Ruby Turner is one of the UK's greatest ever gospel and r&b singers. Anybod… Read Full Bio ↴Ruby Turner is one of the UK's greatest ever gospel and r&b singers. Anybody who has caught her singing with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will have experienced the full force of her amazing soulful voice. Whether bringing new life to a blues standard or introducing new sounds to the world she has a majestic and versatile delivery full of dynamic excitement. Having worked with some of the all-time-greats during her career to date you can always rely on Ruby to deliver a thrilling performance.

Stay With Me Baby
Ruby Turner Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Where did you go when things went wrong, baby,
Who did you run to, to find a shoulder to lay your head upon,
Baby, wasn't I there, didn't I take good care of you,
no, no I can't believe your leaving me...

Stay with me baby (baby please stay)
I can't go on

Who did you touch when you needed tenderness (tenderness)?
I gave you so much and in return I found happiness
Baby, what did I do?
Maybe I was too good, too good to you,
No, no, no I can't believe your leaving me...

(Stay) My baby now stay with me,
I'm begging you to stay now,
I'm begging you to stay (begging you to stay with me baby)
With me baby, I cant go on
Stay with me baby (Stay with me baby)

I'm begging you to please dont go now baby (with me baby)
I cant go on, I cant go on, I cant go on, no no no no...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Ruby Turner's "Stay With Me Baby" are a plea to a lover who is leaving after finding someone else to turn to during times of trouble. The singer is asking questions, wondering where the lover went when things went wrong and who they turned to for comfort. The singer expresses disbelief that the lover is leaving, and questions what she did wrong that caused them to seek someone else's tenderness. She begs the lover to stay, acknowledging that she can't go on without them.

The song is an emotional journey through heartbreak and the desperation of trying to hold on to a relationship that is slipping away. It speaks to the human need for love, comfort and support during difficult times, and the fear and pain of losing that support.

The chorus, with its repeated plea to "stay with me baby," is a powerful representation of the singer's intense desire to keep the relationship alive. The song's slow, soulful melody and Turner's powerful vocals add to the emotional intensity of the lyrics, creating a powerful ballad of heartbreak and longing.

Line by Line Meaning

Where did you go when things went wrong, baby,
When you were facing struggles, who did you confide in?

Who did you run to, to find a shoulder to lay your head upon,
Who did you seek comfort from when you needed someone to lean on?

Baby, wasn't I there, didn't I take good care of you,
I was always there for you, taking care of you the best I could, right?

no, no I can't believe your leaving me...
I can't come to terms with the fact that you're leaving me behind.

Stay with me baby (baby please stay)
Please stay with me, my love, don't go away.

I can't go on
I just can't bear the thought of living without you.

Who did you touch when you needed tenderness (tenderness)?
When you craved for affection, who did you seek comfort from?

I gave you so much and in return I found happiness
I gave you everything I had and it made me happy to see you content.

Baby, what did I do?
What wrong did I do to make you want to walk away?

Maybe I was too good, too good to you,
Perhaps I gave you so much that you took me for granted.

No, no, no I can't believe your leaving me...
I am still unable to come to terms with the reality of you leaving me.

(Stay) My baby now stay with me,
Please stay with me, my love.

I'm begging you to stay now,
I plead with you to change your mind and not go.

I'm begging you to stay (begging you to stay with me baby)
I implore you to remain by my side.

With me baby, I cant go on
I cannot bear the thought of living without you.

Stay with me baby (Stay with me baby)
Please stay with me, my love.

I'm begging you to please dont go now baby (with me baby)
I plead with you not to leave me, my love.

I cant go on, I cant go on, I cant go on, no no no no...
I am unable to carry on without you. The thought of it is unbearable.

Contributed by Jordyn V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@ellegallagher5838

9y↑17

"Stay With Me Baby"
(originally by Lorraine Ellison)

Where did you go, when things went wrong, baby
Who did u run to; find a shoulder to lay your head upon
Ooh wasn't I there, didn't I take good care of you
Oh no can't believe, your leaving me

Stay, Stay With Me Baby,
Stay With Me Baby,
Please Stay With Me Babe,
I can't go on

Where did you go, in search of tenderness?
Didn't I give you everything in return for a memory?
Ooh wasn't I there, baby I, maybe I was too good for you
Oh no can't believe, your leaving me

Stay, Stay With Me Baby,
Stay With Me Baby,
Please Stay With Me Babe,
I can't go on

Oh remember, you said you'd never leave me
Oh remember, you said you would always need me
Remember, Remember
I'm asking you, begging you, begging you

Ooh Stay with Me Babe,
Please Stay With Me Baby,
Oh please stay with me babe
I just can't go on
No stay, stay
I'll stay, stay, so don't go
Stay with me babe
You know I Can't go on, can't go on
Can't so, can't so stay please, stay

@anamakhatadze16

3y↑1

Where did you go when things went wrong, baby,
Who did you run to, to find a shoulder to lay your head upon,
Baby, wasn't I there, didn't I take good care of you,
No, no I can't believe your leaving me...
Stay with me baby (baby please stay)
I can't go on
Who did you touch when you needed tenderness (tenderness)?
I gave you so much and in return I found happiness
Baby, what did I do?
Maybe I was too good, too good to you,
No, no, no I can't believe your leaving me...
My baby now stay with me,
I'm begging you to stay now,
I'm begging you to stay (begging you to stay with me baby)
With me baby, I cant go on
Stay with me baby (Stay with me baby)
I'm begging you to please dont go now baby (with me baby)
I cant go on, I cant go on, I cant go on, no no no no...

@aniradenisa5404

Where did you go when things went wrong, b@by,
Who did you run to, to find a shoulder to lay your head upon,
Baby, wasn't I there, didn't I take good care of you,
No, no I can't believe your leaving me...

Stay with me baby (baby please stay)
I can't go on

Who did you touch when you needed tenderness (tenderness)?
I gave you so much and in return I found happiness
Baby, what did I do?
Maybe I was too good, too good to you,
No, no, no I can't believe your leaving me...

My b@by now stay with me,
I'm begging you to stay now,
I'm begging you to stay (begging you to stay with me baby)
With me baby, I cant go on
St@y with me baby (Stay with me baby)
I'm begging you to please dont go now baby (with me baby)
I cant go on, I cant go on, I cant go on, no no no

Ksmsnqkson

All comments from YouTube:

@lynnecottam1043

3y↑15

This woman can surely sing 🥰...Beautiful ❤️

@clouluu6653

8y↑72

This song gives me goosebumps. Pure talent here. Many artists these days all sound the same, but ruby is gold 👌👌

@peterwest6827

6y↑1

Chloe Eva Chou you are so right Ruby Turner is sooooo good her talent is amazing her voice is soulfully good!

@alistairkerr9779

Absolutely wonderful...gets right into your soul!!!!

@Dee-oy4nh

42w↑2

The first time I ever heard this song was Bette Midler in The Rose. Outstanding performance by Ms. Midler. Never knew so many people sang it.

@bikerchickfrommars

15y↑7

Always sends shivers down my spine. What a voice. Beautiful

@ckrub47

15y↑10

Was lucky enough to see her sing this live. Made my hair stand on end! Ruby is the best.

@Hammerton32

12y↑5

Lorraine Ellison's version is gut-wrenching. Raw soul emotion.

@inesolivares3445

3y↑7

AMOOOOOO esta canción y esta interpretación.💕💕💕🇨🇱

@GdotTproductions

7y↑12

I just love any song that the artist has poured their heart into.. she gives this song her everything and it makes my hairs stand on end. As a 22 year old I find it hard to find music I like in the charts, wish people still cared this much about the song theyre singing.

@GreatBanzo

5y↑1

Just because we haven't heard them doesn't mean they're not out there.

@martharichler6672

@Hexy Mother YESSS!

@bluesoulady

13y↑2

shes one of the best soul/blues singers ever, saw her live twice and she is truly an amazing personality and singer

@apriltajic9232

1y↑1

Love this version so much.

