Pretty Baby
Al Jolson & Judy Garland Lyrics
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You hate to have me call you Pretty Baby,
I really thought that I was pleasing you,
For you're just a baby to me.
Your cunning little dimples and your baby stare,
Your baby talk and baby walk and curly hair,
Your baby smile makes life worth while,
You're just as sweet as you can be.
Your mother says you were the cutest kid,
No wonder, dearie, that I'm wild about you,
And all the cunning things you said and did.
Why, I love to fondly recall,
Ann just like Peter Pan, it seems you'll always be
The same sweet, cunning, Little Baby dear to me.
And that is why I'm sure that I will always love you best of all.
Everybody loves a baby that's why I'm in love with you,
Pretty Baby, Pretty Baby,
And I'd to be your sister, brother, dad and mother too,
Pretty Baby, Pretty Baby.
Won't you come and let me rock you in my cradle of love,
And we'll cuddle all the time.
Oh! I want a Lovin' Baby and it might as well be you,
Pretty Baby of mine.
The lyrics to Al Jolson & Judy Garland's song "Pretty Baby" are about an adult referring to their loved one as a baby. The loved one does not appreciate the reference and is actually irritated by it, but the person singing believes that they are flattering their loved one. The lyrics describe the loved one's features, such as their curly hair and dimples, as being cute and charming like a baby's. The singer mentions that the loved one's mother has also praised their cuteness when they were a child. The singer claims to always love their loved one the most no matter what happens.
The lyrics of the song convey a certain nostalgia for childhood innocence and youthfulness. The title "Pretty Baby" and the frequent use of the word "baby" create an image of vulnerability, purity, and affection. However, the loved one is not a baby anymore and feels disrespected by the reference. Therefore, the lyrics can also be seen as a commentary on the importance of respecting people's boundaries and not imposing one's own preferences on others.
Line by Line Meaning
You ask me why I'm always teasing you,
You question why I like to joke with you,
You hate to have me call you Pretty Baby,
You dislike it when I refer to you as Pretty Baby,
I really thought that I was pleasing you,
I believed that you enjoyed my affection,
For you're just a baby to me.
To me, you embody youth and innocence,
Your cunning little dimples and your baby stare,
Your charming facial features and childish gaze,
Your baby talk and baby walk and curly hair,
Your youthful mannerisms and curly locks,
Your baby smile makes life worth while,
Your carefree grin brings joy and happiness,
You're just as sweet as you can be.
You possess a natural and delightful sweetness,
Your mother says you were the cutest kid,
Your mother claims you were the most adorable child,
No wonder, dearie, that I'm wild about you,
It's no surprise that I'm infatuated with you,
And all the cunning things you said and did.
I fondly recall all the clever things you said and did,
Why, I love to fondly recall,
In fact, I relish the memories,
Ann just like Peter Pan, it seems you'll always be
As if you're akin to Peter Pan, forever youthful and whimsical,
The same sweet, cunning, Little Baby dear to me.
Forever remaining the same adorable and clever Little Baby in my eyes,
And that is why I'm sure that I will always love you best of all.
Hence, I'm convinced that I'll always love you the most,
Everybody loves a baby that's why I'm in love with you,
Since everyone loves a baby, it's why I'm smitten with you,
Pretty Baby, Pretty Baby,
My dear, darling Pretty Baby,
And I'd to be your sister, brother, dad and mother too,
I'd love to be your sibling, father, and mother as well,
Won't you come and let me rock you in my cradle of love,
Wouldn't you like me to hold you tenderly in my arms,
And we'll cuddle all the time.
And we'll embrace each other continuously,
Oh! I want a Lovin' Baby and it might as well be you,
Oh! I desire a sweet and affectionate Baby, and you fit that perfectly,
Pretty Baby of mine.
My incredibly lovely and adorable Baby.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BAYLEY COOKE, JASON EDWARDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@HoustonHistoricRetail
My Grandfather constantly sang this, along with an "parody version" he composed. The town I grew up in had a hospital named "Poly Ryon". His lyrics were as follows:
-Everybody loves a sickie that's why I'm in love with you.
-Poly Ryon, Poly Ryon
-And I'd like to be your doctor, nurse, and chiropractor too
-Poly Ryon, Poly Ryon
-Oh wont you come and cuddle with me in the fluoroscopy room, I'll let you see through me.
-Oh I love all my diseases but I'd give them up for you.
-Poly Ryon, you're mine, Poly Ryon your mine!
@Viracocha88
They were both such brilliant singers and they compliment each other beautifully in this brief clip. It's a pity they never recorded an entire LP of duets.
@maureen1938
This is terrific...I've never heard them singing together....I love it
@alanlefkowitz8863
She could belt out a song as Jolson did. This recording sounds sweet, she holds her own
@anneroy4560
the two greatest singers ever ...
@madamerotten
Are there any other examples of them singing together? This seems exceptionally rare.
@madamerotten
Possibly the two greatest entertainers in history.
@lanitarenee4668
Love it, so VERY fab!!💋💋
@HoustonHistoricRetail
My Grandfather constantly sang this, along with an "parody version" he composed. The town I grew up in had a hospital named "Poly Ryon". His lyrics were as follows:
-Everybody loves a sickie that's why I'm in love with you.
-Poly Ryon, Poly Ryon
-And I'd like to be your doctor, nurse, and chiropractor too
-Poly Ryon, Poly Ryon
-Oh wont you come and cuddle with me in the fluoroscopy room, I'll let you see through me.
-Oh I love all my diseases but I'd give them up for you.
-Poly Ryon, you're mine, Poly Ryon your mine!
@starsky051
love it
@elzyu6
The sweet sound of Judy's 'Pretty Baby' lyric is lovely! And although Judy didn't like being called Frances or Baby or Finklea or whatever, that was only because of a childhood that she'd rather have forgotten...