About the song
“There Goes My Baby” is a cherished song by The Drifters, first released in 1959. Written by the talented team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, this track showcases the powerful and soulful voice of Ben E. King, who was the lead vocalist for The Drifters at the time.
The song’s melody and lyrics are deeply moving, capturing the pain of seeing a loved one leave. With its rich orchestration and heartfelt delivery, “There Goes My Baby” became an instant classic. The poignant lyrics express a profound sense of loss and longing as the narrator watches his beloved walk away. The chorus poignantly captures this sentiment:
“There goes my baby, there goes my heart,
They know how I need them, they don’t know how I love them.”
The Drifters’ version of the song was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the R&B chart. Its success marked a significant moment for The Drifters, highlighting their ability to blend emotional depth with musical sophistication.
The song’s arrangement, featuring lush string sections and a smooth rhythm, reflects the influence of the Brill Building era, where many iconic songs were crafted. The dramatic and soulful delivery by Ben E. King adds a layer of emotional intensity, making the song a standout hit.
“There Goes My Baby” has been celebrated for its timeless quality and emotional impact. Over the years, it has been covered by various artists, further proving its enduring appeal. The Drifters’ version remains a poignant reminder of the powerful emotions that music can evoke, resonating with audiences across generations.
This track is not only a testament to The Drifters’ vocal prowess but also an enduring piece of musical history that continues to touch the hearts of listeners everywhere.
Video
Lyrics
Bom-bom (do-do-do-do-do)
There she goes (do-do-do-do-do)
There she goes (do-do-do-do-do)
Bom-bom (do-do-do-do)
Bom-bom (do-do-do-do)
There goes my baby, movin’ on down the line
Wonder where, wonder where, wonder where she is bound?
I broke her heart and made her cry
Now I’m alone, so all alone
What can I do, what can I do?
There goes my baby (whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh)
There goes my baby (yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah)
There goes my baby (whoa-oh-oh-oh)
There she goes, yeah, there she goes
I wanna know if she loved me
Did she really love me?
Was she just playing me for a fool?
I wonder why she left me
Why did she leave me so all alone?
So all alone?
I was gonna tell her that I loved her
And that I need her
Beside my side to be my guide
I wanna know, where is my – (do-do-do-do-do)
Where is my baby? (Do-do-do-do-do)
I want my baby (do-do-do-do-do)
I need my baby (do-do-do-do-do)
Yeah, whoa-oh-oh
There goes my baby
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
There goes my baby