Born in Salem (near Ann Arbor), Michigan, Lewis was writing and recording by her teens with producer Ollie McLaughlin. (McLaughlin was a black DJ at Ann Arbor radio station WHRV, now WAAM, who is also credited with discovering Del Shannon.) Her first single release in 1962, the uptempo "My Heart Went Do Dat Da," did not chart nationally but was a local hit in the Detroit area. She wrote all of the songs on her debut LP (including the hit "Hello Stranger"). Though her follow-ups did not have the same success, her song "Someday We're Gonna Love Again" was covered by The Searchers for a British Invasion hit.
In the 1960s, Lewis recorded in New York City, with producers Bert Berns and Jerry Wexler, leading to commercially-successful hits like "Baby I'm Yours" which is written by Van McCoy ('The Hustle'1975) and "Make Me Your Baby." At the end of the decade she released a grittier-sounding album on Stax Records, and after its lack of commercial success, she began to withdraw from music.
However, over the next decade, a number of other artists had success with Lewis' songs, most notably Yvonne Elliman, who made the U.S. Top 20 (and #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart) and the UK Top 30 with her version of "Hello Stranger" in 1977. "Baby I'm Yours" also charted in versions by Jody Miller and Debby Boone (the B-side of her single "God Knows"). In Canada, Suzanne Stevens had a hit in 1975 with a disco version of "Make Me Your Baby". Cover versions of Barbara Lewis' tracks continue into the new millennium with the Arctic Monkeys including a version of "Baby I'm Yours" as a B-side to their 2006 single, "Leave Before The Lights Come On".
In 1995, Lewis' "Baby I'm Yours” was featured on the Bridges of Madison County soundtrack. She was given a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1999.
The backup group on many songs from the album "Hello Stranger" are The Dells who enjoyed some hits of their own.
Hello Stranger
Barbara Lewis Lyrics
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(Shoo-bop, shoo-bop)
Hello, stranger
(Ooh) it seems so good to see you back again
How long has it been?
(Ooh, seems like a mighty long time)
(Shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby, ooh)
It seems like a mighty long time
Oh-uh-oh, I my, my, my, my
I'm so glad
(Ooh) you stopped by to say "hello" to me
Remember that's the way it used to be
Ooh, it seems like a mighty long time
Shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby, ooh
It seems like a mighty long time
Shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby
Shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby
Oh-uh-oh (shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby)
Yes I'm so glad you're here again (shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby, shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby, shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby, shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby)
Oh-ahh-uh-oh
If you're not gonna stay
(Ooh) please don't treat me like you did before
Because I still love you so a-a-although
It seems like a mighty long time
Shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby, ooh
It seems like a mighty long time
Oh-uh-oh, I my, my, my, my (shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby, shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby, shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby, shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby)
I'm so happy that you're here again (shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby, shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby)
Barbara Lewis's "Hello Stranger" is a soulful love song that expresses joy and longing after being separated from a loved one, with some apprehension about the future. In the opening lyrics, the singer expresses delight in seeing an old flame return after a long absence, indicating that it's been quite a while since they last saw each other. As the song progresses, the singer recalls fond memories of their relationship and hopes that things can be like they used to be.
However, there is underlying vulnerability and uncertainty about the situation, as echoed in the lyrics, "If you're not gonna stay, please don't treat me like you did before/ Because I still love you so although it seems like a mighty long time." The singer is clearly hoping for a reconciliation but fears being hurt again if their lover is not committed to staying. Overall, the song is a poignant reminder of the power of love and the hope that comes with reconnecting.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello, stranger
I'm happy to see you again
(Ooh) it seems so good to see you back again
Seeing you again is wonderful
How long has it been?
I haven't seen you in a while
(Ooh, seems like a mighty long time)
It feels like a really long time
If you're not gonna stay
If you're leaving soon
(Ooh) please don't treat me like you did before
Don't treat me badly like you did in the past
Because I still love you so a-a-although
Despite everything, I still love you
I'm so glad / happy that you're here again
I'm really happy to see you again
Remember that's the way it used to be
Don't forget how things used to be between us
Oh-uh-oh, I my, my, my, my
An expression of joy and excitement
Shoo-bop, shoo-bop, my baby, ooh
Vocalization of a catchy tune
It seems like a mighty long time
It has been a really long time
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BARBARA ANN LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind