The Flying Pickets was a British a cappella vocal group, known for a surpri… Read Full Bio ↴The Flying Pickets was a British a cappella vocal group, known for a surprise number one hit in 1983 on the U.K. singles chart with their cover of the Yazoo's track "Only You". Their version, having peaked around Christmastime, is remembered fondly by many radio stations during the season. The name 'Flying Pickets' refers to mobile strikers who travel in order to join a picket. The group of six was founded by Brian Hibbard in 1982 based off of a group of actors called the "7:84 Theatre group", a fringe theatre group who had sung a capella in their production of 'One Big Blow.

Said production was based on a previous U.K. miners' strike. "Only You", their debut single, was the British Christmas number one in 1983, spending a total of five weeks at the top, and it also did well around Europe. Ironically enough, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, fighting an acrimonious political battle with unions at the time, said that the single was one of her favorite songs. A second single, a cover of the soul classic "When You're Young and in Love" by Van McCoy, reached number seven, but their third, a cover of the Eurythmics' track "Who's That Girl?", barely charted at all.

Joining Hibbard in the Flying Pickets were Rick Lloyd, Gareth Williams, David Brett, Ken Gregson, and Red Stripe (real name David Gittins). They were internationally renowned for their appearances: Hibbard's huge sideburns, Stripes thick eyeliner, and four others showing off flamboyant suits and large hats. A group like the Pickets were very lucky to get into the charts at all, let alone a Christmas number one and a pleasing number seven afterwards.

Hibbard and Gittins tried desperately to stay in the music business, and they formed their own act called 'Brian and Stripe'. Unfortunately, their first and only single failed, and they returned to their separate acting careers. Other group members drifted into various careers.

Since the original Flying Pickets split, a new team of five ambitious men have tried to follow in the original's footsteps. Yet they have had no chart success. Still, they've toured around Europe in lots of small venues all year round, trying to at least touch the giddy heights of their predecessors.

I Got You Babe
Flying Pickets Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

They say we're young and we don't know
We won't find out until we're grown
Well I don't know if all that's true
'Cause you've got me, and baby I got you

Babe, I got you babe i got you babe

They say our love won't pay the rent

Before it's earned
Our money's all been spent

I guess that's so, we don't have a pot
But at least I'm sure of
All the things we got

Babe, I got you babe i got you babe

I got flowers in the spring
I've got you to wear my ring
And when I'm sad, you're a clown
And if I get scared, you're always around

Don't let them say your hair's too long
'Cause I don't care
With you I can't go wrong
So put your little hand in mine
There ain't no hill or
Mountain we can't climb

Babe, I got you babe i got you babe

I got you to walk with me
I got you to talk with me
I got you to hold my hand
I got you to understand
I got you to hold me tight
I got you to kiss goodnight
I got you, I won't let go
I got you to love me so

I got you babe i got you babe

I got you babe i got you babe
I got you babe

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "I Got You Babe" by the Flying Pickets depict a relationship that defies societal expectations and norms. The song suggests that despite being young and inexperienced, the singer and their partner are confident in their love and support for each other.

The opening lines, "They say we're young and we don't know, we won't find out until we're grown," acknowledge the skepticism and doubt others may have about their relationship. However, the singer counters this by expressing their uncertainty about the validity of those claims. They assert that the bond they share with their partner is strong and enduring.

The chorus, "Babe, I got you babe, I got you babe," reinforces the deep connection and devotion between the singer and their partner. It serves as a declaration of love and a reassurance that they are committed to each other.

The second verse highlights the financial struggles faced by the couple. The lyrics, "They say our love won't pay the rent before it's earned, our money's all been spent," imply that their love alone cannot sustain them. However, the singer finds comfort in the intangible things they possess, such as emotional support and happiness.

The third verse focuses on the support and companionship the singer receives from their partner. Their relationship brings joy in times of sadness, provides a sense of security, and gives them the courage to face any challenges. The lyrics suggest that superficial concerns, like the length of their partner's hair, are insignificant compared to the strength of their love.

Overall, "I Got You Babe" celebrates a connection that transcends societal expectations and material possessions. It emphasizes the power of love, support, and understanding in a relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

They say we're young and we don't know
People say we're inexperienced and ignorant

We won't find out until we're grown
We won't understand until we're older

Well I don't know if all that's true
But I'm not sure if that's accurate

'Cause you've got me, and baby I got you
Because I have you, and darling, you have me

They say our love won't pay the rent
They claim our love won't cover the expenses

Before it's earned, our money's all been spent
Even before we earn it, our money is already gone

I guess that's so, we don't have a pot
I suppose it's true, we don't have any savings

But at least I'm sure of all the things we got
But at least I'm certain about the things we possess

I got flowers in the spring
I have flowers blooming in springtime

I've got you to wear my ring
I have you to wear my ring as a symbol of commitment

And when I'm sad, you're a clown
When I'm feeling down, you make me laugh

And if I get scared, you're always around
And if I become afraid, you're always there for me

Don't let them say your hair's too long
Ignore those who criticize your long hair

'Cause I don't care
Because I don't mind

With you I can't go wrong
With you, I can't make mistakes

So put your little hand in mine
Hold my hand with your small hand

There ain't no hill or mountain we can't climb
There is no obstacle we can't overcome

I got you to walk with me
I have you to accompany me

I got you to talk with me
I have you to have conversations with

I got you to hold my hand
I have you to hold my hand

I got you to understand
I have you to comprehend and support me

I got you to hold me tight
I have you to embrace me tightly

I got you to kiss goodnight
I have you to kiss goodnight

I got you, I won't let go
I have you, I won't release

I got you to love me so
I have you to love me deeply

I got you babe i got you babe
I have you, darling, I have you, darling

I got you babe
I have you, darling

Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sonny Bono

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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