According to Merge, at their initial studio session the two “were immediately struck by one another’s talents and found an instant rapport". During a conversation about their shared love of old records, Zooey let slip that she wrote her own songs, which she recorded alone at home on her computer. Somewhat shy about sharing these musical morsels, she was eventually persuaded to send them to M. Ward. He was instantly impressed, and they soon reconvened at his studio in Portland to begin work. Recorded over a period of several months, between acting work (She) and touring commitments (Him), the pair found time to bring Zooey’s fledgling songs to gorgeous fruition
Oh No Not My Baby
She & Him Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I didn't believe a single word was true
I showed them all, I had faith in you
I just kept on saying
Oh no, not my baby
Oh no, not my sweet baby
You're not like those other guys
My mama told me when rumors spread
There's truth somewhere and I should use my head
But I didn't listen to what she said
I just kept on saying
Oh no, not my baby
Oh no, not my sweet baby
You're not like those other boys
Who play with hearts like they were toys
You and I, we got a special thing
We go together just like summer and spring
They're all jealous of the love you bring
And I'm gonna keep on saying
Oh no, not my baby
Oh no, not my sweet baby
Oh no, not my baby
Oh no, not my sweet baby
Oh no, not my baby
Not my babe
Not my baby
Not my sweet baby
Oh no, not my baby
Not my baby
My baby
Not my sweet baby, oh no
"Oh No Not My Baby" by She & Him is a song about a woman who refuses to believe rumors that her significant other has been unfaithful. The singer initially hears from her friends that her partner has found someone new, but she disregards this as just gossip. The woman has faith in her partner and insists that he is not like the others who cheat and lie. She is convinced that their relationship is special and will not be swayed by rumors or others' opinions. The singer's mother advises her to trust her instincts and not ignore the rumors but she chooses to ignore the wisdom of her mother.
The repeated phrase "Oh no not my baby" is an expression of disbelief and a statement of trust. The singer is trying to communicate that she has such deep trust in her partner that she can not see the possibility of him having another woman in his life. This refusal to believe the rumors suggests a certain level of naivety or even delusion on the singer's part. Through the song, the singer is expressing her love and loyalty to her partner, and determined to maintain that loyalty despite any challenges to their relationship.
In summary, the song is a testament to the power of trust and faith in a relationship. It highlights the lengths to which someone might be willing to go to avoid confronting the truth about their partner's infidelity.
Line by Line Meaning
When my friends told me you had someone new
I didn't believe that you were with someone new when I heard it from my friends
I didn't believe a single word was true
I refused to believe that you could ever be unfaithful to me
I showed them all, I had faith in you
I proved to my friends that you would never do anything to hurt me
I just kept on saying
I repeatedly told myself that you were loyal and trustworthy
Oh no, not my baby
I can't believe that you could ever betray me
Oh no, not my sweet baby
I never thought that you would be the one to deceive me
You're not like those other guys
I trusted you because you were different from all the other men I've ever known
Who lead you on and tell you lies
The other men I knew would trick me and lie to me, but I never thought you could do the same
My mama told me when rumors spread
My mother warned me that when rumors started to circulate, there's a possibility that they could be true
There's truth somewhere and I should use my head
I should investigate the rumors and make sure that I know the truth
But I didn't listen to what she said
I ignored my mother's advice and refused to look into the rumors
You and I, we got a special thing
You and I have a special connection that nobody else can understand
We go together just like summer and spring
Our love is like the perfect combination of two seasons
They're all jealous of the love you bring
Everyone around us is envious of the love you give me
And I'm gonna keep on saying
I will continue to reassure myself that you are not capable of hurting me
Not my babe
I won't let anyone come between us
My baby
You are my one and only true love
Not my sweet baby, oh no
I never thought that I would have to worry about losing you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CAROLE KING, GERRY GOFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Grace Elizebeth
When she goes into her lower register I simultaneously start sobbing. So lovely.
Grace Elizebeth
You speak the truth.
Grace Elizebeth
Yes! Ukuleles are simply the best.
It does! Love that song.
Grace Elizebeth
@***** Oh my goodness yes. I have loved every one of their albums and Volume III did not disappoint. That's funny that you should mention Turn To White, because it's my favourite off of the album and I loved it so much that I learned the entirety of it on my ukulele.
Fleet Foxes has and will always have such a special place in my heart. Their music is serene and transcendent. So beautiful.
Grace Elizebeth
@Marcio Chavez Me too!
@***** I absolutely love the Carpenters, and I always thought Zooey's voice reminisced of hers. I think that's why I love She and Him so much, they can take me back to some time gone by, and it's amazing.
Marcio Chavez
Yes!!! It's just wow!!! Always listening to her. And this new album will be on repeat for a while
Joseph Ritter
This cover always puts me in a relaxed, romantic mood. I love this album ❤️
birdlanddj
Amazing arrangement here; those strings really bring out the sadness in those stunning chord changes. It also helps that the song is nigh-indestructible - I like every version of this I've ever heard. To be honest, I had dismissed She & Him as a novelty, but this album impresses me as the real deal - I need this record, and on LP! I think seeing this in a record store on vinyl, with the old Columbia logo and everything, would totally make my heart melt.
Peter D.
Love this song by so many artists. This is one of the most heartfelt to me. And Linda Ronstadt does it for me as well.
darkguy555
the more songs i heard, the more i want this album!!