About the song
Bread’s 1972 album “Baby I’m-a Want You” marked a significant chapter in the band’s discography, showcasing their evolution and versatility within the soft rock genre. This fourth studio album not only solidified Bread’s position in the music industry but also introduced new elements that resonated deeply with listeners of the era.
The album’s title track, “Baby I’m-a Want You,” immediately captured the hearts of audiences, soaring to No. 3 on the Billboard Top 100 chart. Its gentle melodies and heartfelt lyrics became emblematic of Bread’s signature sound, characterized by David Gates’ distinctive vocals and the band’s seamless instrumental arrangements.
Another standout single from the album was “Everything I Own,” a poignant ballad that reached No. 5 on the charts. This song, originally written and recorded by David Gates, became a timeless classic, expressing themes of love and loss with a sincerity that connected deeply with listeners.
“Baby I’m-a Want You” also showcased Bread’s ability to diversify their musical style. “Mother Freedom,” described by Record World as a “stylistic shift of gears,” demonstrated the band’s capacity to embrace more upbeat and rock-oriented rhythms. This track, along with “Diary” which reached No. 15 on the charts, illustrated Bread’s range as musicians and songwriters.
The inclusion of keyboard player Larry Knechtel in this album marked a pivotal moment for Bread, adding a new dimension to their sound with his versatile contributions. Knechtel’s skills enriched the band’s musical texture, further enhancing their ability to craft memorable and emotionally resonant songs.
In March 1972, “Baby I’m-a Want You” was certified Gold by the RIAA, underscoring its commercial success and enduring popularity among audiences. Beyond its chart-topping singles, the album as a whole encapsulated Bread’s evolution as artists, blending introspective lyrics with melodic craftsmanship to create a collection that continues to captivate listeners across generations.
Through “Baby I’m-a Want You,” Bread not only affirmed their status as pioneers of soft rock but also left an indelible mark on the music landscape of the 1970s. This album remains a testament to their musical prowess and ability to touch the hearts of listeners with their soulful compositions and timeless sound.
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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