About the song
“Be My Baby” by The Ronettes is a timeless classic that has left an indelible mark on the music industry since its release as a single on Philles Records in August 1963. Written by the talented trio of Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector, this song stands as the Ronettes’ most significant hit, reaching number 2 on the U.S. charts and number 4 in the UK. Widely regarded as one of the best songs of the 1960s, it continues to be celebrated by music enthusiasts and critics alike as one of the greatest songs of all time.
Phil Spector, known for his pioneering Wall of Sound recording technique, produced “Be My Baby” at the iconic Gold Star Studios. This song marked a milestone in his career as it was the first time he recorded with a full orchestra, creating a rich, layered sound that became a hallmark of his production style. Notably, Ronnie Spector (then known as Veronica Bennett) is the only Ronette who appears on the track, bringing a unique and memorable vocal performance that has resonated through the decades.
The song’s impact has been profound and far-reaching. It has been played on radio and television over 3 million times since its release, a testament to its enduring appeal. The song’s influence extends to many artists, most notably Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, who wrote the 1964 hit “Don’t Worry Baby” as a response to “Be My Baby.” The distinctive drum phrase of the song is one of the most recognizable in pop music and has been replicated and recreated by numerous artists over the years.
“Be My Baby” was featured on The Ronettes’ 1964 album *Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes* and has seen multiple cover versions that brought it back to the U.S. top 40, including renditions by Andy Kim and Jody Miller. In recognition of its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance, the Library of Congress inducted the song into the United States National Recording Registry in 2006.
Ronnie Spector’s vocal performance in “Be My Baby” is nothing short of iconic. She recorded her lead vocal after three days of preparation, adding those famous “whoa-ohs” and “oh-oh-oh-ohs” that she practiced in the studio’s ladies’ room for the perfect echo. The production process was meticulous, with Spector demanding perfection in every section of the recording. Her vibrato was particularly praised, and the song’s final mix had the speakers turned up so high that people had to leave the room due to the intensity.
The backing vocals featured contributions from notable artists such as Sonny Bono and Cher, adding to the rich tapestry of sounds that make “Be My Baby” a standout track. Cher once recalled in a television interview how she ended up as part of the recording, initially there just to make noise, but her involvement added to the song’s distinctive sound.
“Be My Baby” remains a beloved and influential piece of music history, continuing to captivate audiences with its perfect blend of emotional depth, vocal prowess, and innovative production.
Video
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)