Black began making music with a Casio keyboard, a cheap microphone, a small four-track recorder, and his father’s guitar. His early songs were rooted in Welsh Psychedelic Pop (S.F.A, Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci) and a love of his parents records (Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash).
Relocating to Wales’ capital City, Cardiff, for a degree in playing the clarinet, he did a stint in local bandJT Mouse.
A five track single ‘C’mon Let’s Permoose’ was to be released on Huw Stephen’s (BBC Radio 1) record label Boobytrap Records. He then released two singles himself, ‘Mountain’ and ‘C’mon Beef’ over the following two years.
He played at the Green Man Festival four years in a row, and supported the likes The Hidden Cameras and Jeffrey Lewis, and played in other Cardiff bands such as Neon Neon member Cate Le Bon’s solo project and Spencer McGarry Season.
In 2007 he was asked to play bass in Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci front man Euros Childs’ solo project. Gigs at Glastonbury festival, a tour in both Europe and America, a recording session with Grammy-nominated producer Mark Nevers in Nashville ensued.
In summer 2007, he was asked to assemble Daniel Johnston’s backing band for the Cardiff leg of his European tour, as well as offering his solo services to support.
On the solo front, his debut album, ‘The Mighty Baboo’, was recorded partly in church, partly in his housemates loft studio, and partly on his own. The album was played on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 and XFM and has earned praise from Bethan Elfyn (BBC Radio 1) and Mark Riley (BBC Radio 6).
Sweet Baboo's album I'm a Dancer / Songs about Sleepin' was nominated for the first ever Welsh Music Prize in 2011.
The album "Ships" was released in April 2013 on Moshi Moshi Records. Sweet Baboo followed the release with his first headlining tour in the UK and also performed solo shows and band shows in several festivals during summer 2013. Another headlining tour followed later in the year.[8] The album was nominated for the Welsh Music Prize in 2013.
On 11 November 2013, Sweet Baboo released an EP titled Motorhome Songs.[9]
In July 2014, Moshi Moshi released a limited edition 12" vinyl collection of tracks recorded during sessions on Marc Riley's show on BBC 6 Music over the previous decade. The release was followed by a short series of performances named The Test Pressings Tour and a duo tour with The Pictish Trail. The duo returned to that set for a one-off performance at the 2015 Green Man Festival, where Black also performed a full-band set (featuring The Mavron Quartet) and as part of the bands accompanying H. Hawkline and Meilyr Jones.
In December 2014, Black contributed vocals to Mowbird's Lady Lion EP on Shape Records. He also played saxophone on the track "Lady Low" from Teleman's 2014 debut album.
His following album, The Boombox Ballads, was released in August 2015, again on Moshi Moshi. The track "You Got Me Time Keeping" features Tender Prey (Laura Bryon) on vocals. In March 2016, he released an EP, Dennis, which featured unreleased tracks from the recordings of The Boombox Ballads and two covers, one of them of a Dennis Wilson track.
Sweet Baboo's next album, Wild Imagination, was released in June 2017 on Moshi Moshi. In October 2017 the album was nominated for the 2016–2017 Welsh Music Prize.
Sometimes
Sweet Baboo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And leave you on your own awhile
But just be sure that I'll dream of your
Homecoming and smile
And sometimes when I'm away
I won't call you for days upon days
When I finally do, you'll have something to do
Baby I might get it wrong
And sometimes that's when I'm far from home
A thousand miles but I'm never tired
Of singing these silly songs
Baby let's stay up all night
Until we're both crazy and sleep deprived
To see two of you is like a dream come true
And if there's anymore, then, oh, I am yours
In the first verse of this song, Sweet Baboo describes how sometimes he needs to take a break and spend some time alone, but assures his partner that he will be thinking of their reunion and looking forward to it. The second verse acknowledges that sometimes when he is away, he may not be in touch for a while, but promises that when he finally does call, his partner will have something to catch up on. He admits that sometimes he may make mistakes, and that it can be especially difficult when he is far away from home. However, he finds joy in the simple things, like singing silly songs, and wants to stay up all night with his loved one until they are both exhausted but happy.
Overall, the song seems to be about the ups and downs of a relationship, and the challenges of spending time apart. Sweet Baboo's lyrics are honest and straightforward, acknowledging that things may not always be perfect, but embracing the connection he shares with his partner nonetheless. The dreamy and catchy melody of the song adds to its romantic and bittersweet vibe, making it a perfect choice for anyone in a long-distance relationship or missing someone they love.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I'll say goodbye
Occasionally, I will bid farewell
And leave you on your own awhile
And abandon you for some time
But just be sure that I'll dream of your
Yet, I will dream of you without fail
Homecoming and smile
When you return, I'll be elated
And sometimes when I'm away
Occasionally when I am distant
I won't call you for days upon days
I will neglect to call or message for several days
When I finally do, you'll have something to do
However, upon finally doing so, you'll have a reason to be occupied
But getting hung up on you, it's alright
Though I may become overly obsessed with you, it's alright
Baby I might get it wrong
Sometimes, I'll make mistakes, my dear
And sometimes that's when I'm far from home
Mostly when I'm far from my abode
A thousand miles but I'm never tired
Even though I am thousands of miles away, I am not exhausted
Of singing these silly songs
Of crooning these ridiculous melodies
Baby let's stay up all night
Sweetheart, let's stay up throughout the night
Until we're both crazy and sleep deprived
Till we become insane and deprived of slumber
To see two of you is like a dream come true
Observing two of you is akin to fulfilling a fantasy
And if there's anymore, then, oh, I am yours
If there's yet more, I am fully devoted to you
Contributed by Sydney G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
wireinexile
Album pre-ordered. I've come to SB quite late but have made up for it. Entire back catalogue has started to arrive, bit by bit. Nothing I've heard has done anything but make me do huge smiles.
stig roo
Just heard him
Today on radio 6 for first time😊
Liv Beyond
Love this so much! Looking forward to the new album!
Emily Dickinson
Love this track! Fingers crossed for merch👌🏾 hoping for a brand new album ! Btw I really like the instrumental bits
e.wilson
The instrumental bits are perfect I eat, sleep and breathe them
Tony Lock
Beautiful new tune, reminds me a little of Beirut. Can't wait for the album to hear walking in the rain again!
e.wilson
Favourite song when are you releasing merch or going on tour #sweetbabooforlife
Kieran Dacey
love it boyor