David Gates (guitar, keyboards, bass and vocals) and Jimmy Griffin (guitar and vocals) formed the group in 1968, adding Robb Royer (guitar, bass and vocals of Pleasure Faire) before signing to Elektra Records. Bread, the band's debut album as a trio, was a failure. The band became a quartet beginning with their second album, On The Waters, bringing in Mike Botts as permanent drummer. This time their efforts quickly established Bread as a major act, hitting the mainstream with the #1 hit "Make It With You" in 1970. Bread began touring and recording the 1971 album titled Manna, which included their most enduring hit, "If."
Royer left the group after three albums to pursue other interests. He was replaced by Larry Knechtel (keyboards, bass, guitar, harmonica), a top session player from the Los Angeles scene. Knechtel's credits included records by Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, The Mamas and the Papas, The Monkees, Jan and Dean, Johnny Rivers and Simon & Garfunkel. In 1972 Bread released the highly successful album titled Baby I'm-a Want You, followed by another hit album, Guitar Man. Tensions existed between Gates and Griffin, however. Elektra had been invariably choosing Gates' songs for the A-sides of the singles; Griffin felt that the singles should have been split between the two, however.
By 1973 the band members sensed that they had taken Bread as far as they could, so they disbanded. Gates and Griffin then began solo careers, with mixed results. After reuniting in 1976, Bread released the album Lost Without Your Love in January 1977. The title track was the band's last top-ten hit, peaking at number 9 on the singles chart. The comeback album was also RIAA-certified Gold®.
2. Bread (Joe Kosnow) is a rapper from Portland, ME.
Baby I'm A Want You
Bread Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby I'm-a need you
You're the only one I care enough to hurt about
Maybe I'm-a crazy
But I just can't live without
Your lovin' and affection
Givin' me direction
Lately I'm-a prayin'
That you'll always be a-stayin' beside me
Used to be my life was just emotions passing by
Feeling all the while and never really knowing why
Lately I'm-a prayin'
That you'll always be a-stayin' beside me
Used to be my life was just emotions passing by
Then you came along and made me laugh and made me cry
You taught me why
Baby I'm-a want you
Baby I'm-a need you
Oh, it took so long to find you, baby
Baby I'm-a want you
Baby I'm-a need you
The lyrics of Bread's song "Baby I'm A Want You" convey a message of deep love, need, and gratitude towards a significant other. In the song, the singer expresses an intense desire for their lover, claiming that they cannot live without their affection and guidance. He acknowledges that he may be seen as crazy, but his love for this person is worth any pain he may endure. The chorus repeatedly emphasizes how much he wants and needs this person, highlighting their importance in his life.
Furthermore, the singer reflects on the lack of meaning in his life before meeting this person. He describes his emotions as just "passing by," not truly understanding them. However, when this person entered his life, it brought laughter, tears, and most importantly, understanding. They taught him why he was feeling the way he did, giving him a sense of purpose and direction.
The overall tone of the song is one of desperation, vulnerability, and adoration. It's a beautiful love song that perfectly encapsulates the emotions of someone deeply in love and grateful for their partner. The lyrics draw you in, and you can't help but feel the intense emotions that the singer is feeling.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby I'm-a want you
I desire you, and I am willing to do everything to have you
Baby I'm-a need you
I am dependent on you, and I cannot function properly without you
You're the only one I care enough to hurt about
You are the only person who matters to me to an extent that I am willing to endure emotional pain for you
Maybe I'm-a crazy
Perhaps I'm considered insane or irrational for wanting and needing you this much
But I just can't live without your lovin' and affection
Your love and care are so important to me that my life seems unbearable without them
Givin' me direction like a guiding light to help me through my darkest hour
Your presence and affection provide me with a sense of purpose and guidance during my most challenging moments
Lately I'm-a prayin' that you'll always be a-stayin' beside me
I hope and wish that you will remain by my side always
Used to be my life was just emotions passing by
Before I met you, my life had no real meaning or direction
Feeling all the while and never really knowing why
I constantly experienced emotions without understanding their origin or purpose
Then you came along and made me laugh and made me cry
You brought joy and pain into my life, making it more meaningful and colorful
You taught me why
You gave me clarity and understanding regarding my feelings and emotions
Oh, it took so long to find you, baby
It was a challenging journey to finally discover someone as special as you in my life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Gates
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kathiegifford5112
Baby I'm-a want you
Baby I'm-a need you
You're the only one I care enough to hurt about
Maybe I'm-a crazy
But I just can't live without
your lovin' and affection
Givin' me direction
Like a guiding light to help me through a darkest hour
Lately I'm a-prayin'
That you'll always be a-stayin' beside me
Used to be my life was just emotions passing by
Feeling all the while and never really knowing why
Lately I'm a-prayin'
That you'll always be a-stayin' beside me.
Used to be my life was just emotions passing by
Then you came along and made me laugh and made me cry
You taught me why
Baby I'm-a want you
Baby I'm-a need you
Oh, it took so long to find you, baby
Baby I'm-a want you
Baby I'm-a need you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCHHHAeSBvY
@johnwiley6999
my wife passed away 2 years ago today, we loved going to bed and listening to bread. we had a great 33 year run . and this music brings back so many great memories.
@arrowjsmith153
I miss these days so much. I do not listen to anything past the 70's. If I could go back in time I would never come back. stuck in the era of real music that had soul and meaning.
@sungyultaylor1354
MAN, these 70's soft rock/slow jams ARE DOPE. Wish I could have hung out in the 70's. Bet it was an awesome time to be alive.
@utah6165
It was!!!!
@shannonmorris6593
Sounds corny, but I put my dog to sleep today and this song is my dedication to her memory. What a gorgeous, timeless song!
@danelogan1532
My dad's favourite band. Had them playing at his funeral. He loved this album. I found it in a record collection he had and listened to it and my mom told me he liked them because they reminded him of my mom. Love you dad. Miss you always.
@jmrodas9
This music of the seventies was so superior to most of today's music with few exceptions and the lyrics were meaningful and believable too. All of us who lived in those times were privileged really to have so many good groups and artists to hear playing and singing. Fortunately we can still hear these great songs here.
@boobtuber06
Man, was everyone in the 1970s so mellow???
Take me back to that decade...
@peterthistle2805
boobtuber06 yes a lot of pot smoking ,back then ,good times........
@sungyultaylor1354
ME TOO. Some people in this generation are WAY TOO UP TIGHT. I wish I could have been around with all those hippies in the 70's when it was all about love, peace, smokin' a little dope, and ofcourse, good music.