Oh No Not My Baby
Maxine Brown Lyrics


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When my friends told me you had someone new
I didn't believe a single word was true
I told them all I had-a faith in you
I-I-I-I just kept on sayin'
Oh no, not my baby; oh no, not my sweet baby
You're not like those other guys
Who lead you on and tell you lies
My mama told me when rumors spread
There's truth somewhere and I should use my head
But I didn't listen to a-what she said
I-I-I-I kept right on sayin'
Oh no, not my baby; oh no, not my sweet baby
You're not like those other boys
Who play with hearts like they were toys
Well, you might have had a last-minute fling
But I am sure it didn't mean a thing
'Cause yesterday you gave-a me your ring
And now I'm glad that I kept on sayin'
Oh no, not my baby; oh no, not my sweet baby
You're not like those other guys
Who lead you on and tell you lies
Oh no, not my baby; oh no, not my sweet baby

Oh no, not my baby; no, no, no, no, not my sweet baby
Oh no

Overall Meaning

"Not My Baby" by Maxine Brown is a classic R&B love song about staying faithful to one's partner amidst rumors of infidelity. The lyrics describe how the singer's friends came to her with rumors that her partner had cheated on her, but she refused to believe them. She had faith in her partner and insisted that he was not like other guys who lead women on and tell lies. She defied her mother's advice to use her head and trust the rumors, instead holding onto her faith in her partner.


The song highlights the power of trust and faith in a relationship, and the importance of standing by one's partner even in the face of doubts and rumors. It also condemns infidelity and the kind of guys who lead women on and play with their hearts like toys. Ultimately, the singer's faith in her partner is rewarded when he proposes to her, proving that he was faithful all along.


The song was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin and originally recorded by the Shirelles. However, Maxine Brown's version became the most popular and successful, reaching #24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1964. The song has since been covered by various artists, including Dusty Springfield and Rod Stewart.


Line by Line Meaning

When my friends told me you had someone new
I was informed by my companions that you had a new partner


I didn't believe a single word was true
I was skeptical and couldn't accept it to be true


I told them all I had-a faith in you
I reassured them, stating that I trusted you


I-I-I-I just kept on sayin'
I repetitively vocalized my faith in you


Oh no, not my baby; oh no, not my sweet baby
You can't possibly be unfaithful to me, my love


You're not like those other guys
Unlike other men who deceive women for fun


Who lead you on and tell you lies
They make promises they can't keep and tell lies


My mama told me when rumors spread
My mother advised me to always consider rumors


There's truth somewhere and I should use my head
There's probable truth behind rumors and I should use my reasoning


But I didn't listen to a-what she said
I made a mistake by not following her counsel


Well, you might have had a last-minute fling
Perhaps you had a brief dalliance recently


But I am sure it didn't mean a thing
But it couldn't have been anything significant


'Cause yesterday you gave-a me your ring
Because you proposed and gave me your engagement ring recently


And now I'm glad that I kept on sayin'
Now I'm relieved that I remained honest about my faith in you


Oh no, not my baby; oh no, not my sweet baby
My love, you could never be unfaithful to me


No, no, no, no, not my sweet baby
I know deep down that you are loyal and loving


Oh no
No way, that couldn't possibly be true




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CAROLE KING, GERRY GOFFIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@bluestingerborg

This song always brings tears to my eyes.

@amd77j

Great story. And those are the kind of memories these songs from that era bring back. Great stuff.....

@bluestingerborg

This song brings tears to my eyes

@PhillySouth

Thanks for posting this nice little Soul cha-cha...my favorite Maxine song.

@Ecgwald

What a great memory. I was only an 8 years old kid from Chicago when this song was released. Other songs from that time period have the same effect on me. Like hearing the Beatles "I Wanna Hold Hand" for the first time.

@razelma

A true classic....keep the faith.

@bufb

listen to the background singer it is non other than co writer of this song with Gerry Goffin..Carole King

@dopekidv2

I think i'm addicted to this song

@nickymace

yes she did, I love that version!

@Jojoseahorse

I remember Rod Stewart's great version from 1973 - I just tracked that down on Youtube, which brought me to this which I had never heard before. Her voice is lovely! Surprised I had not heard of her, but nice to discover someone new :)

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