About the song
“Be My Baby” is a song by the American girl group the Ronettes, released as a single on Philles Records in August 1963. Written by the talented trio of Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector, this song became the Ronettes’ biggest hit, reaching number 2 on the U.S. charts and number 4 in the UK. Often ranked among the best songs of the 1960s, it has been hailed by various publications as one of the greatest songs of all time.
Phil Spector produced “Be My Baby” at Gold Star Studios with his house band, later known as “the Wrecking Crew.” This recording marked the first time Spector used a full orchestra, creating what is now considered the quintessential example of his Wall of Sound technique. Notably, Ronnie Spector (then Veronica Bennett) is the only Ronette featured on the track. In 1964, the song was included on the album “Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes.”
Over the decades, “Be My Baby” has been played on radio and television over three million times. Its influence can be seen in the work of many artists, particularly the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, who wrote the 1964 hit “Don’t Worry Baby” as a response to it. The drum phrase from “Be My Baby” is one of the most recognizable in pop music and has been replicated in numerous songs. Cover versions by Andy Kim and Jody Miller have brought the song back to the U.S. top 40, and in 2006, the Library of Congress inducted the Ronettes’ recording into the United States National Recording Registry.
The story behind “Be My Baby” is as compelling as the song itself. In early 1963, Phil Spector auditioned a vocal group trio consisting of sisters Veronica and Estelle Bennett and their cousin Nedra Talley. Impressed by Ronnie’s lead on an impromptu performance of the 1956 hit “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” Spector offered the group an original song to record, “Why Don’t They Let Us Fall in Love.” Although they recorded the song at Gold Star Studios, Spector withheld its release, feeling the group needed more time to refine their act.
At the time, Spector was struggling with marital issues and developed a romantic fixation on Ronnie. Biographer Mick Brown suggested that “Be My Baby” might have been an explicit declaration of Spector’s growing feelings for Ronnie, foreshadowing their marriage, which lasted from the late 1960s through the early 1970s. Darlene Love, who had recorded with Spector, mentioned that “Be My Baby” was effectively a way for Spector to declare his love for Ronnie.
Ronnie Spector, the only Ronette on the record, overdubbed her lead vocal shortly after the backing track was completed. She prepared for the session by rehearsing in the studio’s ladies’ room, which she believed had excellent acoustics. The band’s enthusiastic reaction to her performance highlighted her vocal talent. Sonny Bono and Cher were among the backing vocalists, with Cher recalling how she started as “noise” on the track due to an impromptu decision by Spector.
“Be My Baby” remains a testament to the Ronettes’ talent and Phil Spector’s innovative production. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its impact on music history and its influence on generations of artists. The song’s legacy continues to shine, capturing the hearts of listeners old and new.
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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)