Although critically acclaimed, John Hammond has had only moderate commercial success. Nonetheless, he enjoys a strong fan base and has earned respect from the likes of John Lee Hooker, Roosevelt Sykes, Duane Allman, Robbie Robertson, and Charlie Musselwhite, all of whom have contributed their musical talents to Hammond's records. In addition, he is the only person who ever had Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix in his band at the same time, even if it was only for five days in the 1960s when Hammond played the Gaslight Café in New York. To his regret, they never recorded together.
John Hammond has had a longstanding friendship with songwriter Tom Waits, and has performed Waits' songs on occasion. In 2001, he released Wicked Grin, an album entirely of Tom Waits compositions. Waits himself provided guitar work and backing vocals as well as producing the project.
2. John Hammond was a old time banjo player from the 1920's. He recorded the bluegrass classic 'Little Birdie' in 1925.
My Babe
John Hammond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, my baby don't stand no cheating, my babe
Well, my babe don't stand no cheating
She don't, she don't, she don't, oh, Lord
My babe, I know she loves me, my babe
Well, now my babe, I know she loves me, my babe
Yeah, my baby, I know she loves me, my babe
She don't do nothing but kiss and hug me
My babe, I know she loves me, my babe
Oh my, my baby
(Oh baby)
Oh my, my baby
(Oh baby)
Oh my, my baby
(Oh baby)
Oh my, my baby
Well, well, my babe, I know she loves
She don't, she don't, she don't, [Incomprehensible]
My babe, I know she loves me, my babe
Oh my, my baby
(Oh baby)
Oh my, my baby
(Oh baby)
Oh my, my baby
(Oh baby)
Oh my, my baby
Well, well, my babe, I know she loves
My babe, I know she loves me, my babe
Oh my, my baby
(Oh baby)
Oh my, my baby
(Oh baby)
Oh my, my baby
In "My Babe," John Hammond sings about a woman who is faithful and loving, completely devoted to her partner. The lyrics describe her as someone who doesn't tolerate any infidelity or unfaithfulness in their relationship. Her loyalty is unquestionable, and there is no room for doubts. She loves him unconditionally, and her actions prove it. The repetition of the phrase "my babe" throughout the song reinforces the affection and adoration he has for her.
The song's upbeat rhythm and catchy melody contrast with the underlying message of trust and fidelity. It is a classic blues song, where the simplicity of the lyrics enhances the raw emotions conveyed. John Hammond's bluesy voice adds to the authenticity of the song and makes it relatable to anyone who has experienced a faithful, loving relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, my baby don't stand no cheating, my babe
My lover will not tolerate any infidelity from me.
She don't, she don't, she don't, oh, Lord
She is disgusted by any form of betrayal or dishonesty.
My babe, I know she loves me, my babe
I am sure that my partner has deep feelings of affection and devotion for me.
She don't do nothing but kiss and hug me
My partner shows her love through physical touch and emotional intimacy.
Contributed by Camilla E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.