About The Song

“Baby It’s You” is a soulful ballad by The Shirelles, blending heartfelt lyrics with a smooth and melodious arrangement. Written by Burt Bacharach (music), Luther Dixon (credited as Barney Williams), and Mack David (lyrics), the track is celebrated as one of the defining moments of early 1960s pop and R&B.

The song became a significant success upon its release, reaching #3 on the R&B chart and #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also served as the title track for the group’s album Baby It’s You, highlighting its popularity. A signature feature of the song is its distinctive chord progression, transitioning from minor to major keys during the verses, adding an emotional depth that resonates with listeners.

Background and Legacy

• The Shirelles’ vocals were laid directly over Burt Bacharach’s demo, maintaining the original vision of the composition.
• The song later influenced and was covered by The Beatles in 1963, demonstrating its impact on both pop and rock genres.

Related Cultural Moments

• The Shirelles were among the first girl groups to achieve widespread success, paving the way for many others.
• A Broadway musical, Baby It’s You!, debuted in 2011, chronicling the story of The Shirelles and their label founder, Florence Greenberg. Though short-lived, the show reflected the lasting influence of their music and the stories behind it.

“Baby It’s You” remains a poignant anthem of longing and heartbreak, cementing The Shirelles’ legacy in the annals of music history.

Lyrics

Sha-la-la-la-la
Sha-la-la-la-la
Sha-la-la-la-la
Sha-la-la-la-la
It’s not the way you smile that touched my heart
Sha-la-la-la-la
It’s not the way you kiss that tears me apart
Whoa, many, many nights roll by
I sit alone at home and cry over you
What can I do?
I can’t help myself
When, baby, it’s you
Sha-la-la-la-la
Baby, it’s you
Sha-la-la-la-la
Sha-la-la-la-la
You should hear what they say about you (cheat, cheat)
Sha-la-la-la-la
They say, they say you never, never, never been true (cheat, cheat)
Whoa, doesn’t matter what they say
I know I’m gonna love you any old way
What can I do when it’s true?
I don’t want nobody, nobody, no
Baby, it’s you
Sha-la-la-la-la
Baby, it’s you
Sha-la-la-la-la
Whoa, many, many nights roll by
I sit alone at home and cry over you
What can I do?
I can’t help myself
‘Cause, baby, it’s you
Sha-la-la-la-la
Baby, it’s you
Sha-la-la-la-la
Don’t leave me alone
Sha-la-la-la-la
Come on home
Sha-la-la-la-la

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