BE MY BABY
Johnny Rivers Lyrics


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She didn't bat an eye, as I packed my bags to leave
I thought she would cry, or sit around my room and grieve
But oh the girl she fooled me this time
Acting like I was the last thing on her mind
Now I'd like to start all over again
I just want to change my mind

As I took those steps, toward that open door
Knowing all the time, oh Lord I just didn't wanna go
She didn't give me no sign
Nothing that would make me wanna change my mind
And I would like to start all over again
Baby, can I change my mind
'Cause I would like to change my mind

You know, I was confused, sitting here by myself thinking
watching you walk to the door and walk away
what was I supposed to say change your mind

Oh I've played my game so many times before
But people let me tell y'all, that I never reached the door
Oh the wind it is high tonight
I keep lookin' for my baby but she's not in sight
And I would like to start all over again

Baby can I change my mind
'Cause I would like to start all over again




Baby can I change my, my mind
'Cause I would like to start all over again with you girl

Overall Meaning

Johnny Rivers's song "Be My Baby" is a touching ballad that speaks about regret and the desire to start anew. In the beginning, the singer of the song, (who is assumed to be Rivers himself), is preparing to pack his bags to leave his significant other. He anticipates that she would break down, weep, or try to convince him to stay. However, he is shocked when she doesn't react to his departure. She acts as though he is the last person on her mind, and this confuses him. Now, he wishes he could turn back time and start all over with her, indicating he was not emotionally ready to let go.


As he begins moving towards the door, her lack of reaction causes him to pause. Though he wished to leave, he is drawn to stay by her inertness. However, she does not give him a sign that he misunderstood anything, so, he walks away. He spends the rest of the song regretting his decision and yearning for a second chance, confessing that he was confused and playing games with her. The song ends with a plea, “Baby can I change my mind?”, asking if he can go back and start again, hoping she still believes in him.


Overall, the song expresses the sorrow, pain, and confusion that accompany a love gone awry. It describes the tendency to take the people we love for granted, expecting their affections to be constant even when our behavior changes. Rivers's plea during the chorus is both sorrowful and genuine, as he longs for another chance to start over with the person he loves.


Line by Line Meaning

She didn't bat an eye, as I packed my bags to leave
She didn't show any emotion as I prepared to depart


I thought she would cry, or sit around my room and grieve
I expected her to express sorrow but instead she remained composed


But oh the girl she fooled me this time
She deceived me with her unemotional response


Acting like I was the last thing on her mind
Behaving as if I was not significant to her


Now I'd like to start all over again
I wish to start fresh and make amends


I just want to change my mind
I desire to reconsider my decision


As I took those steps, toward that open door
While I walked towards the exit


Knowing all the time, oh Lord I just didn't wanna go
Despite being aware of my departure, I did not want to leave


She didn't give me no sign
She did not indicate any reason to stay


Nothing that would make me wanna change my mind
No reason to reconsider my choice


You know, I was confused, sitting here by myself thinking
I was uncertain and reflecting on the situation alone


Watching you walk to the door and walk away
Observing as you left me behind


What was I supposed to say, change your mind
I was unsure of how to convince you to stay


Oh I've played my game so many times before
I have attempted to change my mind frequently in the past


But people let me tell y'all, that I never reached the door
Despite my previous attempts, I have always failed to leave


Oh the wind it is high tonight
The wind is strong today


I keep lookin' for my baby but she's not in sight
I am searching for my girl but cannot find her


Baby can I change my mind
Can I reconsider my decision, baby?


'Cause I would like to start all over again
I wish to make amends and begin anew


Baby can I change my, my mind
Honey, can I have a change of heart?


'Cause I would like to start all over again with you girl
I want to start afresh with you, darling




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BARRY GEORGE DESPENZA, CARL WOLFOLK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

threemississippi

Never heard Johnny singing this tune before, it's wonderful - smooth & sultry voice of Johnny's -

Geraldo Nicacio

Parabéns Johnny Rivers !

Chaz Mann

Great song..I forgot about this song. I still always listen to Johnny. See him live. You won't be dissappointed..This song is also on the album with China..another great tune. Thx 4 posting.

Márcio João de Bartolo Bartolo

hello😎👉Johnny Rivers esse é o astro 🎸🎼🎶🍃🎵🎷🎤👊👊👊👊👊👊👊

Guilherme Varotto

Parabéns p seus 70 anos . um icone da musica mundial !

Karen Monet

This is one of my favorite Johnny Rivers songs!!!!! Where did it come from?

norberto bonomo

"VERY GOOD,VERY GOOD"....THANKS YOU MR. RIVERS...

Karen Monet

I took your advice.  I saw Johnny Rivers january 15 at Beverly Hills. 
WOW...WOW..WOW.. I am still smiling.  Best rockin concert I have ever
been to. am going again real soon. love Johnny Rivers forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SILVIA Spee

AMO VOCE JOHNNY RIVERS!

Adenir Braz Amaral

muito bom...............

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