Welcome Home Baby
The Shirelles Lyrics


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There is no place like home
There is no place like home

Do you remember
You left this morning at nine
With everything fine
Welcome home baby
(Oh oh oh)
It's been a long, long time
(Long, long time)

Do you remember
(Oh oh oh)
That little stain on your lips
Where honey drips
Welcome home baby
(Oh oh oh)
It's been a long, long time
(Long, long time)

(Well)
Well
(Well)
Well, at ten o'clock
I was lonely and blue
At twelve o'clock
I thought of nothing but you
From two o'clock
Till a quarter of four
I waited patiently
To hear your footsteps at the door

Do you remember
(Oh oh oh)
That little stain on your lips
Where honey drips
Welcome home baby
(Oh oh oh)
It's been a long, long time
Welcome home baby
(Oh oh oh, oh oh oh)
It's been a long, long time
Welcome home

Overall Meaning

The Shirelles’s “Welcome Home Baby” is a romantic ballad that features a couple's reunion after a prolonged separation. The lyrics reflect the feeling of excitement and relief of the woman in the relationship who welcomes the man home after he had been away for a long time. This joyful feeling is evident in the repetition of the phrase "Welcome Home Baby" throughout the song.


The song begins with the statement that "There is no place like home," emphasizing the idea that the woman realizes that she is missing an essential part of her life without her partner there. She then asks her partner if he remembers leaving at nine, emphasizing again how long they had been apart. When the man returns, she takes note of the little details, like a stain on his lips, showing that her absence was felt in every aspect of her life. The woman confesses that she was lonely and thought of nothing but him, waiting for his return.


The song’s message is simple, to celebrate the beauty of human connection that comes from coming together after a long separation. The lyrics are poetic, and the melody is soothing and comforting, making it an instant classic. Additionally, the song is a beautiful example of the Motown sound, like those of their contemporaries, the Supremes and Martha and The Vandellas.


Line by Line Meaning

There is no place like home
Home is a special and unique place that cannot be replaced by anything else.


Do you remember
Reminding you of a memory or a moment that has already passed.


You left this morning at nine
You departed this morning at 9 o'clock.


With everything fine
Everything appeared to be alright when you left.


Welcome home baby
You're now back home and I'm happy to see you.


(Oh oh oh)
A vocal expression of excitement or happiness.


It's been a long, long time
It's been a considerable amount of time since you left.


That little stain on your lips
Referring to a mark or a blemish on your lips.


Where honey drips
A sweet, sticky substance dripping from your lips.


(Well)
An interjection to introduce a new thought or idea.


At ten o'clock
Referring to the time of the day when you were missed.


I was lonely and blue
I was feeling sad and melancholy in your absence.


From two o'clock
Starting at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.


Till a quarter of four
Continuing until 3:45 pm.


I waited patiently
I waited calmly and without complaint for your return.


To hear your footsteps at the door
Anticipating the sound of your steps as you return home.


(Oh oh oh, oh oh oh)
An expression of anticipation and excitement as you arrive home.


Welcome home
An expression of joy and happiness as you arrive back to your home.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: LUTHER DIXON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@BlaQMaguS

This song has me in a chokehold.

Which of the lovely Shirelles is doing the backing adlibs throughout the song?

Regardless, from the harmonies, to the lead, to the instruments. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

@deborahmurphy9865

Can never stop listening to this one!

@flatop47

Thanks For Looking

@SummerWind1145

They were the BEST!! Local Passaic NJ girls! Shirley Alston and the Shirelles!!

@flatop47

Thanks For Looking

@SummerWind1145

flatop47 You're welcome. Thanks for posting!

@xannaduu

I wish this would somehow play every time I come home.

@julioalbertonunezgallardo9552

Que cantan linda ,

@Finsandchrome100

another great track with Doris on lead, but I bought this on release in the UK and the words are different on that original 45. The line "That little stain on your lips where honey drips" was "You left this morning at nine, with everything fine" What was the version released as single in the States, does anyone know?

@TheZeevik

beautiful

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