Why Baby Why
Waylon Jennings Willie Nelson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You make me cry baby cry baby cry baby cry
You know that I'll love you til' the day that I die
So tell me why baby why baby why baby why
Well I got a crow I want to pick with you
Just like last time when the feathers flew
You're runnin' wild a kickin' up your heels
Tell me why baby why
Well now I don't know but I've heard you say
That every little dog's a gonna have his day
You better pay attention don't you dare forget
Cause I'm just a little baby puppy yet
Tell me why baby why
Tell me why baby why
You know that I'll love you til' the day that I die
So tell me why baby why baby why baby why
The song "Why Baby Why" by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson is a classic country heartbreak tune. The lyrics are sung from the perspective of a man whose partner is causing him pain and confusion. He begs her to explain why she makes him cry and asks for some sort of understanding as to why she is behaving the way she is. He pledges his undying love for her, but still cannot make sense of her actions.
The lyrics also touch on themes of loyalty and the idea that everyone has their own day of reckoning. The man warns his partner not to forget about him because he is just a "little baby puppy" in the grand scheme of things. He alludes to the fact that even though he is a kind and loyal partner, he could still stand up for himself and have his say ("I got a crow I want to pick with you/Just like last time when the feathers flew").
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me why baby why baby why baby why
Asking why the person is making the singer cry repeatedly
You make me cry baby cry baby cry baby cry
The person's actions cause the singer to feel emotional pain
You know that I'll love you til' the day that I die
Despite the behavior, the singer's love for the person remains unwavering
So tell me why baby why baby why baby why
Reiterating the request for an explanation of the person's actions
Well I got a crow I want to pick with you
The artist wants to discuss a particular issue with the person
Just like last time when the feathers flew
Referring to a previous argument or heated discussion
You're runnin' wild a kickin' up your heels
The person is behaving recklessly and without regard for consequences
And leavin' me home with a handful of bills
The artist is left to deal with financial responsibilities while the person is out recklessly spending money
Well now I don't know but I've heard you say
The artist is unsure if the person meant what they said previously
That every little dog's a gonna have his day
Referring to the belief that every person will eventually face consequences for their actions
You better pay attention don't you dare forget
A warning for the person to be mindful of their behavior
Cause I'm just a little baby puppy yet
The artist is implying that they have not been in a relationship for very long
Tell me why baby why
Reiterating the request for an explanation of the person's actions
Tell me why baby why
Reiterating the request for an explanation of the person's actions
You know that I'll love you til' the day that I die
Despite the behavior, the singer's love for the person remains unwavering
So tell me why baby why baby why baby why
Reiterating the request for an explanation of the person's actions
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DARRELL EDWARDS, GEORGE JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind