I Got You Babe
The Pretenders Lyrics

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They say we're young and we don't know
Won't find out till we grow
Well I don't know why that's true
'Cause you got me baby, I got you

Babe, I got you babe, I got you, babe.

They say our love won't pay the rent

Before it's earn'd our money's always spent
I guess that's so, we don't have a lot
But at least I'm sure of all the things we got

Babe, I got you babe, I got you, babe.

I got flowers in the spring
I got you, to wear my ring
And when I'm sad, you're a clown
And if I get scared you're always around
So let they say your hair's too long
I don't care, with you I can't go wrong
Then put your warm little hand in mine
There ain't no hill or mountain we can't climb

Babe, I got you babe, I got you babe,I got you babe

I got you to hold my hand
I got you to understand
I got you to walk with me
I got you to talk with
I got you to kiss goodnight
I got you to hold me tight
I got you I won't let go

I got you to love me so
I got you, babe

Overall Meaning

The Pretenders' song "I Got You Babe" is a duet between Chrissie Hynde and UB40's Ali Campbell. The song's lyrics reflect the insecurities of young love and the doubts surrounding it. The line "They say we're young and we don't know" sets up the theme, which is then reinforced by the line "Won't find out till we grow." The singer then declares that they have no doubts about their relationship, because "you got me baby, I got you." The chorus repeats the sentiment with "I got you babe," reinforcing the idea that they are a team and will support each other through the ups and downs of life.

The second verse addresses the practical concerns of money and the difficulties of making ends meet. The singer acknowledges that their love won't pay the rent, and that they may not have much money, but they still have each other. The singer then lists the things they do have, which include love, companionship, and support.

The third verse speaks to the ways in which the singer's partner completes them. The partner is described as being there for them when they are sad or scared, and as someone who makes them feel safe and loved. The verse ends with a declaration that the singer doesn't care what other people say about their partner's long hair, because with them, they "can't go wrong."

Overall, "I Got You Babe" is a simple yet powerful declaration of love and support between two people. The lyrics are straightforward and easy to understand, making it a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions.

Line by Line Meaning

They say we're young and we don't know
People say we're young and inexperienced

Won't find out till we grow
They say we won't fully understand until we mature

Well I don't know why that's true
I don't understand why people think that

'Cause you got me baby, I got you
Because we have each other, we can navigate life together

They say our love won't pay the rent
People say love can't pay the bills

Before it's earn'd our money's always spent
We have to work hard to make money and it's usually gone right away

I guess that's so, we don't have a lot
That may be true, we don't have much money

But at least I'm sure of all the things we got
But I'm certain of our love and what we have together

I got flowers in the spring
I have the beauty of nature to appreciate

I got you, to wear my ring
I have you as my partner, my fiancé

And when I'm sad, you're a clown
When I'm down, you can cheer me up

And if I get scared you're always around
Whenever I'm afraid, you're there to comfort me

So let they say your hair's too long
Even if people criticize your appearance

I don't care, with you I can't go wrong
I don't mind, as long as we're together everything will be alright

Then put your warm little hand in mine
Grab my hand, let's be together

There ain't no hill or mountain we can't climb
We can overcome any obstacle together

I got you to hold my hand
I have you to support me

I got you to understand
I have you to empathize with me

I got you to walk with me
I have you as my partner to walk through life with

I got you to talk with
I have you as someone to converse with

I got you to kiss goodnight
I have you to share intimacy with

I got you to hold me tight
I have you to cherish me

I got you I won't let go
I have you and I won't abandon you

I got you to love me so
I have you to love and be loved by

I got you, babe
I have you and that's all I need

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sonny Bono

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

Mama X

3y↑3

got this cassette in my christmas stocking when I was 9 along with Changesonebowie When I catch myself thinking how terrible my parents were I am reminded of the great taste in music they passed down to me

Supra

3y↑1

I was probably 3 or 4 years old when i was listening to this with my parents, I'm now 22yo, grew up with The Pretenders and it gives me such good memories :)