The band's deliberate focus likely affected its appeal to wider audiences. The overall result was that the Babys seemed to live in the shadow of other Chrysalis artists such as Blondie and Pat Benatar. The cover of 'Broken Heart', with the Babys' members in glossy make-up, may have been part of the aforementioned marketing ploy.
The Baby's classic early line-up, existing from 1976 to 1978, consisted of vocalist/bassist John Waite, drummer Tony Brock, keyboardist/guitarist Michael Corby, and guitarist Wally Stocker. From 1979 to 1981, the band's line-up changed as Corby exited with Ricky Phillips and Jonathan Cain came on board. 'Broken Heart' produced a top 20 U.S. hit, "Isn't it Time", and they toured the U.S. successfully. The album also spent two weeks at number one in Australia, though it did not produce another top 40 single anywhere.
Early in 1979, "Every Time I think of You" from the band's third album, 'Head First', again reached the top 20 in the U.S. It did even better in Australia, breaking into the top 10. Whilst recording the album Mike Corby left the group. In a recent radio interview posted on his website, John Waite said that after the Babys Corby left the music scene altogether. The band's fourth album, 'Union Jacks', featured a more aggressive, punchy rock sound similar to label-mate Benatar, with single "Back On My Feet Again" hitting the top 40.
Flagging commercial success dogged the band, with their fifth album, 'On the Edge', proving to be their last. Wally Stocker and Tony Brock have not worked with John Waite since the breakup and there have never been any signs of the original 1976 line-up reforming.
According to the notes included in the compilation album 'The Essential John Waite', the band's touring came to an end when Waite tore a ligament on stage during a concert in Akron, Ohio in December 1980, within a day of the assassination of John Lennon. Waite, Ricky Phillips, and Jonathan Cain later played together in the supergroup Bad English. Cain also enjoyed great success with arena rock band Journey while Brock spent many years post-Babys drumming for Rod Stewart.
2. The Babys was a Japanese indie rock band. The members are Shunsuke - vocals/guitar, Rie - drums, and Haruna - bass. The Babys are on Japan's Infinity Records label. Their sound is heavily inspired by 1970s and 80s U.S.A. and British punk rock. The Babys' style, though, is more melodic and influenced by rockabilly and contemporary pop music.
Their most recent release is an EP ('mini album' in Japan) entitled "My Name is Future" (2006). Aside from that, they have released another EP, "Shounen Knife" (2005) and two singles, "The Babys" (2004) and "Alien" (2005). Their only full-length release at this time is "Star Luster" (2005).
The Babys lent much of their music to a Japanese animation TV soundtrack entitled "Paradise Kiss."
A Piece of the Action
The Babys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Could you spare a dime?
I got the plan
If you got the time
If you take me there
You can claim your share
Of the action
Been on the road
Paid all my dues
Oh, I'm ready now
If you take me there
You can claim your share
Of the action
Oh, for a piece of the action
Oh, for a slice of the cake
Oh, for a piece of the action
Oh, for a slice of the cake
Sometimes I feel
As I'm going down
That nothing can stop me
From losing ground
If you take me there
You can claim your share
Of the action
Oh, for a piece of the action
Oh, for a slice of the cake
Oh, for a piece of the action
Oh, for a slice of the cake
For a slice of the cake
Oh, oh, oh...
The lyrics to The Babys' song A Piece of the Action speak to the aspirations and struggles of a musician on the road. The singer is broke and looking for help, offering to share the rewards of success if someone would take a chance on him. He speaks of having paid his dues and being ready for his big break. Yet there is a sense of desperation in his words, expressed through his desire for just a small piece of the action or a slice of the cake. He feels like he is losing ground, but also believes that nothing can stop him. The lyrics are a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by aspiring musicians and the lengths they are willing to go to chase their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got no money
I am currently without any financial resources
Could you spare a dime?
Would you be able to give me any amount of money?
I got the plan
I have an idea or strategy in mind
If you got the time
If you have the availability or opportunity
If you take me there
If you bring me to that specific location or scenario
You can claim your share
You will be entitled to a portion of the benefits or rewards
Of the action
From the events or situations that will occur
Been on the road
I have been traveling for an extended period of time
for a long time now
This duration has been lengthy
Paid all my dues
I have completed all of the necessary obligations or payments
Oh, I'm ready now
I am fully prepared for what is to come
Oh, for a piece of the action
I desire to have a portion of the benefits or rewards from this situation
Oh, for a slice of the cake
I wish to have a share of the benefits or rewards
Sometimes I feel
Occasionally, I experience the sensation
As I'm going down
As I am experiencing a downturn or negative situation
That nothing can stop me
I am unstoppable and invincible
From losing ground
From falling behind or failing
For a slice of the cake
I wish for a portion of the benefits or rewards
Oh, oh, oh...
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAS SANDFORD, MICHAEL JAPP, MICHAEL CHARLES JAPP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alasdair Baird
This sound cannot be duplicated it cannot be played or sung any better. This is the studio recording and along with The Golden Mile are the two mystical tracks on the album. Another song that is impossible to reproduce is I'm Falling. Corby's genius is that you never get tired of this music, you marvel at his construction of such a musical masterpiece. All four musicians held these recording gems in the palms of their hands when this album was recorded in late 1977. It's almost as if music peaked at this point in time.
David Watson
Sung any better? Look up the word "vibrato" in a dictionary then come back and make an INFORMED comment.
LesleyM
2022, and these BABYS are even MORE EPIC now!!!!! Sooo super talented and a stylin vibe that’s absolutely sumptuous … yep, MAJESTIC
Fred Psonic
This is a magnificent song from an underappreciated great band.
Avenger Nemesis
In my eyes they weren't underrated..
I adore this band..
Also Bad English
Australia
Fred Psonic
@Avenger Nemesis Underappreciated meaning they deserve more airplay. But we both agree John Waite is awesome.
Karla Weiss
I honestly can NOT think of a more under rated Singer than John Waite or this/band, his music is so alive still… 2022 & counting!
Nigel Firth
Never did like soft rock that much, but this album is...EXCEPTIONAL...a FANTASTIC piece of work...thanks guy's for so many great memories....🏈❤😎!
Cindy Wall
Michael Corby and John Waite were the absolute best. Loved the Babys!
TimbuckXXI
Ya must include TONY BROCK ..