Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an Italian Am… Read Full Bio ↴Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an Italian American crooner during the 20th century. Throughout a career spanning more than half a century he recorded exclusively with the RCA Victor label after signing with them in 1943. He sold millions of records for RCA but he also pioneered a weekly musical variety television show which set the standard and proved one of the most successful in television history. His combined success on television and popular recordings has never been equalled by any other artist of the time. He was always noted for his relaxed attitude, an attitude which was reflected in his singing style. His was a beautiful voice, possessed by this former barber.

Como was also very popular in the UK. His chart successes ranged from 1953 to 1974 and included two number one's, his first hit 'Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes' in 1953 and 'Magic Moments' which stayed at the top for 8 weeks in 1958. His other big UK hits were 'Delaware' ( No 3 in 1960), ' It's Impossible' (No 4 in 1971) , 'And I Love You So' (No 3 in 1973), and 'For The Good Times' (No 7 in 1973).

As well as TV and recording success, Perry Como also made a number of films, including ' Something For The Boys' and 'Doll Face' which were released during WW2.

He died in his sleep on 12 May 2001.

That's What I Like
Perry Como Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Kiss me, kiss me baby,
That's what I like!
Hold me, hug me, pet me baby,
That's what I like!

You don't have to give me,
Clever conversation!
I just want affection,

Not an education!

Kiss me, hold me, hug me baby,
That's what I like you to do!
Love me, love me,
Love me baby too!

Words and Music by Mae Boren Axton
And Glenn Reeves

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Perry Como's "That's What I Like" are a celebration of simple pleasures and the power of physical affection. The chorus consists of the repeated refrain "Kiss me, kiss me baby / That's what I like! / Hold me, hug me, pet me baby / That's what I like!" which emphasizes the desire for physical touch and emotional connection over intellectual stimulation. The second verse reinforces this sentiment with the lines "You don't have to give me / Clever conversation! / I just want affection / Not an education!" which contrasts the importance of physical intimacy over mental stimulation.

The message of the song is further reinforced with the additional lines of the chorus, "Love me, love me / Love me baby too!" which highlights the importance of love as both a physical and emotional bond. The lyrics are paired with a soft, romantic melody that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, fitting for a love song.

Overall, "That's What I Like" can be seen as an ode to the simple pleasures of human connection and the value of emotional and physical intimacy over intellectual stimulation.

Line by Line Meaning

Kiss me, kiss me baby,
I want you to show me physical affection by kissing me.

That's what I like!
Physical affection through kissing is something that I enjoy.

Hold me, hug me, pet me baby,
I want you to hold me and hug me and show me affection like a pet.

That's what I like!
I enjoy receiving physical affection like holding and hugging.

You don't have to give me,
I don't need or require anything else from you other than what I have already mentioned.

Clever conversation!
I don't necessarily require any intellectual conversation.

I just want affection,
I simply want you to show me physical affection.

Not an education!
I don't need or require you to educate me or engage me in intellectually stimulating conversation.

Kiss me, hold me, hug me baby,
I want you to continue to be physically affectionate towards me by kissing me, holding me, and hugging me.

That's what I like you to do!
Showing physical affection is something that I enjoy and want you to continue doing.

Love me, love me,
I want you to show love towards me.