@phantom_angel

7y↑11

I can listen to it over and over. and not get tired of it.

@r8gingbull

10y↑4

"Stay with Me" (often credited as "Stay with Me Baby") is a song co-written by Jerry Ragovoy and George David Weiss.[1] It was first recorded in 1966 by Lorraine Ellison,[2] and produced by Ragovoy. Ellison recorded "Stay With Me" at a last minute booking, following a studio cancellation by Frank Sinatra.[3] With a 46-piece orchestra already hired, Warner Bros. Records asked Ragovoy, with two days notice, to take over the session at no cost. Ragovoy and arranger Garry Sherman

@guzelcicekler

8y↑25

The rawest of emotions! The soul, the passion, the feeling she puts into this! Rips my heart out. I absolutely LOVE this!

@glasgowgirl1

13y↑2

This song is AMAZING...what a voice Ruby has and the lyrics are so heartfelt...LOVE IT xx

@looloobelle1980

14y

Absolutely adore this song. Only heard it maybe a year or so ago but still one of my all time favourites!!! Gives me goosebumps every damn time!! Amazing <3

@Graciefrance

12y↑1

what. a. voice. you can hear actual emotion in it, which is rare.

@karenwhite5903

27w

One of my all time favorites. What a voice

@katelucas1190

27w↑1

When she sings "Begging you, please..." and then hits that note, it makes my soul want to break out through my chest! Sooooooo fucking brilliant ❤❤❤

@WilliamByronIs

23w

Thank you! That's the exact moment that always stirs my weary soul

@arupian666

11y↑7

it's absolutely heart wrenching, the emotion in this song, and in her voice.

@santamara

16y

Fabulous voice! Wow! Thanks for posting and to Bob for sharing!

@icq4t42

28w

In these days where you can win a TV talent show singing a song really well that has probably been rehearsed every day since the age of 8 yrs old with barely another one in their repertoire, the poor sod learns that there’s more in this singing lark than meets the eye and they end up singing in Holiday Parks until the novelty wears off. There is this beautiful lady with a voice that tears at your heart with the weight of emotions . I have heard this song covered by so many artistes from Bett Midler to Whitesnake and none come close to the feeling of despair and angst pouring from her soulful uninhibited performance. This is not a one off, this lady is one hell of a singer and she deserves to be on the lips of anyone who is asked to name a classic singer. Don’t take my word on it, listen to her other material and listen to this song by as many vocalists you can find. You will not find anything that betters this version. So much talent from someone who don’t just sing the dots on the sheet music, she puts her all into her performances and has her heart firmly on her sleeve ,

@louise2203

11y↑1

amazing song i love it....sends shivers down my spine

@Johnboy121

13y↑17

I Worked with Ruby in the late 70's & i was privileged to here her Demo tape's first hand, on our dinner breaks, She's worked from the bottom Up A really great,& talented lady

@stevejpreston

10y↑6

You nailed it Ruby, brilliant.

@leonjmaisonneuve

12y

What a great performance!

@sheenajohn123

13y↑1

Fantastic voice Ruby just love your music xxx

@Jc_1030

Beautiful voice

@bazthehandyman

13y

Awesome voice

@davidwalsh3439

One of the best singers around.

@jimmyleedj

12y

A rare compliment to say I prefer this version to Lorraine Ellison's original 1966 version. That was brilliant and full of emotion but this is just smoother and more polished. I absolutely love it

@rooszinerin

13y↑56

OMG!!! I have been looking for this song for more than 15 years!!!!!! I need a drink!!!

@leiltonlima5563

3y↑1

Passei também uma bo temporada procurando. A canção original é de Lorraine Ellison 1966

@elizabethwild3124

3y↑3

Been looking for about 25 years

@anitataylor2852

3y↑1

Bloody hell I have for about 5 years hahahaha

@SG-uc5xm

Me too but…how come we have all been looking for if? I couldn’t find it because I didn’t know Ruby Turner’s name but had heard her sing this umpteen years ago. Long before Bette M sang it and hearing Bette triggered me to look for this version … because it is the best ever in my view. So I’Ve hunted for it since then. I must say I do love Bobby Hatfield’s version too though …. So much talent this world has seen! ❤❤

@DavidYolotzin

¡Excelente!

