Len Barry (born Leonard Borisoff, 12 June 1942, West Philadelphia) was an A… Read Full Bio ↴Len Barry (born Leonard Borisoff, 12 June 1942, West Philadelphia) was an American vocalist and musician.

In 1958 he first appeared on record as the lead vocalist with The Boss-Tones, singing "Mope-Itty Mope". Barry also was a member of the singing group The Dovells from 1957 to 1963, before quitting to go solo.

As a predominately blue-eyed soul singer, he recorded two hits in 1965 and 1966 for Decca Records: "1-2-3", and "Like A Baby", both of which made the Top Ten of the UK Singles Chart. Both songs were part composed by Barry White and Dave White, one of the original Juniors from Danny & the Juniors.

When the hits dried up, Barry continued performing his entertaining stage act, and later moved into songwriting and production work with WMOT Productions.

Like a Baby
Len Barry Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When you smile
You're so adorable
So infantile
Just like a little child

Because you smile
Just like a baby
Just like a baby

When you frown
You look so helpless
That I sympathize
When I look in your eyes

I start to cry
Just like a baby
Just like a baby

Unpredictable
But irresistable
Sometimes I don't know
What to do with you, yeah

I've grown accustomed to
The thrill of of loving you
And like a baby
I'll take care of you
I will, I will

I start to cry
Just like a baby
Just like a baby, yeah

When I hold you, you make
Me feel so very wonderful
Oh, you're so lovable

Because you feel
Just like a baby
Just like a baby
Hey, I know, I know

Oh, you feel
So very wonderful now
Oh, daddy needs a baby
Mmm, baby needs a daddy now

I know, I know

Everybody needs somebody, girl
And I'm no different than the rest

Overall Meaning

The song "Like a Baby" by Len Barry is a sweet, romantic ballad that compares the singer's love interest to a baby. The lyrics describe how the person's smile is adorable and how their frown makes them appear helpless, causing the singer to sympathize and sometimes cry. The unpredictability of the person is described as both irresistible and confusing, and the singer finds themselves growing more and more attached to them, much like a parent caring for a child. The song ends with the singer expressing their need for this person, as everyone needs somebody to love and care for.

The lyrics are a metaphor for the innocence and vulnerability of love, as well as highlighting the importance of caring for and protecting the people we love. The use of the baby metaphor can also be seen as a reflection of the gender norms of the time, with women typically being viewed as more childlike and in need of protection and care.

Line by Line Meaning

When you smile
Your smile is charming and captivating

You're so adorable
You are very attractive and endearing

So infantile
Your demeanor is childlike

Just like a little child
You behave like a small kid

Because you smile
Your grin has a significant impact

Just like a baby
Your behavior resembles a young child

Just like a baby
You act like a newborn infant

When you frown
Your unhappy expression makes me uneasy

You look so helpless
You seem very vulnerable and defenseless

That I sympathize
I become compassionate towards you

When I look in your eyes
By looking into your pupils, I can see your emotions

I start to cry
I am moved to tears

Just like a baby
I burst into wailing like a toddler

Just like a baby
I sob uncontrollably like a newborn baby

Unpredictable
Your behavior is erratic

But irresistable
Even though you are unpredictable, I cannot resist you

Sometimes I don't know
Occasionally, I am clueless about what to do in your presence

What to do with you, yeah
I am uncertain how to handle you in these situations

I've grown accustomed to
I have become comfortable and familiar with

The thrill of loving you
I enjoy the excitement of being in love with you

And like a baby
Similar to an infant

I'll take care of you
I will look after and attend to your needs

I will, I will
I promise to care for you

When I hold you, you make
When I embrace you, you cause

Me feel so very wonderful
I experience extreme pleasure and joy

Oh, you're so lovable
You are very affectionate and dear

Because you feel
The way you make me feel

Just like a baby
Resembling a young child

Just like a baby
Acting like a newborn infant

Hey, I know, I know
I understand

Oh, you feel
The way you make me feel

So very wonderful now
Absolutely fantastic at present

Oh, daddy needs a baby
Daddy desires someone who acts like a toddler

Mmm, baby needs a daddy now
A young child requires a father figure at the moment

I know, I know
I understand

Everybody needs somebody, girl
Every person requires someone else

And I'm no different than the rest
I am not unique; I am just like everyone else

Contributed by Ava P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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01Introduction by Len Barry0:59

02Lip Sync (To The Tongue Twisters)2:34

PT2M58S

06It's A Cryin' Shame2:55

07It's That Time of the Year2:37

08Happily Ever After2:31

09I Struck It Rich2:55

10Love Is1:58

11You Baby2:44

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Rena Tejada

10y

.....so nice beat when i started to love suddenly this song;-)

Comments from YouTube:

@johnmoore562

2y↑5

Never ever get tired of listening to these classics ,these artist of the day no auto tune they will out live the rubbish that is manufactured today

@geofffoden6490

3y↑3

Words for this song are so lovable. As in the record.

@1952emirates

13y↑11

Great song, brings back good memories of the 60,s

@mickdisalle6037

5y↑6

Northeast Philly kid here sending a shout- Len Barry IS the "Sound of Philly" - Man, I love his voice! 1-2-3 always makes me instantly happy !!

@coldslugger8219

5y↑1

bet your dad pops into mind like mine :/

@davidwalsh3439

1y↑1

Another classic track by the amazing Len Barry. I love his voice.

@wenaolong

14y↑3

Not only a talented artist in several arts, but a good man with integrity and sincerity. I had no idea until I just found out, but I always loved this song, always felt it. Glad to be born in time to hear it, Len. Thanks pal.

@rafaelsolorzano700

10y↑8

Good sound from 1965...I lived through it.It so good to hear it.

@revelation100

11y↑8

What a great song... makes you feel great... love 1-2-3 as well. They should bring these songs back today...

@stevenstewardson4829

8y↑12

The AWESOME voice of Len Barry wow 😲 what a soul guy KTf everyone ❤

@nicholaspinchen8967

3y↑2

I love this record it reminds me of my dad back in the 60’s living in Harlow Essex playing on the radiogram my hero

@gomezesmorticia

8y↑1

I graduated from high school in January, 1966 my brother graduated in 1965. I love these songs

@EmpressOfWyoming58

13y↑19

He has the best voice. He's gorgeous. He's upbeat. I don't think they played this in my town in 1965, but they sure did play 1-2-3. I tell my family, if I am ever in a coma or on my death bed, 1-2-3 will bring me out of it. It makes me feel so young, happy and alive inside.

@pauljones5091

2y↑1

Two fantastic records by a very underrated singer. 123 was my very 1st record so no prizes for guessing what my second one was.
RIP Mr. Len Barry.

@jsbach15

7y↑4

wonderul song by a marvelous singer! I loved the pictures too!

@Nuron666

12y↑2

Nice song. Surprised this song didn't hit the top 10. Used to hear this on the radio

@robertreynolds1606

9y↑6

The Dovells you can't sit down, 1963, Bristol stomp 1962....Len Barry...great memories...Karen, Barbara, JoAnn, Debbie...miss your kisses!

@generalmanager8979

I discovered the song by watching an old American bandstand show what a great song I missed by Len Barry when I was young

@larryalbano5921

18w

Omg it sounds great and sounds a lot like 123 you got this Len .

@peterostash

12w

Miss you buddy.

@Maxtacular66

14y↑11

Why can't they make music like this anymore?

@dunskie

14y↑14

Len was a hell of a soul singer. This tune was obviously meant to be a follow up to 1 2 3. I'm surprised it did'nt do better. I think it's great.

@ilikemike97

i was 10 years old when this came out and used to listen to the Top 20 Countdown that YMCA used to do every wednesday afternoon/ early evening. I liked this song a good deal and i was surprised it didn't break the top 10 (as far as i can recall). moreover, it didn't last long. one of the injustices that characterize some great 60s songs.

@fitzgeraldparchment4480

10y↑11

this tune is soooooooo gooooooood

@davidjones6616

Uplifting classic

@francisgraff9656

8y↑7

I just became aware that Len was lead singer with the Dovells. Being from Philly myself, that was dumb of me. One of the songwriter's for all the dances in the 60's lived in my building, he passed away some four years ago, but I met his wife and she showed me some things. I heard she was visited by all the old singers when her husband dies. I guess you could say I am living over hallowed grounds. Somewhere is my favorite.

@rebecca241290

16y↑1

I never heard this song before and I really love it. Thanks for sharing!

@christiaan81music

16y↑1

wonderfull.. found this when searching for "1 2 3" of Len barry

@donaldcampbell1490

3y↑1

Good to hear again. Good stuff

@soulnights1

11y↑1

brill sound still playing all his hits

@joycewhite7925

10y↑3

I LOVE THIS OLDIE

@jsbach15

16y↑1

I always thought Len was a really good looking, clean cut guy. Just my type! His voice is simply magical. He was much more deserving of being a huge star; more so now with the talent-less sclock that's out there!

@freespirit21newyork

Awww what a cute song and I was born in 1965 too!🚼🍼🐾🐾🐇🌹🌸🌻🌼💮🌹🌷♊🐾🐾🐇💜💞💜💞💜💞💜💞💜💞💜

@TheBilldozer49

I faintly remember this song back in the day, but I do remember that I liked it, and still do. He reminds me of Lou Christie a little bit on this one.....

@donzampogna344

Ah the memories!

@user-yr3ze9hc7o

28w

I firest heard this songs i listened too the sounds and said too m... self this artiesdnots a fantastical singers, frankie valli, but many times i mistaken, its a nother artisited.len barry, wow!!! He's was a good looken, man, n...his times,

@fitzgeraldparchment4480

11y

what a tune

@anthonymills1292

14w

This record went to No 10 in the UK in Jan 1966.

@theJiveDaddy

8y↑22

I don't know where somebody got the idea that Len doesn't like this song. He LOVES this record. ~ Alan White ~ Len Barry Management Team

@mickdisalle6037

5y↑5

Please remind Mr. Barry that we're STILL fans, and we STILL love him, and are grateful for his contribution to "the Philly Sound" !!!

@davidtruegrit

i guess its just a generation gap, because i love younger people, its just that this music was so soul soothing, well any way, god bless all younger folks and their desires.

@andresampson3079

9y↑6

sweet song

@horarwgt

11y↑1

This was Len's only Top 40 solo single other than "1-2-3." "Like A Baby" climbed to #27 over a nine week run beginning January 1, 1966.

@nostressannie

12y

Very nice song love thank you so much

@Peppercorn102

12y

Just heard this on Radio Caroline North. Well a recording actually, of a Bob Stewart show from 65. Great days, great Music!

@Beaglemaster3

74sodapop...."Len Barry doesn't like, "Like A Baby". I'm Sorry, But You're Wrong. I Love This, And I'm Not Alone. It Always Makes Me Feel Good. This Is Like 123's Baby Brother."

Agree with every sentence !!!
R.I.P. Len

@georgeswift6292

6y↑2

Len Berry..cool of cool!

@jctorontojctoronto

14y↑1

this video is terrific..the images far too haunting. and that Burger Chef sign and store, something else. I remember to this day Hampton Virginia Burger Chef 15 cents hamburger/ 15 cents fry/15 cent pop or shake.. am I delusional, or was it really 45 cents for the whole order in the day?? great len barry stuff jctoronto

@deltorso

15y

Great song-- but it makes me feel very old !! -- i remember buying it . lol

@juliestrom412

Cool footage!

@sunnu777

This grove has Motown written all through it. Rumor has it that it was the "Funk Brothers" who moonlighted on this track and other tracks on his album --- like the "1,2,3" track.

@donaldcampbell1490

Good backing .All good

@djdeitch

16y↑1

One of Len`s hits, but i think there`s better e.g "I Struck it Rich" and the best of all "Its a Crying Shame"now thats a great sound, please post that.

@peterostash

A baby that can count to 3.

@belisarioguerra1279

9y↑3

Original: Len Barry ( U.S.A. ) - Like a baby ( John Madara - David White - Len Barry ) ( 12/1965 ). Covers: Liz Brady ( Egypt ) - L' amour se voit sur ton visage ( 1966 ). Wence Ponce y Los Supremos ( Mexico ) - Cara de niña buena ( 196? ). Los Sonset ( Puerto Rico ) - Como un niño ( 196? ).

@belisarioguerra1279

You are welcome Linda Albu !

@belisarioguerra1279

Thank you very much John fight for reading the commentary.

@CBNeas1968

Altra cover: Fausto Leali (Italy) - E' solo un gioco (1966)

@Topper954

11y↑2

Great tune that takes me back.Prefer it to 123.If only I could "TIME TRAVEL".Where are you SS?

@tonyhuddlestone4859

just magic

@lynna8

16y

do you know why it was banned I think he is absolutely gorgeous i cannot seem to find any other clips of Len singing apart from 123

@nickpalmer3076

still great 2020

@johnsavard7583

10y↑1

As further evidence that this is a good song, you could listen to Liz Brady's cover of it, (L'amour Se Voit) Sur Ton Visage.

@ilikemike97

2y↑1

great song and a great performance. at the beginning of the song, the horn section samples blues classic "Just a Little Bit" sometimes known as "teeny weeny bit of your love":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXR6H7_TfRc

@alexanderbegbie6783

5y↑1

Still got original Record THE BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!

@Ransomhandsome

The legal action against Motown over the similarity between 1-2-3 and The Supremes' "Ask Any Girl" was a bunch of money grabbing bs

@joelperronful

14y

ty sooooooooooo much

@DrNose

10y↑12

This is my third cousin his real name is len borisoff he is doing well but he is old now but i see him every so often :) He is my grandpas first cousin

@DrNose

10y↑8

Why is this marked as spam Len Borisoff"Barry" is my cousin and i can confirm this to be true he was very good at basketball and he was on the highschool basketball team he wasnt planning on being a singer it was more like a random thing that just came up

@cmf1965

16y

Len Barry was the former lead singer for the Dovells. "Bristol Stomp."

@djdeitch

16y

Thanks for your time, Len Barry is superb i love him. djdeitch(Dave)

@hanker20

14y

former lead singer of the dovells. had a hit with the bristol stomp.

@MrHairyNeck

11y↑2

That Len Barry record Like A Baby is trying so very hard NOT to be 123. LOL.

@rickvassell8349

5y↑1

Burger Chef, a nickel and a dime.

@dunskie

14y

yeah Lenny

@6400az

14y

@dunskie Yes , your right. But wasn't it the other way around. I thought 1-2-3 was the follow up, no??

@kurt8990

10y↑1

west philly....

@ericfleetwood6744

Len Barry, Z"L

@john111257

8y↑5

better than 123

@bassoonman2000

6y↑3

I don't know, that's debatable!

@bethvirginiaphillips4583

5y↑8

This is when girls loved being taken care of by a man..and I still do. Women's Lib? What a crock.

@mdnathan

14y

unpredictabooba? what the %&T^ is that??? :)

@robjvarney

The lyric is "unpredictable, but irresistible "

@COUVRATSylvain1971

French version : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWawVJOSnB8

@pataphysician66

15y

I hated this song, too. Nice photos. Burger Chef! 15 hamburgers for a dollar!

@fntime

13y

@jctorontojctoronto But, if you made $100 a week you were very well paid. My grandfather would tell me how as a boy he would take a nickel, buy an apple pie & lemonade, and then take the change and gamble. Inflation is tax that hits particularly hard people who save. But this how governments function and people want the governments to do more. (lol) People are sheep. Roman saying, 'People want to be deceived, so deceive them'!

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