Do You Know What I Mean

The song Do You Know What I Mean by Lee Michaels, featured on his 1971 album 5th, is a raw, soulful track that became his biggest hit, reaching #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. In an interview with It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine, Michaels revealed that the song was the B-side to the single Keep The Circle Turning, written by Joel Christie, and its success was unexpected as it was recorded simultaneously with the album. The track is deeply autobiographical, inspired by Michaels catching his ex-girlfriend with his best friend, as noted on its Wikipedia page. Its funky, syncopated rhythm and Michaels' emotive vocals, paired with his signature Hammond organ, captured the pain of betrayal, with a spoken response from the girlfriend adding a dramatic twist. The song’s stripped-down arrangement—just Michaels and drummer Joel Larson—created a powerful, lean sound that resonated with listeners, earning it the #19 spot on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 for 1971.

Another layer of trivia comes from fan anecdotes shared on platforms like Reddit. Fans on the ClassicRock subreddit have praised the song’s enduring energy, with one user recalling how Michaels’ live performances with drummer Barry "Frosty" Smith at venues like Winterland in San Francisco were electrifying, shaking venues with the Hammond B3’s resonance. A commenter on Music of Our Heart shared a story about a 1970s concert where Michaels’ organ playing was so intense it reportedly loosened bolts in the venue, leading to a month-long closure for repairs. While possibly exaggerated, this tale underscores the visceral impact of his performances. Michaels himself, in the Psychedelic Baby interview, expressed a love for storytelling through his podcast, The Lee Michaels Podcast, where he shares such memories to connect with fans and preserve his legacy for his children and grandchildren.

Lee Michaels, born Michael Olsen on November 24, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, began his musical journey in the mid-1960s, as detailed in his Wikipedia biography. He started with The Sentinals, a San Luis Obispo-based surf rock band that evolved into an R&B show band, featuring drummer Johny Barbata, who later joined The Turtles and Jefferson Airplane. Michaels’ early exposure to R&B shaped his soulful style. He then joined the Joel Scott Hill Trio and briefly played with The Family Tree in San Francisco before going solo. In 1967, he signed with A&M Records, releasing his debut album, Carnival of Life, which showcased his psychedelic influences and Hammond organ mastery. His choice of the Hammond B3, unusual for the era, and minimal accompaniment—often just a drummer like Frosty—set him apart, earning him the title “the ultimate power organist” from Sounds Magazine.

Michaels’ career peaked with 5th, but he continued recording until the mid-1970s, later transitioning to business ventures like his restaurant chain, Killer Shrimp, founded in 1988 in Marina del Rey. For more on Michaels, visit his official website, Killer Shrimp, which focuses on his restaurant but reflects his current endeavors. His official Facebook page for Killer Shrimp occasionally shares music-related nostalgia. No verified Instagram or X accounts directly tied to Michaels exist, but fans can connect on the Killer Shrimp Facebook page or explore fan discussions on sites like Music of Our Heart. A notable fan community is the r/ClassicRock subreddit, where enthusiasts share stories and celebrate Michaels’ legacy.