Mickey "Guitar" Baker was a music instructor, and Sylvia Robinson was one of his pupils. His guitar stylings, especially the insane soloing on "Love Is Strange", inspired a plethora of guitarists, including Sterling Morrison of the Velvet Underground.
Mickey & Sylvia had a hit with "Love Is Strange" in 1957. They continued to record together until 1965. After that, Mickey had a successful career as a studio musician. Sylvia had a huge hit (#1 R&B, #3 Pop) in 1973 with the song "Pillow Talk", and later assisted in the formation of the Sugar Hill rap label.
"Love Is Strange" appeared on the soundtrack to Dirty Dancing.
Bewildered
Mickey & Sylvia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But a fool can have his charms
I'm in love and don't I show it
Like a Babe in arms
Love's the same old sad sensation
Lately I've not slept a wink
Since this half-pint imitation
I'm wild again, begiled again
A simpering, whimpering child again
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered
Am I
Could'nt sleep and wouldn't sleep
When love came and told me I shouldn't sleep
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered
Am I
Lost my heart but what of it
He is cold, I agree
He can laugh but I love it
Although the laugh's on me
I'll sing to him each spring to him
And I long for the day when I'll cling to him
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered
Am I
Lost my heart but what of it
He is cold, I agree
He can laugh but I love it
Although the laugh's on me
I'll sing to him each spring to him
And I long for the day when I'll cling to him
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered
Am I
The lyrics of Mickey & Sylvia's "Bewildered" describe a feeling of being hopelessly in love with someone who is not reciprocating the same level of affection. The singer acknowledges that the person she is in love with may not be the best choice for her, as he is a "fool," but she is unable to resist his "charms." The singer is portrayed as a "babe in arms," implying a sense of vulnerability and innocence to her emotions.
The lyrics suggest that love can be both a delightful and distressing experience. The singer is "wild" and "beguiled" by love, but also "whimpering" and "bewildered" by it. She is unable to sleep and unable to escape the appeal of her love interest, even though she acknowledges that he is an "imitation" and that she is being foolish. Despite this, she is still hopeful for the day when she can "cling to him," suggesting a desire for a deeper connection.
Overall, the lyrics of "Bewildered" depict the complicated emotions that come with being in love, especially when that love is not reciprocated or when the person you love is not the best choice for you.
Line by Line Meaning
He's a fool and don't I know it
I am aware that he is foolish
But a fool can have his charms
Despite his foolishness, he still has appealing qualities
I'm in love and don't I show it
I am deeply in love and display it openly
Like a Babe in arms
My love for him is innocent and pure like that of a baby
Love's the same old sad sensation
The feeling of love is a repetitive and melancholic experience
Lately I've not slept a wink
I have been unable to sleep lately
Since this half-pint imitation
This man who is smaller than me and insignificant has affected me deeply
Put me on the blink
He has confused and unsettled me
I'm wild again, begiled again
I have become irrational and captivated once again
A simpering, whimpering child again
I have transformed into a feeble and subordinate individual once more
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered
I am under a spell, troubled and confused
Could'nt sleep and wouldn't sleep
I couldn't and chose not to sleep
When love came and told me I shouldn't sleep
When I fell in love, it prevented me from wanting to sleep
Lost my heart but what of it
I have fallen in love, despite the risks and potential consequences
He is cold, I agree
I acknowledge that he is emotionally detached
He can laugh but I love it
Even though he may laugh at me, I find it endearing
Although the laugh's on me
Even though he finds my affection ridiculous, I still love him
I'll sing to him each spring to him
I will express my love to him every spring
And I long for the day when I'll cling to him
I yearn for the moment when I can hold onto him tightly
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered
I am still under a spell, troubled and confused
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
joe hill
This is what Music is all about,,QUALITY! Mickey & Sylvia's "Bewildered" almost sounds like their No.1 hit "Love is Strange"-great Guitars,easy going R&Bs,and simple,but intimate vocals,,great quality!
dcmaestro1
I work under Sugarhill in 1995-1996,as an engineer producer.Here is just one of the special things I got a chance to experince with Ms Rob.Every Christmas Slyvia would buy the kids in Englewood and the kids in the Bahamas Christmas gifts.In 1995 I help her going to the stores we had a blast.Sylvia Robinson was a shrude business woman,with a heart of gold!Ms Rob thank you for everything!"Sugarhill" will always be remembered.Love you Ms Rob!R.I.P."Rejoice In Peace"
jack london
1958 julio. Una canción inolvidable. Tenía 13 años y llegamos a nuestra nueva casa en la Col. Roma Ciudad de México. Todas las noches la escuchaba junto con mi hermano Jesús. Los primeros amores fueron intensos y la niñez los guarda para siempre. Él y yo platicábamos de las vecinas de al lado, todo era sueños y la voz de Sylvia como un perfume que sólo captaban los oídos. Bellísima canción.
SweetiePie
La parte de "platicábamos de las vecinas de al lado" me ha recordado a la novela Cae la noche tropical de Manuel Puig haha :
John Benn
GREAT SONG BY A WONDERFUL DUO. WELL DONE
joe gongora
Such a beautiful song to listen to listen to. The 50's had such good music to listen to .
Roger Usatuck
I first heard this and "Dearest" only a couple years ago! But I first heard "Love Is Strange" 62 years ago! I love these songs.
joe gongora
Thanks for showing interest in my comment. It's a great song & thanks for posting it. Because it's great to hear good music. Thank you for highlighting my comment & you have a nice day. Once again thank you.
TonyTrain1955
In 1980 someone told me to get "Mickey Baker's complete course in Jazz Guitar, Book One." I got it and it started me on the road to becoming a Jazz guitarist. I had no idea what Mickey had been doing all these years and I was surprised to find out that he had just recently passed away. I thought he passed away years ago. RIP Mickey. You were an inspiration to many.
Johnboy50011
I remember seeing them perform this on Dick Clark's Beechnut Show in 1958. I was impressed.