Coolidge's early career was as a backing vocalist, for artists such as Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, and Leon Russell. Her performance of "Superstar" on the Cocker/Russell Mad Dogs and Englishmen album helped gain her attention. She became known as "The Delta Lady" and inspired Leon Russell to write a song of the same name for her. It was during this time that she met Kris Kristofferson; the two married in 1973. With him, she recorded several duet albums which sold well, and earned them a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1974 for From the Bottle to the Bottom, and in 1976 for Lover Please.
In 1997, Coolidge was one of the founding members of Walela, a Native American music trio, that also includes Coolidge's sister Priscilla and Priscilla's daughter Laura Satterfield. The trio released albums in 1997 and 2000. Walela means hummingbird in Cherokee.
I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Rita Coolidge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't have to worry any more.
I'll be your baby tonight.
Shut the light, shut the shade,
You don't have to be afraid.
I'll be your baby tonight.
We're gonna forget it.
That big, fat moon is gonna shine like a spoon,
But we're gonna let it,
You won't regret it.
Kick your shoes off, do not fear,
Bring that bottle over here.
I'll be your baby tonight.
The song "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" by Rita Coolidge is a beautiful love song about a woman telling her lover that she will be there for him no matter what happens in life. The lyrics "close your eyes, close the door, you don't have to worry anymore. I'll be your baby tonight" signify that whenever her lover feels down and out, he can trust her to be there for him and provide him with the love and care he needs. The song assures her lover that she is his safe place and that he can rely on her for comfort during any difficult times they may face.
The lyrics "that mockingbird's gonna sail away, we're gonna forget it. That big, fat moon is gonna shine like a spoon, but we're gonna let it, you won't regret it" signify that the couple will forget any unfortunate events that may have occurred in their lives and focus on the good times. The song reiterates that the couple will work through everything together and not let anything come between them. The chorus "I'll be your baby tonight" is the promise of the woman's love and commitment to her lover.
Overall, the song is about being supportive and reassuring one's partner that they will always be there for them, no matter what may come their way. It is an emotional plea for love and understanding, and the promise of stability and security for the one you love.
Line by Line Meaning
Close your eyes, close the door,
Relax and leave your worries behind.
You don't have to worry any more.
I'll take care of you and make you feel secure.
I'll be your baby tonight.
I'll be your companion and provide comfort.
Shut the light, shut the shade,
Let's create a cozy ambiance.
You don't have to be afraid.
I'll protect you and make you feel safe.
Well, that mockingbird's gonna sail away,
Let's forget our troubles and enjoy the present moment.
We're gonna forget it.
Let go of any negative thoughts or emotions.
That big, fat moon is gonna shine like a spoon,
The beauty of nature will surround us.
But we're gonna let it,
Let's focus on each other and not be distracted by anything else.
You won't regret it.
I will take care of you and make sure you feel loved.
Kick your shoes off, do not fear,
Relax and be comfortable.
Bring that bottle over here.
Let's share a drink and enjoy each other's company.
I'll be your baby tonight.
I'll be your partner and provide emotional support.
Contributed by Anthony D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.