@santamara

15y

Fabulous voice and song! Great post! Thank you and to Bob for sharing!

@pepemisikosi5573

10y↑4

i love this song,,is so amazing!!

@shaunatkins1996

3y↑1

Absolutely cracking this is .what a voice

@davidhewaters

8y↑3

No one can touch Ruby. This gets me every time.

@supercaquitas6545

Un rolón ❤

@garethaustin6049

4y↑1

When my partner cheated on me I got drunk and listened to this song for two days. Still love it to this day.

@angelaeaglin-brown8064

2y↑6

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 BRAVO 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 This is sung so beautifully that it brought tears to my eyes. I could feel it in my soul !

@carlastaton8348

10y↑3

Thank you so much for uploading this. I have seen a film of Ruby singing the song, really beautiful.

@paramedmick4823

Seen Ruby Sing many times.. she is a goddess.

@basicequipment5454

5y↑1

incredible voice. haunting

@user-mw8um6mc3v

Boy, Rubys voice!!!

@martharichler6672

Ruby Turner - one of the greatest ever!

@clivebaty8066

What a voice

@hepette

14y

wow she is just soooo soulful!!!!!!! WOW

@carolinaneira5940

8y↑2

Beautiful song and lyrics

@tomski120

15y

great voice! she so gives me goose pimples *shudders* shes brilliant

@chrispatriot

3y↑1

There's not many songs out there, that have the depths of truly "capturing" a feeling in a bottle. But there is no doubt this song either "captures you" or you just can't get to the depths of love, that this refers to..... Sorry, there is no other options.

@Gloryboy4

14y

I love this version but Lorraine's original is still the finest. Anyone who still hasn't heard it, please do check it out. Ruby's voice is great, no question but not a patch on the original. Just my opinion.

@oldbathtub1950

11y↑1

touches the soul like no other

@ellegallagher5838

9y↑17

@pusoclintonsiamang1099

7y↑1

an emotional song

@mfaniryandrianasolo6278

the best

@chrishannon8187

This was a top 40 hit for Ruby. Think it made no 39. Should have sold better as a fantastic rendition of a classic.

@markgrant9245

46w↑1

Beautiful singing, however not quite the feeling and emotions put into it be Bette Midler in 'The Rose' or live on stage. She burst into tears performing this number. It's a colossal number to perform, not just sing.

@christandy5543

7y↑15

Best version my late husband and I loved this we played hit over and over so many beautiful memories Jimxxx🐅✨🐆May7th Happy Birthday🕯wherever yo may be my precious husband 👣xx👼🍭

@durbanbrooklyn776

8y↑3

OMG...this is music...this is love...this is talent...i fall in love with my lover over and over this song.

@helenwillingham9806

10y↑3

Goosebumps !!!

@ronrobertson5182

8y↑19

There's only one Ruuuuuby Turner. What a voice

@chrishannon8187

5y↑2

Always come back to Ruby's version

@georgemoran4077

Powerful stuff ruby

@clowncoupon5821

6y↑2

First heard this as part of the soundtrack to Comics on Channel 4. Stayed with me (Baby), ever since. What an absolutely fantastic song and singer

@jaywigmore2397

Loved that show..and this song

@leemoore8068

3y↑1

I loved the show too
Was the song at the end when he’s going down the hill on a motorbike??

@hibye-hr7pj

I love 💕 this song

@1980saffy

14y↑5

l remember watching Comics all those years ago, it was brilliant, l wish it would be shown again.

@leemoore8068

3y↑2

I’ve been searching for a Lenny James show with this song, I think it’s this one I remember but I’m sure it had a scene in it with this song and he’s driving down a mountain side on a motorbike??!

@nurseshaye2099

6y↑1

Beautiful, my favorite song

@tonypilki3

15y

Just beautiful !

