Darin was a very special and talented entertainer. He was a Grammy award winning singer ('Mack The Knife'), a respected member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ('Dream Lover', 'Splish Splash', 'If I Were A Carpenter') a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a successful record producer, an Oscar nominated actor and a strong supporter of the American Heart Association. Bobby was married to actress Sandra Dee from 1960-1967. They had one son, Dodd, born in December 1961. As a result of complications from a rheumatic heart, Bobby's life was tragically cut short in 1973.
Darin's mother, Vanina Cassotto, had given birth to him when she was 16, and as a result, her parents raised Darin as though he were their son while Vanina was presented off as his elder sister. Darin did not learn the truth about his parentage until he was 32.
For more on Bobby Darin, watch "Beyond the Sea," in which Kevin Spacey portrays the entertainer.
Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey
Bobby Darin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who? Why, your lady friend, that's who
If I were you, if I were you, I'd get my little old self home
Won't you come home, Bill Bailey
Won't you come home?
She moans the whole day long
I'll do the cookin', honey, I'll pay the rent
I know, I done you wrong
I drove you out with nothin' but a fine tooth comb, yeah
I know I'm to blame, ain't it a shame
Bailey, won't you please come home
Ah, walk on home, Bill
Ah, like it, like that
Hey, Bailey, Let's go on home one more time here
Won't you come home Bill Bailey
Won't you come home?
She moans the whole day long
I'll do the cookin' honey, I'll even pay the rent
I know, I know, I done you wrong
Do you remember that rainy evenin', ah
That I drove you out, with nothin' but a fine tooth comb
And you are bald
I know I'm to blame, well ain't it a shame
Bailey, won't you please come
Bailey, won't you please come
Bailey, won't you please come
Bailey, won't you please come
Bailey, won't you please come
C'mon, Bailey, won't you please come
Go, Bailey, won't you please come
Bailey, won't you please come
Bailey, won't you please come
One more time
Oh, Bailey won't you please come home
Get on home
The song "Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey" was written by Hughie Cannon in 1902, but was popularized by Bobby Darin in the 1960s. The song is a plea from a woman to her husband, Bill Bailey, who has left her and gone out all night. The woman is begging her husband to come home and promising to do whatever it takes to make things right. She offers to cook for him, pay the rent, and even admits that she was the one who was wrong. The lyrics are playful and upbeat, with a catchy melody that has made it a classic of American popular music.
The song is a quintessential example of the Jazz Age, with its lively tempo, call-and-response format, and use of horns and other instruments. The lyrics reflect the era's fascination with nightlife and partying, while also acknowledging the importance of home and family. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Fats Waller. It has been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials, and remains a beloved classic of American music.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, Bill Bailey, Don't look now but somebody's callin' you
Hello there, Bill Bailey. Be aware that someone is calling out to you.
Who? Why, your lady friend, that's who
It's none other than your female companion calling out for you.
If I were you, if I were you, I'd get my little old self home
If I were in your place, I would immediately head back home.
Won't you come home, Bill Bailey
Would you please return to your home, Bill Bailey?
She moans the whole day long
Your lady friend is unhappy and complains throughout the day.
I'll do the cookin', honey, I'll pay the rent
I promise to take over the cooking duties and make sure the rent is paid, my dear.
I know, I done you wrong
I acknowledge that I have committed a mistake against you.
Do you remember that rainy evenin'
Do you recall that evening when it was pouring rain outside?
I drove you out with nothin' but a fine tooth comb, yeah
I was so upset that I made you leave our home with just a fine tooth comb in hand.
I know I'm to blame, ain't it a shame
I admit that it's my fault, and it's such a regrettable situation.
Ah, walk on home, Bill
You should start walking back to your house, Bill.
Ah, like it, like that
Keep it up, just like that.
Let's go on home one more time here
Let's go back home one last time before we call it a day.
And you are bald
Just a playful taunt mentioning that you are bald.
Bailey, won't you please come home
Once again, I ask you, Bailey, to come back home.
C'mon, Bailey, won't you please come
Come on, Bailey, it's a request for you to come back home once more.
Go, Bailey, won't you please come
It's time to get going, Bailey. Please return to your home.
One more time
One last time, let me ask you to come back home.
Oh, Bailey won't you please come home
Oh, please come back home, Bailey. I miss you.
Get on home
It's time for you to return to your house.
Writer(s): Darin Bobby, 1
Contributed by Bentley D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jimhilliker2450
Bobby Darin is so good and was quite an entertainer. I was so sad when he died. He does a good job on this song.
@anosjk
He was the absolute Greatest! His death an absolute absurd.The greatest.
@brucerobbins6528
I am 75 and remember listening to this in the 50s. It was great then and it is still great today. Back then, I loved the piano solo in this and wished I could play like that some day!! We must remember Richard Wess who arranged the scores on Bobby's first few albums, was a big part of Bobby's sound.
@danielburns987
this song went to #19 on the pop charts in 1960!!!
@reginahyde1488
Drummer is workin' it!
@brucerobbins6528
Dick Wess, the arranger, always worked with top notch jazz musicians. I love the brief piano solo"!!!!!
@drstevie
So good :)