Bishop's song "Separate Lives," from the movie White Nights, was nominated for an Academy Award in 1985, losing out to "Say You, Say Me" from the same film. Bishop wrote it about his breakup with actress Karen Allen, who also appeared in Animal House.
Patrick Bateman, the fictional anti-hero from Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho, is an avowed fan of Stephen Bishop.
Pretty Baby
Stephen Bishop Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Have you seen my pretty baby?
Holdin′ a halo... walkin' down the road
Thanks for asking
Her name is, "Angel"
And I′m the fool who let her go
Could u tell her I've been on my knees
Sending whispers up to heaven
To turn her around and bring her
Home to me
Whoa... I′m no good at all without her
Whoa... I don′t care if the whole world knows
Whoa...
If you're talkin′ bout love
You're talkin′ 'bout her
If u see my pretty baby, tell me so
Here′s a picture of my girl smiling
Don't it take your breath away
U think that's something?
You oughta see her in real life
She outshines the sunshine
Most anyday.
()
I can′t seem to stop talkin′ 'bout her
If u see my pretty baby, tell me so...
(Solo/repeat 1st verse)
In "Pretty Baby" by Stephen Bishop, the singer expresses his longing for a lost love. The lyrics depict a sense of regret and yearning for a woman he refers to as his "pretty baby." The opening line, "Have you seen my pretty baby? Holdin′ a halo... walkin' down the road," suggests that he imagines her as an angelic figure, emphasizing her beauty and purity. This image highlights the depth of his admiration for her.
The chorus reveals the singer's desperation and vulnerability. He acknowledges that he made a mistake by letting her go, referring to himself as a fool. He then requests the listener's assistance in conveying his message to his "little darlin'" by telling her that he has been on his knees, sending whispers to heaven in the hopes of reconciling with her and bringing her back home. These lines showcase his emotional distress and the lengths he is willing to go to win her back.
The following verse emphasizes the singer's belief that he is incomplete without her. He declares that he is "no good at all without her" and doesn't care if the whole world knows. This line conveys his desperation and the realization that his happiness depends entirely on her presence in his life. He continues to evoke the image of his beloved, affirming that if one were to talk about love, it would inevitably lead to talking about her.
The song concludes with a reminder of her captivating smile and an invitation to see her in person to truly understand her beauty and radiance. The repetition of these sentiments throughout the lyrics reinforces the singer's infatuation and obsession with his lost love. The final repetition of the chorus reaffirms his plea to the listener to inform him if they have seen his "pretty baby," indicating his relentless pursuit of her and his sincere desire to be reunited with her.
Overall, "Pretty Baby" delves into themes of lost love, regret, and the profound effect that someone's absence can have on a person's well-being. Stephen Bishop's heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery make for an emotionally charged and relatable song for anyone who has experienced the pain of a broken relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you seen my pretty baby?
Can you confirm if you have encountered the person who holds a special place in my heart?
Holdin' a halo... walkin' down the road
Gracefully carrying an aura of goodness while moving forward in life
Thanks for asking
Expressing gratitude for inquiring about my loved one
Her name is, 'Angel'
Referring to her as a divine being, a symbol of purity and beauty
And I'm the fool who let her go
Regretfully acknowledging my own foolishness in losing her
If you know my little darlin'
If you happen to be acquainted with my beloved
Could u tell her I've been on my knees
Please convey to her that I have been pleading and praying for her return
Sending whispers up to heaven
Directing my soft words of longing and affection towards the divine realm
To turn her around and bring her home to me
Hoping that my heartfelt words can change her path and reunite us once again
Whoa... I'm no good at all without her
Admitting that my life lacks purpose and fulfillment in her absence
Whoa... I don't care if the whole world knows
Asserting my willingness to openly display my love for her, regardless of others' opinions
Whoa...
Expressing a deep emotional sentiment or exclamation
If you're talkin' bout love
When discussing the concept of love
You're talkin' 'bout her
You are referring to the person who captivates my heart
If u see my pretty baby, tell me so
If you happen to come across my beloved, please inform me of her whereabouts
Here's a picture of my girl smiling
Presenting an image capturing the joyous expression of my significant other
Don't it take your breath away
Doesn't it leave you in awe and wonderment?
U think that's something?
Do you consider that impressive?
You oughta see her in real life
Her true beauty and radiance can only be fully appreciated through personal experience
She outshines the sunshine
Her brilliance surpasses even the most radiant rays of sunlight
Most anyday.
On almost any given day, she stands out as a beacon of joy and comfort
( )
Instrumental part of the song
I can't seem to stop talkin' 'bout her
I find myself unable to cease conversations centered around her
If u see my pretty baby, tell me so...
In case you have any information about my beloved, kindly share it with me
(Solo/repeat 1st verse)
Instrumental section or repetition of the initial verse
Writer(s): Tia Sillers, Stephen Bishop
Contributed by Ethan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Frank Roland jr.
What a production, best I've heard him in years.
Michael White
A really beautiful song, with some great lyric twists...beautiful production too!
satoshi hatano
nice song!LOVE❣️
carole adams
Very nice.