See You Later
Bill Haley & His Comets Lyrics


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(See you later, alligator)

Well, I saw my baby walkin' with another man today
Well, I saw my baby walkin' with another man today
When I asked her what's the matter
This is what I heard her say

See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile
See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile
Can't you see you're in my way now
Don't you know you cramp my style

When I though of what she told me, nearly made me lose my head
When I though of what she told me, nearly made me lose my head
But the next time that I saw her
Reminded her of what she said

See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile
See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile
Can't you see you're in my way now
Don't you know you cramp my style

She said I'm sorry pretty daddy, you know my love is just for you
She said I'm sorry pretty daddy, you know my love is just for you
Won't you say that you'll forgive me
And say your love for me is true

I said wait a minute 'gator, I know you mean it just for play
I said wait a minute 'gator, I know you mean it just for play
Don't you know you really hurt me
And this is what I have to say

See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile
See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile
Can't you see you're in my way now
Don't you know you cramp my style





See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile
See you later alligator, so long, that's all, goodbye

Overall Meaning

In "See You Later Alligator," Bill Haley is singing about a heartbroken lover who has discovered that his girlfriend has been seeing someone else. He confronts her and she responds with the catchphrase of the song, "See you later, alligator, after a while, crocodile." She tells him he's in her way and he cramps her style. The singer is hurt and begins to question his relationship with her. However, she is sorry and confesses that she loves him alone. 


The song is an upbeat rock and roll tune that reflects the mood of the 1950s when it was released. The use of alligators and crocodiles was a popular reference during this time, as it allowed people to associate with the exotic animal kingdom. The song's use of this phrase made it a popular hit and caught on among young people.


The lyrics to "See You Later Alligator" suggest the flirtatious nature of the relationship of the singer and his girlfriend. Many of the lyrics are playful and suggest that the two are just engaging in fun and games. The singer, however, is clearly upset and is holding back his frustration in his tone. The song is therefore an excellent example of the historical context of 1950s music, exploring themes that resonate with the era's youth in a fun and catchy style.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, I saw my baby walkin' with another man today
I saw my partner walking with someone else today


When I asked her what's the matter This is what I heard her say
I asked her what was going on and this is how she responded


See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile Can't you see you're in my way now Don't you know you cramp my style
I need you to go away because you are blocking me now and you are hindering me from being myself


When I thought of what she told me, nearly made me lose my head But the next time that I saw her Reminded her of what she said
What she said almost drove me insane, but the next time I saw her, I reminded her of her words


She said I'm sorry pretty daddy, you know my love is just for you Won't you say that you'll forgive me And say your love for me is true
She apologized and asked for forgiveness


I said wait a minute 'gator, I know you mean it just for play Don't you know you really hurt me And this is what I have to say
I told her that she hurt me and I need her to understand that


See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile Can't you see you're in my way now Don't you know you cramp my style
I need you to go away because you are blocking me now and you are hindering me from being myself


See you later alligator, after 'while crocodile Can't you see you're in my way now Don't you know you cramp my style See you later alligator, so long, that's all, goodbye
I need you to leave and never come back so that I can be happy




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: Robert Charles Guidry

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@silberlinie

Hello young folks.

I am 82 and I also heard this song for the first
time with my friend who emigrated to usa at
the end of school.

I am in Cologne, Germany.

Today, more precisely just now, I dialogued
with ChatGPT about it



All comments from YouTube:

@dangerouspie22

My mum's last words when she passed away ....see you later alligator

@maxmiliankupka7145

bullshit

@muireannbee1971

dangerouspie22 every time I go to bed my mum is like ‘see you later alligator ‘ and I always reply with ‘ not for awhile crocodile 😂, I’m sorry about your mum 😔

@corzwann4185

Sos sad sorry for your mam

@someoneontheinternetuvenev6268

Is this real or is it a joke

@garfieldthelasangacat1622

@ilovegumz yes

134 More Replies...

@profile1674

Whenever my mom had visitors and they left her house she'd always say "See you later, alligator" by way of goodbye. She grew up in the golden years of rock 'n' roll and loved that music until the very end. When she suddenly passed away, we had her cremated, and when the urn with her ashes was carried out of the church, we had this song playing as a final goodbye to her. You're being missed a lot, mom, yet I am happy you're not around to face the wide-awake nightmare that life has become nowadays. Thank you for making me the person I am today. I have not said it enough when you were still here, but I love you.

@birgitleimbach2279

You are so right Profile 1

@potter3439

Very well said

@karlaerazo2935

I truly sad with your WORDS.
Im studying English. But I can feel and understand your feelings Without doubt

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