Barbara Ann
Jan Dean Lyrics
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Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann (take my hand)
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
You've got me rockin' and a-rollin'
Rockin' and a-reelin'
Barbara Ann
Went to a dance
Looking for romance
Saw Barbara Ann
So I thought I'd take a chance
Barbara Ann, take my hand
You've got me rockin' and a-rollin'
Rockin' and a reelin'
Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann (take my hand)
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
You've got me rockin' and a-rollin'
Rockin' and a reelin'
Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
Tried Betty Sue
Tried Betty Lou
Tried Mary Sue
But I knew it wouldn't, do
Barbara Ann ba ba ba ba
Barbara Ann ba ba ba ba (take my hand)
You've got me rockin' and a-rollin'
Rockin' and a reelin'
Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann (take my hand)
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
You've got me rockin' and a-rollin'
Rockin' and a reelin'
Barbara Ann
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann, Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann, Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann, Barbara Ann
The lyrics to Jan & Dean's "Barbara Ann" song are cheerful and catchy. It tells the story of a man who goes to a dance looking for romance, where he sees Barbara Ann and decides to take a chance. Throughout the song, he praises Barbara Ann's ability to make him "rockin' and a-rollin'," and declares his affection for her. Despite trying to connect with other women, he knows that none of them can compare to Barbara Ann.
The repetitive nature of the lyrics' simple "ba ba ba ba" creates a memorable hook and adds to the song's carefree vibe. The chorus emphasizes Barbara Ann's allure, and the verses show the singer's opportunistic nature when it comes to love. The song is straightforward, with an emphasis on rhythm, harmony, and vocals rather than on lengthy or complex lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann
The singer repeats Barbara Ann's name to show his affection and adoration towards her.
Ba ba ba ba Barbara Ann (take my hand)
The singer asks Barbara Ann to hold his hand and reminds her of the connection they share.
You've got me rockin' and a-rollin', Rockin' and a reelin', Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann has captivated the singer and he feels the excitement and enthusiasm that comes with being in love with her.
Went to a dance, Looking for romance, Saw Barbara Ann, So I thought I'd take a chance
The singer had come to the dance hoping to find love, but only found it when he saw Barbara Ann, and decided to take a chance with her.
Tried Betty Sue, Tried Betty Lou, Tried Mary Sue, But I knew it wouldn't do
The singer has tried to find love with other women, but realized that they were not right for him and he only wants to be with Barbara Ann.
Barbara Ann, Barbara Ann
The singer repeats her name to remind her of the special place she has in his heart.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Fred Fassert
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Marc Bosyk
I always thought this was the best version of the song. The sax solo wails! Rip Jan Berry
Brian P
I love the sax in this version. Maybe more than the original!
The LassKicker
love this song
brtherjohn
The Beach Boys version - which had Dean in the studio - is based on this Jan and Dean's version (with it's falsetto, which is missing in the original Regents recorded version.) Who would have thunk the BBs "party" version would become a huge mega-hit? Sadly no one remembers this J&D version. Check out the ping-pong stereo spread on this track here!
Lee Marshall
No one remembers it because it's lousy. [and annoying] Not that the Beach Boy's version is all that much more listenable as Dean 'inflicts' his smallish amount of 'talent' into that equation too. Yet...it worked. Brian and his "dog ears"!!! No one else would have picked THAT as the 'hit' from the Party album. Yes...58' The sax solo was pretty cool. Obviously NOT Mike playin' it. It had more than 2 notes to it.
Rebel9668
Sounds kind of like a cross between the Regents & The Beach Boys--I like it!
58'chrysler
Im diggin' the sax solo
Barbara Ann and Paul Mulder
Love this....
Barbara Hanson
They did it best!
Alan Herbert
Regents did this first....my favorite....and of course Jan and Dean. The Beech Boys version was good, but more of a recorded party spoof.