They adopted their name in 1962 while performing together around Los Angeles, USA as part of a five-member group called The Paramours, which featured John Wimber (who was much later one of the founders of the Vineyard Movement) on keyboards.
Hatfield and Medley both possessed exceptional vocal talent, with range, control, and tone that helped them create a strong and distinct duet sound (and perform as soloists). Medley sang the low parts with his deep, soulful baritone, with Hatfield taking the higher register vocals with his soaring tenor. They gained their name when an African-American Marine shouted out "That was righteous, brothers" at the end of a show. John Wimber, one of the founding leaders of the Vineyard Movement, played the keyboard in the band.
Their first major hit single was "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" in 1965. Produced by Phil Spector, the record is often cited as one of the peak expressions of Spector's Wall of Sound production techniques. It was one of the most successful pop singles of its time, despite exceeding the standard length for radio play. Indeed, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" remains the most played song in radio history, estimated to have been broadcast over 8 million times to date. A little known fact about this song was that Spector utilized Sonny and Cher as back-up singers.
They had several other Spector-produced hit singles during the 1960s, including "Ebb Tide" and "Unchained Melody" in 1965 and "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration" in 1966.
Soul and Inspiration was produced by Bill Medley for Verve Records. Phil Spector was not involved with this recording in any way, shape or form. Also, although it is credited to Phil Spector, Bill Medley produced "Unchained Melody". Medley produced the B-Side for the singles and Spector handled the production work on the A-Side. The A-Side for "Unchained Melody" was the single "Hung on You" produced by Phil Spector although it was the B-Side that ended up being the hit.
My Babe
The Righteous Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say my babe, she's so fine
I'm talkin' 'bout my baby, not your baby
Say my babe, she's so fine
She's right there to love me
Well people come, rain or shine
Now I love her, don't you love her, cause I love her, you hear?
She upsets my soul when she whispers sweet things in my ear
I love the way she walks, I love the way she talks
She makes me feel so good, like a young man should
She never makes me cry, and here's why
She's my babe, she's my babe
Nothin' could be better than to see her in a sweater
And a real tight skirt that won't quit
Nothin' could be better than to see her in a sweater
And a tight skirt, that won't quit
I'm warm for her form, but people let me tell you that's it
My babe, oh my babe
My babe, oh my babe
My babe, my babe, oh my babe
My babe, oh oh my babe
My babe, oh my babe
The Righteous Brothers' "My Babe" is a love song from a man to his “baby,” expressing his deep affection and admiration for her. The man emphasizes that he is referring to his own babe, not anyone else’s. The chorus, “Say my babe, she's so fine,” suggests that she is a unique individual with true beauty that he appreciates. The loyalty and support of his baby is highlighted in the line “She's right there to love me, well people come, rain or shine,” conveying that she is always present for him through good times and bad.
The second verse emphasizes the jealousy of the man, as he urges others to love his baby but ultimately insists that his love is the most important. The last few lines of this verse introduce the intimate side of their relationship, as he mentions how she “upsets my soul” with her sweet nothings. The repetition of the line “I love her, don’t you love her, cause I love her, you hear?” emphasizes the strong possessive feelings the singer has towards his love. In the final verse, the man describes his attraction to his baby, admiring her physical form as well as her personality. The line “I'm warm for her form, but people let me tell you that's it,” suggests that while he is physically attracted to her, it is not the only reason he loves her.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm talkin' 'bout my baby, not your baby
I am referring to the woman I love, not yours.
Say my babe, she's so fine
She is the most wonderful person I have ever met.
She's right there to love me
She has always been there for me when I needed someone.
Well people come, rain or shine
She has stayed by my side through thick and thin.
Now I love her, don't you love her, cause I love her, you hear?
I care for her very deeply, and hope you do too.
She upsets my soul when she whispers sweet things in my ear
The things she says make me feel deeply emotional.
I love the way she walks, I love the way she talks
I find every aspect of her to be delightful.
She makes me feel so good, like a young man should
She revitalizes me and makes me feel youthful.
She never makes me cry, and here's why
She never hurts me, and here's why:
She's my babe, she's my babe
She's the love of my life.
Nothin' could be better than to see her in a sweater
Seeing her in comfortable clothing makes me feel happy.
And a real tight skirt that won't quit
I love seeing her in a tight skirt that accentuates her curves.
I'm warm for her form, but people let me tell you that's it
I find her physically attractive, but that's not the main reason I love her.
My babe, oh my babe
She is everything to me.
My babe, my babe, oh my babe
She is the only person who truly matters to me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Willie Dixon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike Castricone
I remember Bobby Hatfield like it was yesterday having played varsity football with him at Anaheim High School. He was a lot of fun with much charisma. Beside having a great set of pipes, and being student body president, he was a good end on the team also. I will never forget him and delight in the Righteous Brothers music today and it makes me feel like a teen ager again. Actually I still am, as our spirits never age. May he rest in peace but I will see and hear him sing again in heaven one day.
James Morton
If there is a R&R heaven...
Mary Schiers
Bobby is the best tenor I have ever heard. I am 71 years old.
janet gallo
Great song. Bobby’s vocals are great
Couric
I loved foghats version and I thought I was an awesome fan of the brothers and after living for 26 years, I had no idea they sang this and just discovered this, this evening. I'm mad and extremely happy at the same time.
Chelsea Philips
I found out thanks to Roger Earl of Foghat talking about it on Sirius radio when he did a show featuring his favorite songs etc - I also had no idea! As a huge fan of music in general and a great classic rock fan, and recent DJ, I was stunned 😲👍 Great version - but Foghat's will always do it for me! 🎶🎵🎶🎸🎸
Randy Borst
I just learned it today too. Its fun hearing the originals and other covers.
Mary Ann C
Not only did they record it first, they wrote it.
Steven Jessop
Finest use of horns with rock'n'roll energy, just right on!
Dave Croston
It is my understanding that this horn arrangement was penned by Neal Hefti, Count Basie's arranger for a number of years. It doesn't get any better than this!