"Be My Baby" by the Ronettes

Perhaps the greatest love song of all time, and I don't say that because I'm a big Brian Wilson fan. This just seems to capture everything I require in a love song.

The night we met I knew I needed you so/And if 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 baby?

Ahhh...definitely check out the full lyrics. There's some heavy stuff going on.

She mentions a specific moment and starts planning her future around it. The hoping, the waiting, the anguish. To her the yearning is more important than the love, which implies a real, mutual connection. The song connects so well because the drums are like a heartbeat: constant, timed, rhythmic. In the chorus it's a little more forceful, sounds like two people having sex. She's dreaming, fantasizing...like all people in love she's in and out of the real world, fluctuating. Another aspect of this time thing is, when you're a teenager, your body is obviously changing--growth and time are evident. But at the same time you think you'll live forever. That's one reason why these songs are the way they are. They're short and sweet--defined--while being repetitive, which sort of contradicts the chronological aspect. Spector, no matter what age, knew what he was doing by throwing these three women out there to sing this song. The pride in the lyrics relates to the religious aspect, the beat is violent, and she's looking for love. She's stuck hanging in time until he finally agrees to be her baby. She wants to pervert and control time, too: "For every kiss you give me/I'll give you three." She's going to take control.

Jesus Christ, and that haircut. And when they sway as all the instruments drop out except for the drums...

Phil was probably in convulsions while she was turning on America when this aired.

Not to be repetitive, but I have to really give it up for the blend between the backing track and the vocals. Just the way the drums and melody sway while she's selling you on this idea of living together in paradise is so sublime--in the real sense of the word--and then you see the three of them shaking it before these stupid hanging screens you'd find in some "modern" 60s home. It's a real treat for me. Bring back those fucking skirts, for the love of God.

If you've played this as much as I have, then you're really tired of that jackass introducing them too.