Dont Be So Mean To Baby
Peggy Lee Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Just because I'm kind and gentle,
Slightly sentimental,
Honey, I'm a fool for you!
Don't be so mean to me baby,
'Cause baby's so good to you!

Could you go and leave me cryin'
Without even tryin'?
You must be made of stone!
Don't be so mean to me baby,
'Cause baby's so all alone!

Just because you know I love you,
And I've love you for so long,
Please don't try to take advantage,
'Cause I believe that love can do no wrong!

When you tell me that you love me,
Think the whole world of me,
Then turn around and say we're through,
Don't be so mean to me baby,
'Cause baby's so good for you!

When you tell me that you love me,
Think the whole world of me,
Then turn around and say we're through,
Don't be so mean to me baby,
'Cause baby's so good for you!
You're the meanest man in town,





Oh, how you bring me down!
Don't be so mean to baby!

Overall Meaning

In Peggy Lee's Four of a Kind's song "Don't Be so Mean to Baby," the singer laments about their partner's cruel behavior despite their own kindness and sentimentality. The opening lines suggest that the singer is aware of their gentle nature but is still a fool for their significant other. The chorus emphasizes the disparity between the singer's unconditional love and their partner's meanness, pleading with them not to be so cruel because the singer is all alone without them. The bridge shows how much the singer values their love and believes that love can do no wrong, but the partner's actions contradict this.


Overall, the song is a classic tale of a one-sided love where one party appears to be more invested in the relationship than the other. The lyrics are heartfelt and poignant, with Lee's emotional delivery capturing the pain of unrequited love. The song's melancholic melody and Lee's soulful phrasing add to the emotional weight of the lyrics, making it a timeless ballad that resonates with listeners to this day.


Line by Line Meaning

Just because I'm kind and gentle, slightly sentimental, Honey, I'm a fool for you!
I am devoted to you, even if I come off as meek and emotional.


Don't be so mean to me baby, 'Cause baby's so good to you!
Please do not take advantage of my kindness, as I treat you with nothing but adoration.


Could you go and leave me cryin' Without even tryin'? You must be made of stone!
It hurts when you leave me without any effort of reconciliation, it feels as though you lack emotions.


Don't be so mean to me baby, 'Cause baby's so all alone!
Please do not cause me pain since I am left with no one but myself to keep me company.


Just because you know I love you, And I've love you for so long, Please don't try to take advantage, 'Cause I believe that love can do no wrong!
I beg of you not to assume my affection for granted, as I trust that loving someone without restraint is never faulty.


When you tell me that you love me, Think the whole world of me, Then turn around and say we're through, Don't be so mean to me baby, 'Cause baby's so good for you!
It is unfair of you to treat me harshly when you once loved me heaps, all while knowing how much I benefit your life.


You're the meanest man in town, Oh, how you bring me down! Don't be so mean to baby!
Your behavior is so cruel, and it brings me utter sadness. Please reconsider your actions.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DAVID M. BARBOUR, PEGGY LEE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@jakestilson1947

Thanks for this. Sheer class. Is this with Benny Goodman?

@4minutewarning

No this is the Dave Barbour Orchestra.

More Versions