Authenticity and sincerity have been the cornerstones of Hancock's writing and music since the start of his career. His refusal to compromise his vision and sell
out his music has earned him a fiercely loyal underground following.
Hancock's vision, as he puts it, is "to bring people together and make them feel good about music. It's a spiritual thing and without spirituality, you've got nothin'. There ain't much on the radio that strikes me as being original or from the heart, most of it's from the pocketbook and it shows."
Wayne is proud of his rural roots and culture and has thoroughly absorbed the spirit of country music's forefathers such as Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams and Jimmie Rodgers. Never a mere imitator, the cutting-edge style that emerges is every bit his own. He breathes youth and driving energy into traditional country forms and adds a dash of big band horns, boogie woogie piano, scorching rockabilly beats, heavenly Hawaiian steel licks and some wigged-out hillbilly jazz guitar.
Hancock figures he started writing songs around the age of twelve, and he did a lot of traveling around Texas, playing juke joints and belting out his originals for anyone who'd listen. At 18, he won the "Wrangler Country Showdown" but couldn't claim the prize because he'd already enrolled in the Marines. After a six-year hitch with Uncle Sam, he moved to Austin, where he reacquainted himself with music and won a role in the 1994 theatrical production of Chippy. He performed alongside Terry Allen, Butch Hancock, Joe Ely and Robert Earl Keen and Rolling Stone proclaimed, "The nasal honky-tonk of newcomer Wayne Hancock practically steals the show."
In 1995 Wayne debuted with "Thunderstorms and Neon Signs", a remarkable CD produced by steel guitar legend Lloyd Maines (Joe Ely, Wilco and Richard Buckner). The release was met with critical acclaim. Newsweek called it "the most promising debut of the season." Two-hundred-fifty dates throughout the country, including brilliant performances on Austin City Limits and NPR's Prairie Home Companion, led to well over 22,000 copies sold of his debut release on a tiny independent Texas label. In 1997, Wayne signed with ARK 21, an eclectic and well-anchored label owned by former Police manager Miles Copeland. Miles and his staff were impressed with Wayne's genuine ability for writing and performing and have dubbed him "arguably the hardest-working man in show business" for his willingness to tour solidly and his insistence on efficiency and
untainted live energy in the studio. "That's What Daddy Wants", Hancock's sophomore release, was recorded in a startling three days. A brilliant example of his Texas swing and juke joint rockabilly, the album was even a staple on the space shuttle Columbia, the bugle call of its title track used to wake the astronauts. After "That's What Daddy Wants" generated even more critical success than the first release, ARK 21 decided to reissue "Thunderstorms and Neon Signs" on their label.
The past several years have been a time of personal evolution and growth in Wayne's life. He was self-managed since the beginning of 1998 and later that year he lost his father to cancer. He has still been gigging solidly throughout the country and has been doing his own driving, tour managing and taking care of business in exactly his own way.
While various musicians drop in on Wayne's shows from time to time, his core band for touring is comprised of the phenomenal Eddie Biebel on lead guitar and the rhythm slappin' Jake Erwin on Standup Bass. Do yourself a favor - whenever this great trio is in or near your town, go to the show!
She's My Baby
Wayne Hancock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One hot mama and that ain't all
(Refrain)
She's my baby (she's my baby)
I'm her daddy (I'm her daddy)
We're both goin' steady
So you'd better leave my baby alone
We gotta little shack 'bout right off Main
Roof don't leak when it starts to rain
(repeat refrain)
(Texaco!)
[Interlude]
(stay away from my gal)
(stretch it out)
She's my baby and tell you this much
You can look at my candy but you'd better not touch
(repeat refrain)
(uhn-uh brother)
[2nd lnterlude]
(ooh baby)
Well I got a little gal about five feet tall
One hot mama and that ain't all
In Wayne Hancock's "She's My Baby," the singer sings about his beloved and fiercely protects her from any potential suitors or dangers. The first verse introduces his "little gal," who is only five feet tall but has a fiery personality that is reflected in the description "one hot mama." This shows that he values her not just for her physical appearance but also for her personality and character. In the refrain, the singer establishes the mutual nature of their relationship, declaring that he is her "daddy" and they are both "goin' steady." The repeated phrase "So you'd better leave my baby alone" showcases his protective nature and warns others not to try to come between them.
The second verse describes their living situation in a modest "little shack" off of Main Street, but it is clear that they are content with what they have. The mention of the roof not leaking when it rains is a small detail but indicates that they have their basic needs met and can focus on their relationship. The interlude after this verse includes a shoutout to Texaco, which could be a nod to a specific location or simply be meant to add some fun and energy to the song. The final verse reaffirms the singer's protectiveness towards his partner, declaring that others may look at her but should not touch. The repeated phrase "uhn-uh brother" emphasizes this boundary and sends a clear message to other men.
Overall, "She's My Baby" is a catchy and energetic song that celebrates love and loyalty while also warning others to stay away. The singer's strong sense of protectiveness adds a layer of depth and emotion to the lyrics that makes the song more than just a simple love song.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I got a little gal about five feet tall
I have a girlfriend who is small in height
One hot mama and that ain't all
My girlfriend is attractive and has other qualities that I like
She's my baby (she's my baby)
My girlfriend is my significant other and I care about her deeply
I'm her daddy (I'm her daddy)
I am protective of my girlfriend and consider myself as her guardian
We're both goin' steady
Me and my girlfriend are committed to each other and are in a serious relationship
So you'd better leave my baby alone
I warn anyone who tries to interfere with my relationship with my girlfriend to stay away
We gotta little shack 'bout right off Main
Me and my girlfriend live in a small house near the main street
Roof don't leak when it starts to rain
Our house is in good condition and doesn't get damaged during rain
You can look at my candy but you'd better not touch
It's permissible to admire my girlfriend's beauty but touching her is off limits and disrespectful
uhn-uh brother
I strongly disagree with anyone who disrespects me or my girlfriend
Contributed by Chase W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.