About the song
“Baby I’m-a Want You,” the fourth studio album by Bread, released in 1972, stands as a pivotal work in the band’s discography, marked by its blend of soft rock melodies and introspective lyrics. Featuring notable singles such as the title track, “Everything I Own,” “Mother Freedom,” and “Diary,” the album achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim.
Led by the songwriting prowess of David Gates and James Griffin, “Baby I’m-a Want You” showcased Bread’s ability to craft emotionally resonant music that appealed to a wide audience. The title track, with its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics, soared to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the band’s signature songs. Similarly, “Everything I Own,” a poignant ballad about loss and longing, reached No. 5 on the charts, further solidifying Bread’s reputation for delivering impactful, radio-friendly hits.
One of the album’s standout tracks, “Mother Freedom,” highlighted Bread’s versatility with its more uptempo and rock-oriented sound, showcasing their ability to explore different musical styles beyond their trademark soft rock ballads. This stylistic shift was noted by critics and fans alike, affirming Bread’s capability to evolve while staying true to their distinctive sound.
The addition of keyboard player Larry Knechtel to the lineup for this album brought new dimensions to Bread’s music, enriching their arrangements with his contributions on piano, bass, organ, and other instruments. Knechtel’s versatile musicianship added depth and texture to the album’s compositions, enhancing the overall listening experience.
“Baby I’m-a Want You” was not only a commercial success but also received critical acclaim, underscoring its impact on the music scene of the early 1970s. The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Top LP’s & Tape chart and achieved Gold certification from the RIAA, attesting to its popularity and enduring appeal.
With its blend of melodic craftsmanship, introspective lyrics, and musical innovation, “Baby I’m-a Want You” remains a quintessential album in Bread’s catalog, reflecting the band’s ability to resonate with listeners through their heartfelt songs and timeless sound.
Video
Lyrics
Baby, I’m-a want you
Baby, I’m-a need you
You’re the only one I care enough to hurt about
Maybe I’m-a crazy, but I just can’t live with out
Your lovin’ and affection, givin’ me direction
Like a guiding light to help me through my darkest hour
Lately, I’m a prayin’
That you’ll always be here stayin’ beside me
Used to be my life was just emotions passing by
Feeling all the while and never really knowing why
Lately, I’m-a prayin’
That you’ll always be here stayin’ beside me
Used to be my life was just emotions passing by
Then you came along and made me laugh and made me cry
You taught me why
Baby, I’m-a want you
Baby, I’m-a need you
Ooh, it took so long to find you, baby
Baby, I’m-a want you
Baby, I’m-a need you