Expert: Bong Santos - 9/5/2007

Question
QUESTION: Please help!  I've been searching for the title and artist of a song that's been haunting me for over 20 years.  When my sister was in college (1986-1990), she had a mixed tape of a song which included the lyrics, "cuts like a knife".  But it's NOT the Bryan Adams song.  It's probably an European import/new wave since she was into that kind of music (like New Order, etc.).  It's a male singing and it's slow - like a tear jerking kind of song, where he's lamenting about how the girl tore his heart apart (since he's singing about how it cuts like a knife).  Any leads?  Thanks for your help!

ANSWER: Dear Susan,

You must be referring to KNIFE by 80's R&B artist ROCKWELL. He is the son of Motown Records founder and former CEO BERRY GORDY. His real name is KENNEDY WILLIAM GORDY. In 1984, he released the album SOMEBODY'S WATCHING ME and the title song  which features brothers MICHAEL & JERMAINE JACKSON on background vocals became his only Top 10 hit in the US eventually peaking at No. 2 on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart on March 24, 1984. It's follow-up single OBSCENE PHONE CALLER stalled at No. 35. KNIFE came from this album. Here's its lyrics:

KNIFE / ROCKWELL

You touched my life
with a softness in the night
my wish was your command
until you ran
out of love
I tell my self I'm free
got the change of living just for me
no need to carry on
now that you're gone

CHORUS
Knife
cuts like a knife
how will I ever heal
I'm so deeply wounded
knife
cuts like a knife
you cut away the heart of my life

When I pretend when I smile
to fool my dearest friends
I wonder if they know
it's just a show
I'm on a stage day or night
through my charades
but how can I disguise
what's in my eyes
(Repeat CHORUS)

Oh oh oh oh oh ...

I try and try locking up
the pain I feel inside
the pain of wanting you
wanting you
(Repeat CHORUS)

Maraming salamat po!!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, Bong.  Do you know if there has been any remixes of Rockwell's Knife?  Thanks again for your tremendous help.
ANSWER: Dear Susan,

Sorry but I do not know of any remix versions of ROCKWELL's KNIFE but I do have the original version. Let me know if you want it.

Maraming salamat po!!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, please!  If you could send me the original, I would greatly appreciate it.  Thanks.

Answer
Dear Susan,

I need you to write me to again this time on my e-mail address: bong_santos_jbl11@yahoo.com It's important so I can send you the song on your e-mail. Please state the song you are requesting and if you want it on mp3 format or just plain wma file.

Maraming salamat po!!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines