About the song
“Be My Baby” stands as an iconic anthem from the early 1960s, delivered by the American girl group The Ronettes and released as a single on Philles Records in August 1963. The song, a collaborative creation of Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector, became the Ronettes’ signature hit, achieving remarkable chart success by reaching number 2 in the U.S. and number 4 in the UK. It is frequently hailed as one of the greatest songs of the 1960s and has earned a place among the top tracks of all time in various music publications.
At the heart of “Be My Baby” is Phil Spector’s revolutionary Wall of Sound production technique, which he applied meticulously during the recording sessions at Gold Star Studios. This song marked a significant departure from conventional pop recordings of the era, as Spector utilized a full orchestra for the first time, orchestrating a rich and layered soundscape that became synonymous with his style. Ronnie Spector, known then as Veronica Bennett, is the sole Ronette featured on the track, delivering a powerful lead vocal performance that became one of her defining moments.
The recording process was an ambitious endeavor, involving an extensive array of instruments, including piano, guitars, brass, and strings. The famous drum intro, played by Hal Blaine, was a fortuitous accident that became one of the most recognizable beats in pop music history. The song’s arrangement, crafted by Jack Nitzsche and engineered by Larry Levine, set a new standard for studio production and left an indelible mark on the music industry.
“Be My Baby” has had a profound influence on subsequent artists, notably inspiring Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, who cited it as a major influence on his own work. The song’s distinctive sound and production have been widely emulated and admired, cementing its status as a cornerstone of pop music. Its impact is evident in its extensive radio and television play, with over 3 million spins to date, and its enduring presence in popular culture, from its inclusion in major films to its continued relevance in contemporary music.
The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby” remains a landmark achievement in pop music, celebrated for its innovative production and emotional resonance. Its legacy is reflected in its numerous accolades, including its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and its high rankings in various “greatest songs” lists. The song’s influence endures, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences and inspire musicians around the world.
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Lyrics
The night we met I knew I needed you so
And if I had the chance I’d never let you go
So won’t you say you love me?
I’ll make you so proud of me
We’ll make ’em turn their heads every place we go
So won’t you, please (be my, be my baby)
Be my little baby? (My one and only baby)
Say you’ll be my darlin’ (be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now (my one and only baby)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
I’ll make you happy, baby, just wait and see
For every kiss you give me, I’ll give you three
Oh, since the day I saw you
I have been waiting for you
You know I will adore you ’til eternity
So won’t you, please (be my, be my baby)
Be my little baby? (My one and only baby)
Say you’ll be my darlin’ (be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now (my one and only baby)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
So come on and, please (be my, be my baby)
Be my little baby? (My one and only baby)
Say you’ll be my darlin’ (be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now (my one and only baby)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
Be my little baby? (My one and only baby)
Oh-oh-oh (be my, be my baby)
Oh (my one and only baby)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh (be my, be my baby)
Oh-oh-oh (My one and only baby)
Oh (be my, be my baby)