About the song
“Maybe” is a timeless classic with a rich history that dates back to the late 1950s. Originally penned by George Goldner and “Casey,” and later attributed to Richard Barrett, this song was first brought to life by the Chantels, a prominent girl group of the era. Arlene Smith, the lead singer of the Chantels, is also believed to have contributed to the songwriting, though she was not officially credited.
The Chantels recorded “Maybe” on October 16, 1957, and it was released in December of that year. This doo-wop ballad, featuring Barrett on piano, quickly gained popularity. By January 1958, it had climbed the charts, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Billboard R&B chart. The song is often hailed as a pioneering example of the girl group sound, a genre that would come to define much of the pop music landscape in the 1960s.
“Maybe” was recognized for its significant impact and was ranked No. 199 on Rolling Stone’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Additionally, it was featured in Robert Christgau’s “Basic Record Library,” which highlights essential recordings from the 1950s and 1960s.
In the decades that followed, “Maybe” has been covered by several notable artists. The Three Degrees recorded their version in 1966 and again in 1970, while Janis Joplin brought her unique style to the song on her 1969 album “I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!” More recently, in 2019, the Miguel Matute Project included a new rendition of “Maybe” with Monica Mayen on vocals in their album “Desde Adentro y Otros Asuntos.”
The enduring appeal of “Maybe” is a testament to its influence and the way it has continued to resonate with audiences over the years.
Video
Lyrics
Maybe
Oh, if I could pray, and I try, dear
You might come back home, home to me
Maybe
Whoa, if I could ever hold your little hand
Ooh, you might understand
Maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe, yeah
Maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe, dear
I guess I might have done something wrong
Honey, I’d be glad to admit it
Ooh, come on home to me
Honey, maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe, yeah
Well, I know that it just doesn’t ever seem to matter, babe
Ooh, honey, when I go out or what I’m trying to do
Can’t you see I’m still left here
And I’m all alone in needing you
Please, please, please, please
Oh, won’t you reconsider, babe
Now come on, I said come back
Won’t you come back to me
Maybe, dear, oh maybe, maybe, maybe
Let me help you show me how
Honey, maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe
Maybe, maybe, maybe, yeah
Maybe, maybe, maybe, yeah