@gillysparrowlegs

My God, this woman moves me!

@209ed

2y↑6

Hands down the best version of this song that still brings me to tears 🙏🏼

@paulmichaelrichardson6582

agree

@rdm4509

20w

@@paulmichaelrichardson6582 No, the best is Lorraine Ellison

@spiritladysoul

16y

she has a very powerful voice.thanks for the send bob

@mariehoward2176

50w

Just perfect. Thank you.

@paulinelegge8215

7y↑1

A brilliant version.......

@giacchinyc

14y

i love ruby, thanks for posting - just BEAUTIFUL!

@davidbetts9587

Powerful. Beautiful

@lightroadable

11y

OMG this singer is amazing....

@lindakennedy2537

10y↑1

thanks to whoever uploaded this! one of my favs!!! I agree Toni Harrison, Bette did a beautiful job! she is fabulous!!!!

@dervlaann

15y↑1

I had this on vinyl, randomly, could only remember that it had a purple cover, and just came across Ruby Turner as a link from an Etta James track on here! youtube solves life's mysteries!Thanks for posting!

@veganwitch72

9y↑3

Beautiful song

@tulipanoir

11y↑1

Wonderful magical!!

@GreatBanzo

5y↑1

Gets you in the feels

@auntyl6549

15y

One of the best soul songs ever, she sings it well, for me the most soulful and emotional as to be lloraine ellison,.

@Jan9902

12y

absolutely one of the best

@bluesoulady

13y↑1

saw her at ronnie scotts recently, she sang this, i hadnt heard it properly before, i was absolutely blow n away....wonderful

@anamakhatadze16

3y↑1

@TheMilkybarkid69

How can anyone give this the thumbs down?

@bluesoulady

13y

saw her last weekend in ronnie scotts, better than ever, like a fine wine...amazing!

@dionneclarke1016

3y↑1

Beautiful. Luv luv luv it.

@DanyonNoack

11y↑7

The boat that rocked! Love the scene with this song!

@dopeydawg8954

this version is played over the credits, the real version in the film is Lorraine Ellison who absolutely owns it.

@ahokava41

11y

this song breaks my heart every time

@xXzenabenXx

14y

Wonderful Song :')

@josiekoteka935

8y↑2

this song is so freakn good 😂

@YYCkike

Soul music is good for the soul

@christahfour

14y↑2

Best cover of this song by far.

@inconceivablejay3890

4y↑3

Made my wife feel this way once not cuz I wanted or needed someone else, it was me losing myself. I regret making her feel such a way, to my Queen I apologise 13rs together, I want you even when your 80 and 90 and 100 and forever after for eternity I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU BABY forgive me for hurting you, you'll always be my one and only treasure. No other woman walking the earth can match you and I mean that with all of my heart and soul, my heart is yours my Queen! I love you unconditionally ❤️

@ash-wu2pd

20w

Saw her with Jools Holland and she stole the show. Superb

@ameliascarpelli8673

meravigliosa!!!

@bellavy1991

14y

It's sooo nice song. I like it a lot. :D

@tyros60

wonderful

@aniradenisa5404

@kirstylouwoo30

13y↑7

I first heard this song on the soundtrack to a programme called Comics, written by Lynda La Plante, would love to get a hold of that to watch again xxxx

@leemoore8068

3y↑2

I think I watched it too did it have a scene where Lenny James was driving down a mountain side with this playing in the background?!

@MichaelSmith-hg1sb

3y↑1

@Lee Moore me too a great soundtrack to a good film

@wdpd1

Wow. Remember that series and THIS song. ❤️❤️❤️

@katiew1977

Me too Kristen 😘

@MadiNunya

12y↑1

I'm 14. And love this song. <3

@Benkwash

22 now...lmao

@davieboy1971

11y↑1

I first heard this on the BBC comedy drama series - " Comics " . Been looking for it for years since . Brilliant tune !

@wendyarcher451

I found the film comics part one and two on here to see the bits I loved in at the end were he comes down on the motor bike now its gone and carnt find it on here can some one help xxx

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