About the song
“Cry Baby” is a classic song that holds a special place in the history of American music. Originally recorded by Garnet Mimms and the Enchanters in 1963, the song quickly gained popularity and topped the R&B charts. Its success didn’t stop there; it also reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing its widespread appeal. This soulful track was written by Bert Berns and Jerry Ragovoy, and it became a defining hit of its time. Mimms’ version was notable for its emotional delivery, with the third verse being spoken rather than sung, leading into the powerful refrain.
The song’s impact was significant, paving the way for future soul legends like Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding. In Canada, it also made a notable impression, climbing to number five on the CHUM Charts.
In 1970, the song was revived by rock singer Janis Joplin for her album “Pearl,” which was released posthumously in 1971 after Joplin’s untimely death. Joplin’s version brought a blues-rock edge to the classic, and it was produced by Paul A. Rothchild. Her rendition reached number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 20 on Cash Box, introducing the song to a new generation of listeners. The B-side of this single featured the track “Mercedes Benz.”
Today, “Cry Baby” remains a beloved and influential song, often performed by various artists including Joss Stone, Allison Iraheta, and Magdolna Rúzsa. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its powerful melody and heartfelt lyrics, continuing to resonate with audiences across generations.
Video
Lyrics
Cry baby, cry baby, cry baby
Honey, welcome back home
I know she told you
Honey I know she told you that she loved you
Much more than I did
But all I know is that she left you
And you swear that you just don’t know why
But you know, honey I’ll always
I’ll always be around if you ever want me
Come on and cry, cry baby, cry baby, cry baby
Oh honey, welcome back home
Don’t you know, honey
Ain’t nobody ever gonna love you
The way I try to do?
Who’ll take all your pain
Honey, your heartache, too?
And if you need me, you know
That I’ll always be around if you ever want me
Come on and cry, cry baby, cry baby, cry baby
Oh daddy, like you always seem to do
And when you walk around the world, babe
You said you’d try to look for the end of the road
You might find out later that the road’ll end in Detroit
Honey, the road’ll even end in Kathmandu
You can go all around the world
Trying to find something to do with your life, baby
When you only gotta do one thing well
You only gotta do one thing well to make it in this world, babe
You got a woman waiting for you there
All you ever gotta do is be a good man one time to one woman
And that’ll be the end of the road, babe
I know you got more tears to share, babe
So come on, come on, come on, come on, come on
And cry, cry baby, cry baby, cry baby
And if you ever feel a little lonely, dear
I want you to come on, come on to your mama now
And if you ever want a little love of a woman
Come on and baby baby baby babe babe baby now
Cry baby yeah