About the song
“Be My Baby,” released by the American girl group The Ronettes in August 1963, stands as a timeless classic of the 1960s era, celebrated for its infectious melody and groundbreaking production. Co-written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector, the song became the Ronettes’ signature hit, reaching number 2 on the U.S. charts and number 4 in the UK. Its enduring popularity has earned it accolades as one of the greatest songs of all time.
Phil Spector, renowned for his revolutionary Wall of Sound technique, produced “Be My Baby” at Gold Star Studios with his assembly of top session musicians later known as “the Wrecking Crew.” The track notably featured Ronnie Spector (Veronica Bennett) as the lead vocalist, capturing her distinctive voice with a blend of intimacy and grandeur. Ronnie’s vocal performance, recorded in just one day following the completion of the instrumental track, showcases her emotive depth and impeccable delivery.
The song’s impact reverberated across the music industry, influencing artists like Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, who responded with his hit “Don’t Worry Baby.” The iconic drum intro, one of pop music’s most recognizable motifs, has been emulated in numerous covers and tributes over the years, including renditions by Andy Kim and Jody Miller.
Recognizing its cultural significance, the Library of Congress inducted the Ronettes’ recording of “Be My Baby” into the United States National Recording Registry in 2006. The song’s enduring appeal lies not only in its catchy melody and innovative production but also in Ronnie Spector’s raw talent and heartfelt performance, which continue to captivate listeners decades after its release.
Ronnie Spector’s recollections of the recording process highlight the song’s spontaneity and the creative environment at Gold Star Studios, where her vocals were shaped and perfected. The intimate, upfront quality of her delivery, combined with the expansive sound created by Spector, defines the essence of “Be My Baby.”
In essence, “Be My Baby” remains a cornerstone of pop music history, cherished for its musical brilliance and emotional resonance. Its place among the greatest songs of the 1960s is firmly secured, a testament to the lasting influence of Phil Spector’s production genius and Ronnie Spector’s unmatched vocal prowess.
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Lyrics
The night we met I knew I needed you so
And if I had the chance I’d never let you go
So won’t you say you love me?
I’ll make you so proud of me
We’ll make ’em turn their heads every place we go
So won’t you, please (be my, be my baby)
Be my little baby? (My one and only baby)
Say you’ll be my darlin’ (be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now (my one and only baby)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
I’ll make you happy, baby, just wait and see
For every kiss you give me, I’ll give you three
Oh, since the day I saw you
I have been waiting for you
You know I will adore you ’til eternity
So won’t you, please (be my, be my baby)
Be my little baby? (My one and only baby)
Say you’ll be my darlin’ (be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now (my one and only baby)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
So come on and, please (be my, be my baby)
Be my little baby? (My one and only baby)
Say you’ll be my darlin’ (be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now (my one and only baby)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh
Be my little baby? (My one and only baby)
Oh-oh-oh (be my, be my baby)
Oh (my one and only baby)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh (be my, be my baby)
Oh-oh-oh (My one and only baby)
Oh (be my, be my baby)