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.
Try It Baby
Bruce Channel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's not the way you kiss that tears my apart
But, oh, many many many nights go by
I sit alone at home and cry over you
What can I do, can't help myself
'Cause, baby, it's you
Baby, it's you
You should hear what they say about you (cheat, cheat)
They say, they say you never never ever been true
Wo ho, it doesn't matter what they say
I know I'm gonna love you any old way
What can I do, then it's true
Don't want nobody, nobody
'Cause, baby, it's you
Baby, it's you
Wo ho, it doesn't matter what they say
I know I'm gonna love you any old way
What can I do, then it's true
Don't want nobody, nobody
'Cause, baby, it's you
Baby, it's you
Don't leave me all alone
Come on home
The lyrics of Bruce Channel's song "Baby It's You" express the deep infatuation and helplessness of the singer towards their loved one, who has taken hold of their heart. The singer begins by acknowledging that it's not just the physical traits of the person that have touched their heart and made them cry over them, but something more profound and intangible that has captured their attention, possibly the person's personality or the memories they've shared together. The singer seems to be suffering from unrequited love and can't seem to help themselves as their heart belongs to their loved one.
In the second verse, the singer quotes the rumors that others have circled about their loved one's fidelity, calling them a "cheat." However, it doesn't seem to sway the singer's feelings. They know they're going to love their loved one regardless of what others say, and they don't want anyone else, singularly devoted to the object of their affections. They plead that their loved one doesn't leave them alone and come back home.
Overall, the song is a declaration of love and admiration towards someone who has captured the singer's heart. Despite the potential rumors surrounding their loved one, the singer remains devoted and in love, unable to help themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not the way you smile that touched my heart
Your smile is important to me, but it was not what made me fall in love with you.
It's not the way you kiss that tears my apart
Your kisses are special to me, but they are not what causes me pain and suffering.
But, oh, many many many nights go by
I spend countless nights alone, thinking about you and what could have been.
I sit alone at home and cry over you
My heart aches and I cannot help but cry because you are not here with me.
What can I do, can't help myself
I am unable to control my emotions and feelings towards you.
'Cause, baby, it's you
Baby, it's you
You are the only one that brings me joy and happiness, and I cannot help but love you.
You should hear what they say about you (cheat, cheat)
Rumors are being spread about you being dishonest and unfaithful.
They say, they say you never never ever been true
The rumors suggest that you have never been loyal or truthful in your relationships.
Wo ho, it doesn't matter what they say
I do not care about the rumors and what others say about you, for my love for you remains true.
I know I'm gonna love you any old way
Regardless of any negative rumors, I will always love and accept you for who you are.
What can I do, then it's true
I cannot change my feelings for you, they are true and genuine.
Don't want nobody, nobody
I do not desire anyone else, I only want you.
'Cause, baby, it's you
Baby, it's you
You are the one who holds my heart and soul, and I cannot imagine being without you.
Don't leave me all alone
Come on home
I cannot bear the thought of being alone without you, please come back to me.
Lyrics © SOROKA MUSIC LTD., Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Burt Bacharach, Mack David, Barney Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@graciedavis7432
We play this as a stand tune for band but the trumpet section says “will u be my squirrel” to piss off the band director
@trevorbolena4202
Of course it was the trumpets
@genobuck9363
#Altos
@sophielabbe7196
Cm2
@metrocabinet
@Trevor Bolena what's that supposed to mean?
@trevorbolena4202
@Danny Atkinson Its always the low brass or trumpets who act like idiots. I know, cause I'm one of them
@adree5208
there's so many band kids here and I love it
@TheMemeMachine
yess!!
@carlyduke13
AND A TWENTY ONE PILOTS FAN I SEE???
@laviniashiponeni1
hey fellow mutant