About the song
“Little Bitty Pretty One,” a timeless classic originally penned and recorded by Bobby Day in 1957, has etched itself into the annals of music history with its irresistible charm and enduring popularity. The song, initially popularized by Thurston Harris the same year, became a standout hit under Aladdin Records, featuring the harmonious backing vocals of The Sharps. Thurston Harris’s rendition soared to No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Best-Sellers chart and an impressive No. 2 on the R&B chart, solidifying its place as a quintessential piece of the late ’50s music landscape.
However, the song’s journey didn’t end with its initial success. Over the decades, “Little Bitty Pretty One” has seen a series of reinterpretations and covers by prominent artists across genres, attesting to its enduring appeal and musical adaptability. The Jackson 5 notably included a rendition on their 1972 album “Lookin’ Through the Windows,” further propelling the song’s legacy into the 1970s music scene.
Critically acclaimed for its distinctive hummed opening and catchy melody, “Little Bitty Pretty One” has not only charmed listeners but also found its way into popular culture through various films like “Christine” (1983), “Little Monsters” (1989), and “Matilda” (1996). Each cover and adaptation, from Clyde McPhatter’s resurgence in the early ’60s to modern interpolations by artists like Fall Out Boy, underscores the song’s timelessness and universal appeal.
The narrative surrounding “Little Bitty Pretty One” also includes poignant legal and personal anecdotes, such as Jacqueline Byrd’s revelation about the song’s copyright status, which affected royalty payments and added a layer of intrigue to its legacy.
In essence, “Little Bitty Pretty One” remains not just a song but a cultural touchstone—a testament to Bobby Day’s songwriting prowess and the enduring power of music to captivate and resonate across generations. Its journey from the late ’50s to today underscores its status as one of the greatest oldies of its era and a cherished piece of musical history that continues to inspire and delight audiences worldwide.
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Lyrics
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Little bitty pretty one
Come on and talk-a to me
Lovey dovey lovey one
Come sit down on my knee
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Tell you a story
Happened long time ago
A-little bitty pretty one
I’ve been watchin’ you grow
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Little bitty pretty one
Come on and talk-a to me
Lovey dovey lovey one
Come sit down on my knee
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm-mm
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah