman who loves deeply and hopes that love is enough.
What elevates this song—and much of Loretta Lynn’s work—is her ability to capture the nuances of everyday emotional life. In just a few verses, she conveys the quiet tension between confidence and doubt, between giving and receiving, between what we offer in love and what we hope to receive in return. This emotional clarity is a hallmark of her songwriting, and “I Know How” is a prime example of how she could take something as universal as a romantic relationship and make it feel personal, poignant, and true.
In the broader context of Lynn’s career, “I Know How” stands as a subtle but powerful entry in her body of work—an understated testament to her enduring ability to speak to the heart, with both grace and grit.
Video
Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Yeah, I love him like he wants me to and I know howAnd it’s my duty to know his moods when he gets moodyYeah, I give him what he needs and that’s why I’m his right nowYes, I know I love him right ’cause I know how. Yeah, I know howYes, I know how to hold him when he needs holdin’And I know how to kiss him when he needs kissin’I understand his every wish and his every wish is mineYes, he knows I love to love him and I know howYeah I know howYes I know how to hold him when he needs holdin’And I know how to kiss him when he needs kissin’I understand his every wish and his every wish is mineYes, he knows I love to love him and I know howYeah I know howYou better believe I know how