How I Know You

"How I Know You" is the eleventh song from the concept album, Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida. The song is sung by James Taylor.
While delivering Aida to the princess, Mereb recognizes her as the daughter of the Nubian king under whom he had served during his days in Nubia. She commands him to keep her identity a secret, lest the Egyptians kill her.
It reprised in the second act by Mereb when Aida decides to be with Radames despite his objections.
==Lyrics==
<tabber>
Concept Version=
I grew up in your hometown
At least I began to grow
I hadn't had my first shave
Before the body blow
Egyptians in the courtyard
My family in chains
You witnessed our abduction
Which probably explains
How I know you
Until that fateful morning
My family enjoyed
A privileged existence
For my father was employed
As advisor to the king no less
Which surely rings a bell
For as you are his daughter
You probably can tell
How I know you
How I know you
But enough of reminiscence
And such happy memories
The reason why I know you
Is really none of these
You cannot hide your royalty
Although you hide your face
I know you were my princess
In any time and place
Yes I know you
Yes I know you
How I know you
|-|Broadway Version=
Mereb: I grew up in your hometown
At least began to grow
I hadn't got to my first shave
before the body blow
Egyptians in the courtyard
My family in chains
You witnessed our abduction
Which possibly explains
How I know you
How I know you
Before that fateful morning
My family enjoyed
A privileged existence
For my father was employed
As advisor to the King no less
Which surely rings a bell
For as your are his daughter
You probably can tell
How I know you
Yes I know you
Aida: You know too much and what you say
Is better left unknown
And now I'm just a slave like you
Our lives our not our own
Mereb: I never have abandoned
And nor I think could you
That spark of hope for freedom
No terror can subdue
Aida: My only hope is silence
You've never seen my face
Mereb: No you remain a princess
In any time or place
Aida: You don't know me
Mereb: Yes, I know you
Aida: You don't know me
Mereb: How I know you
How I know you
|-|Reprise=
Mereb: There is a time, there is a place
When love should conquer all
The rest of life is pushed aside
As truth and reason fall
But only if that selfishness
Can lead to something good
I thought I knew you princess
But I never understood
I don't know you
I don't know you
</tabber>
Category:Songs
Category:Musical songs
Category:Aida songs
Category:Reprise
Category:Hero/Heroine songs