American Pop

The song “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher is one of the beloved songs of the sixties. In 1965, Sonny Bono was a songwriter and record producer for Phil Spector when he decided to make a record with his wife Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian). Late one night he sat down to compose a song that would define love in the hippie counter-culture. He started with a youth vs. adult theme: “They (adults) say we’re young and we don’t know…” That’s how “I Got You Babe” was born.

When Sonny booked the studio, he also booked some top Spector musicians, including world-class drummer Hal Blaine. Following Spector’s flair for the unusual, Bono brought in a pair of oboists which are featured prominently in the song. Set in an innocent 3/4 time, with the two singers alternating lines, “I Got You Babe” became the duo’s signature song and a major hit.

In the summer of 1965, “I Got You Babe” went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained at #1 for three weeks. It sold more than one million copies and was certified Gold by the RIAA. In 1993 the song got a second life In popular culture, as the eternal wake-up song for Phil Connors (Bill Murray) in the film Groundhog Day.  (“Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don’t forget your booties ’cause it’s cooooold out there today.”) The song “I Got You Babe” is also on Sonny and Cher’s 1965 album Look at Us.

Sonny Bono holds the unusual distinction of being the only person who performed on a #1 record and also served in Congress. In 1994 he was elected to the 44th District in California, and served until his death in 1998.

Here are the lyrics to “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher:

“They say we’re young and we don’t know
We won’t find out until we grow
Well I don’t know if all that’s true
‘Cause you got me, and baby I got you
Babe
I got you babe
I got you babe

They say our love won’t pay the rent
Before it’s earned, our money’s all been spent
I guess that’s so, we don’t have a plot
But at least I’m sure of all the things we got
Babe
I got you babe
I got you babe

I got flowers in the spring
I got you to wear my ring
And when I’m sad, you’re a clown
And if I get scared, you’re always around

Don’t let them say your hair’s too long
‘Cause I don’t care, with you I can’t go wrong
Then put your little hand in mine
There ain’t no hill or mountain we can’t climb
Babe
I got you babe
I got you babe

I got you to hold my hand
I got you to understand
I got you to walk with me
I got you to talk with me
I got you to kiss goodnight
I got you to hold me tight
I got you, I won’t let go
I got you to love me so

I got you babe
I got you babe”

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ commercial free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher.