He found a modicum of success at Sun Records and found his way into Elvis Presley's social circle, once going to pick up a date for Presley in his purple Cadillac. Orbison sold "Claudette", a song he wrote about Frady, whom he married in 1957, to The Everly Brothers and it appeared on the B-side of their smash hit "All I Have to Do Is Dream". The first and perhaps only royalties Orbison earned from Sun Records enabled him to make a down-payment on his own Cadillac. However, frustrated at Sun, Orbison gradually stopped recording, toured music circuits around Texas to make a living, and for seven months in 1958 quit performing completely. His car repossessed and in dire financial straits, he often depended on family and friends for funds.
For a brief period in the late 1950s Orbison made his living at Acuff-Rose, a songwriting firm concentrating mainly on country music. After spending an entire day writing a song, he would make several demo tapes at a time and send them to Wesley Rose, who would try to find the musical acts to record them. Orbison attempted to sell to RCA Victor songs he recorded that were written by other writers as well, working with and being completely in awe of Chet Atkins, who had played guitar with Presley. Orbison tried one song penned by Boudleaux Bryant called "Seems to Me". Bryant's impression of Orbison was of "a timid, shy kid who seemed to be rather befuddled by the whole music scene. I remember the way he sang then—softly, prettily but almost bashfully, as if someone might be disturbed by his efforts and reprimand him."
Playing shows late into the night, and living with his wife and young child in his tiny apartment, Orbison often sought refuge by taking his guitar to his car and writing songs there. Songwriter Joe Melson, an acquaintance of Orbison's, tapped on his car window one day in Texas in 1958 and the two decided to try to write some songs together. During three recording sessions in 1958 and 1959, Orbison and Melson recorded seven songs at RCA Nashville, with Atkins producing, but only two songs were judged worthy of release by RCA; Wesley Rose maneuvered Orbison into the sights of producer Fred Foster at Monument Records.
You're My Baby
Roy Orbison & Teen Kings Lyrics
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Hangin' down to the middle of your back
Don't cut it off whatever you do
I need it to run my fingers through
'Cause you're my baby, uh huh uh, you're my sugar
Don't mean maybe, you're my, baby
Saved it up for a rainy day
Everybody's callin' for bills that's due
But they don't catch me, I'll spend it on you
'Cause you're my baby, uh huh uh, you're my sugar
Don't mean maybe, you're my, baby
Got me a guitar, got a six strings
And a picker to make 'em ring
Every string's gotta know what to do
'Cause I'm gonna use 'em to serenade you
'Cause you're my baby, uh huh uh, you're my sugar
Don't mean maybe, you're my baby
Well, I had me a gal, she said she's mine
But she run around on me all the time
Now she's gone an' I'm glad we're through
'Cause I'm plum-flipped over you
'Cause you're my baby, uh huh uh, you're my sugar
Don't mean maybe, you're my, baby
Oh, baby, baby, yeah you're my baby
Well, I don't mean maybe
You drive me crazy
I love you, baby, you're my, babydoll
The song "You're My Baby" by Roy Orbison is a classic love song that portrays the depth of the singer's affection for his lover. The song starts with the acknowledgment of his lover's long black hair, which he loves and desires to run his fingers through. He further shows his appreciation by saying, "Don't cut it off whatever you do". This line indicates that the singer values his lover's appearance, and he doesn't want anything to change about it. The chorus of the song is repetitive, which emphasizes the certainty of his love for his lover. He repeatedly sings, "You're my baby, you're my sugar, don't mean maybe, you're my baby". The constant repetition shows that he is certain about his love for his partner and no amount of distraction or concern can change how he feels about her.
The second verse of the song mentions how the singer has saved up a dollar, and he wants to spend it on his lover. This symbolizes how committed he is to their relationship, going the extra mile to show his affection. He mentions that he has a guitar with six strings, which he plans to play sweet serenades for his partner. He wants his partner to know just how much he values her and is willing to put in the effort to show her how much he cares. In the final verse, he talks about a previous lover who betrayed him by cheating, indicating that the experience only makes his love for his current partner more intense.
Overall, "You're My Baby" is a nostalgic song about love and devotion, highlighting the lengths one is willing to go through to show their affection for their partner. The lyrics and melody are timeless, making it a classic love song that's still enjoyed by different generations today.
Line by Line Meaning
I love that hair, long an' black
I am incredibly fond of your long, black hair.
Hangin' down to the middle of your back
Your hair extends to the middle of your back.
Don't cut it off whatever you do
Please refrain from cutting your hair, no matter what.
I need it to run my fingers through
I derive great pleasure from running my fingers through your hair.
'Cause you're my baby, uh huh uh, you're my sugar
You are my significant other, my sweet companion.
Don't mean maybe, you're my, baby
This is not up for debate; you are unequivocally my baby.
Got me a dollar that I saved
I have saved one dollar.
Saved it up for a rainy day
I have prepared for a future point in time when I may be in need of financial assistance.
Everybody's callin' for bills that's due
There are individuals who are demanding payment for various bills and debts.
But they don't catch me, I'll spend it on you
If I am not caught, I fully intend to spend this dollar on you.
Got me a guitar, got a six strings
I own a guitar with six strings attached to it.
And a picker to make 'em ring
I possess a pick with which I can strum the guitar strings and produce musical notes.
Every string's gotta know what to do
Each guitar string has a specific function in producing melody.
'Cause I'm gonna use 'em to serenade you
I plan to use the guitar and its strings to create a song specifically for you.
Well, I had me a gal, she said she's mine
I previously had a girlfriend, who professed that she was mine.
But she run around on me all the time
However, she consistently cheated on me.
Now she's gone an' I'm glad we're through
I am happy that she is no longer a part of my life.
'Cause I'm plum-flipped over you
I am completely enamored with you.
Oh, baby, baby, yeah you're my baby
Oh, my darling, you are unequivocally my significant other.
Well, I don't mean maybe
This is a certainty, not a possibility.
You drive me crazy
You make me feel insane with delight.
I love you, baby, you're my, babydoll
I am in love with you, my darling partner.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOHNNY CASH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind