Although the song was written in the 70’s, its lyrics contain many references to 60’s pop culture, including but not limited to references to the 1962 film Lolita and the song “Incense and Peppermints” by Strawberry Alarm Clock.
An instrumental version of “Pretty Baby” titled "I'll Never Break Away From This Heart Of Mine" was included in Blondie's first archival project Against The Odds: 1974 - 1982.
Pretty Baby
Blondie Lyrics
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But the very young need the sun, uh-huh
Pretty baby, you look so heavenly
A neo-nebular from under the sun
I was forming, some say I had my chance
The boys were falling like an avalanche
Ya ya baby
No-one was listening
Pretty baby, un petite ingenue
A teenage starlet, I fell in love with you
You, you with the comb
You look OK in every way (every way)
Ah, I should have known
You'd look at me and look away (and look away - oh)
Pretty baby, you look so heavenly
A neo-nebular from under the sun
Eyes that tell me incense and peppermints
Your looks are larger than life, long live innocence
Petite ingenue, I fell in love with you
Pretty baby, I fell in love with you, whoah oh
Pretty baby, oh oh
Pretty baby, whoah oh, I fell in love with you
The lyrics of Blondie's "Pretty Baby" are about falling in love with a young and beautiful woman, who the singer describes as a "neo-nebular from under the sun", a phrase which suggests something celestial and other-worldly. The song opens with the line "Stars live in the evening, but the very young need the sun", which could be interpreted as a metaphor for youth and vitality, or perhaps as a simple statement about how young people enjoy being outside during the day. The singer refers to the woman he is singing about as a "petite ingenue", which means a young and innocent girl who is usually an actress in a film or play. He portrays her as a teenage starlet for whom he has fallen head over heels.
The second verse mentions a girl holding a comb, who looks okay in every way, but looks away when the singer looks at her. This might indicate that the singer was interested in someone else before falling in love with the "pretty baby". The chorus goes on to repeat that the singer has fallen in love with the "pretty baby" and describes her as an innocent, larger-than-life figure.
Overall, the lyrics of "Pretty Baby" seem to be a simple ode to youthful beauty and the experience of falling in love with someone who appears to be almost otherworldly in their beauty and innocence.
Line by Line Meaning
Stars live in the evening
While stars in the evening sky may shine brightly, young people need the warmth and light of the sun.
But the very young need the sun, uh-huh
The very young require the sun as a source of energy and light to grow and thrive.
Pretty baby, you look so heavenly
You appear to be an angelic presence, a perfectly beautiful creation.
A neo-nebular from under the sun
Like a dazzling, glittering cosmic entity that shines underneath the sun's rays.
I was forming, some say I had my chance
There was a period when I was growing and developing, and some suggest I had an opportunity to succeed.
The boys were falling like an avalanche
The boys were falling head over heels for me, like an unstoppable avalanche of emotions.
Ya ya baby
An exclamation of agreement or understanding with the situation at hand.
La Dolce Vita is a magic dance
The sweet life is like a magical dance, an experience to be savored and enjoyed.
No-one was listening
No one was paying attention to my feelings or desires.
Pretty baby, un petite ingenue
An innocent young girl, full of potential and promise.
A teenage starlet, I fell in love with you
As a young star on the rise, I became infatuated with you and your beauty and charm.
You, you with the comb
You, the person who is grooming yourself with a comb.
You look OK in every way (every way)
You appear to be attractive and appealing from every angle, in every aspect of your appearance.
Ah, I should have known
I regret not recognizing the truth of the situation earlier.
You'd look at me and look away (and look away - oh)
You would look briefly in my direction, but then quickly look away and ignore me.
Eyes that tell me incense and peppermints
Your eyes are entrancing, like the sweet and spicy scents of incense and peppermints.
Your looks are larger than life, long live innocence
You have a stunning, remarkable appearance that transcends normality, and a sense of innocence that should be celebrated and preserved.
Petite ingenue, I fell in love with you
I was captivated by your innocent and youthful beauty.
Pretty baby, I fell in love with you, whoah oh
I was completely and hopelessly in love with you, oh whoah.
Pretty baby, oh oh
You are an exquisitely beautiful individual.
Pretty baby, whoah oh, I fell in love with you
I was completely enamored with your beauty and fell deeply in love with you, oh whoah.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CHRIS STEIN, DEBORAH HARRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kc
on Accidents Never Happen
Judging from the cultural framework at the time i read it as lies being exposed for the middle income layers of the society who ere led to believe that if they follow certain codes they will be happy and prosperous but so many fail so accidents nver happen is a mockery