Channel originally performed on the Louisiana Hayride radio show, and then joined up with harmonica-player Delbert McClinton singing country music. Bruce wrote "Hey! Baby" in 1959, together with Margaret Cobb, and had been performing it for two years before recording it for Fort Worth record producer Bill Smith. It was originally released on Bill Smith's label, but as it started to sell well, it was distributed by Smash. Besides topping the U.S. pop charts, it became No. 2 in the UK in 1962 as well.
Channel toured Europe and was supported at one gig by The Beatles, who were then still unknown. John Lennon, who had "Hey! Baby" on his jukebox, was fascinated by McClinton's harmonica and asked McClinton to teach him to play. The harmonica break in "Hey! Baby" not only inspired Lennon's harmonica playing on The Beatles' 1962 first single "Love Me Do" and later records, but the harmonica break on Frank Ifield's "I Remember You" in 1962.
The key to the appeal of "Hey! Baby" is the sustained first note, with a rhythmic shuffle in the background. This had previously occurred on a recent hit "Sherry" (1962) by The Four Seasons, and was later to recur on a Beatles song, "I Should Have Known Better" (on A Hard Day's Night - 1964).
Delbert McClinton went on to write songs that were recorded by Waylon Jennings and Emmylou Harris.
Bruce Channel's only other Top 40 recording in the UK singles chart was 1968's "Keep On".
"Hey! Baby" was channelled (no pun intended) at the end of Bruce Springsteen's biggest hit single, 1984's "Dancing in the Dark".
"Hey! Baby" appeared on the soundtrack to "Dirty Dancing."
"Hey! Baby" is a staple of several college pep bands, including the Penn State Blue Band, Marching Mizzou and the Georgetown University Pep Band. The bands generally play the song at home football and basketball games, while the student section sings along. They know the chorus well, but rarely the verses.
A 2001 cover version by DJ Otzi reached both number 1 in the UK singles chart, as well as topping the equivalent listing in the USA.
Chantilly Lace
Bruce Channel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What's that baby
Why?
What's that baby
You know what I like
Chantilly lace and a pretty face
And a pony tail a hangin' down
And giggle in the talk
Makes the world go round
There ain't nothin' in the world
Like a big eyed girl
That makes me act so funny
Make me spend my money
Make me feel real loose like a long necked goose
Like a girl, oh baby that's what I like
What's that baby,
Pick you up at 8 and don't be late
but, but, but
I ain't got no money honey
Chantilly lace and a pretty face
And a pony tail a hangin' down
That wiggle in the walk
And giggle in the talk
Makes the world go round
There ain't nothin' in the world
Like a big eyed girl
That makes me act so funny
Make me spend my money
Make me feel real loose like a long necked goose
Like a girl, oh baby that's what I like
What's that baby
Alright baby
Oh Baby
Oh Baby
In Bruce Channel's song "Chantilly Lace," the lyrics depict a conversation between Bruce and a female caller, with Bruce expressing his admiration for a certain type of woman that he finds irresistible. The song begins with Bruce answering the phone and engaging in playful banter with the caller. He expresses his preference for a woman with Chantilly lace, a pretty face, a ponytail hanging down, and a seductive walk and talk that brings joy to his world. He emphasizes the unique appeal of a woman with big eyes, as she has the power to make him feel lighthearted and willing to spend his money. Bruce playfully compares this feeling to that of a loose and carefree long-necked goose. He repeats his fondness for this type of girl, indicating that she is exactly what he likes.
The lyrics of "Chantilly Lace" portray Bruce Channel's appreciation for a specific type of woman and the effect she has on him. The emphasis on visual and auditory qualities, such as Chantilly lace, a pretty face, a ponytail, and a seductive walk and talk, suggests that Bruce is drawn to both physical attractiveness and a confident and playful personality. The repetition of the chorus reinforces his infatuation with this type of woman, highlighting the extent to which she influences his behavior and emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello baby, Yeah this is Bruce talking
Greetings, my dear. It is I, Bruce, engaging in conversation with you.
What's that baby
Pray tell, my love, what is it that you wish to express?
Why?
For what reason might you ask such a query, my dear?
You know what I like
Surely you are aware of my preferences, as we have been acquainted for some time.
Chantilly lace and a pretty face
Delicate lace attire and a visage of beauty
And a pony tail a hangin' down
Adorned with a cascade of hair restrained by a tie at the nape
That wiggle in the walk
The swaying motion in one's gait
And giggle in the talk
Accompanied by cheerful laughter in conversation
Makes the world go round
Such attributes possess the power to captivate and enliven the world
There ain't nothin' in the world
There exists no other entity or phenomenon in this vast world
Like a big eyed girl
Comparable to a girl with large, expressive eyes
That makes me act so funny
Whose presence evokes behaviors and reactions that may seem comical
Make me spend my money
Inclining me to expend my monetary resources
Make me feel real loose like a long necked goose
Eliciting a sensation of liberation akin to that of a fluid, elongated avian creature
Like a girl, oh baby that's what I like
Truly, my beloved, it is young ladies such as yourself that arouse my deepest affections
Pick you up at 8 and don't be late
I shall collect you from your abode at the designated hour of 8, please ensure punctuality
but, but, but
Ah, however, alas
I ain't got no money honey
Regrettably, my dear, I am devoid of monetary funds
What's that baby
Pray tell, my love, what more would you inquire of me?
Alright baby
Very well, my beloved
Oh Baby
My dearest darling
Oh Baby
My beloved, once again
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, GLAD MUSIC CO., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: J.P. Richardson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind