Baby

Brook Benton

About Baby

"Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" is a 1950's song written by Clyde Otis and Murray Stein. Originally titled "You've Got What It Takes", the song was first recorded by Brook Benton's sister, Dorothy Pay, in 1958, as the B-side of her single "Strollin' with My Baby" on Mercury 71277. In January 1960, Brook Benton partnered with Dinah Washington to record the song as "BABY, You've Got What It Takes". Their version was hugely successful on both the pop and R&B charts, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Hot R&B sides chart for ten weeks, becoming one of the most successful R&B singles of the 1960s. The song was also featured on their 1960 duet album, The Two of Us. 


Year:
1970
71 
#1

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Well, now, it takes more than a robin to make the winter go
And it takes two lips of fire to melt away the snow
Well, it takes two hearts a-cookin' to make a fire grow
And baby you've got what it takes

You know it takes a lot of kissin' 
(Tell me about it)
To make a romance sweet 
Ooh, it takes a lot of lovin' to make my life complete

Mmm, and it takes a lot of woman to knock me off my feet
And baby, you've got what it takes.

I said,  mm, mm, mm. uh-huh, mm, mm, mm
Ah, ah, hah  mm, mm

You know you've got just what it takes!
Because it takes more than an effort to stay away from you
It'd take more than a lifetime to prove that I'll be true
But it takes somebody special to make me say, "I do."

"Oh, yeah"
And baby, you've got what it takes.
Ah, ah, hah  mm, mm, uh-huh, mm, mm, mm
Mmm

You know you've got just what it takes
Because it takes oh yeah
"You're back in my spot again, honey"

"I like your spot"**
To stay away from you

"I can't stay away from you"
It takes more than a lifetime, daddy, to prove that I'll be true
"Now it's you"

But, it takes somebody special 
"Like me, baby"
To make me say, "I do."
And baby you've got what it takes

"See'mon, let's play it again, huh?"
"See'mon, let's do it one more time, all right?"
And baby you've got what it takes
"One more time, Brook"

"Ah-ha, OK, Ah-ha"
And baby you've got what it takes

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Brook Benton

Brook Benton (September 19, 1931 – April 9, 1988) was an American singer and songwriter who was popular with rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and pop music audiences during the late 1950s and early 1960s, when he scored hits such as "It's Just A Matter Of Time" and "Endlessly", many of which he co-wrote. more »

2 fans

Written by: CLYDE LOVERN OTIS, MURRAY STEIN

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Brook Benton" was born Benjamin Franklin Peay and was a prominent singer and songwriter during the late 1950s and early 1960s. His unique emotive baritone voice earned him a place in the genre of pop and R&B music.
Song Release
The song "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" was recorded by Brook Benton and Dinah Washington. It was released in December 1959 on the Mercury Records label.
Chart Performance
"Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" became a major hit for both artists, peaking at number 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B Sides chart and number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Collaborative Success
The song was one of several successful collaborations between Benton and Washington, who had distinctive voices that meshed together exceptionally well. Their partnership was also seen in other hits like "A Rockin' Good Way (To Mess Around and Fall in Love)".
Song Style
The song falls under the genre of R&B/Soul, blending the smooth, rich tones of Benton's voice with Washington's powerful, gritty delivery. Its sound characterization was very much in line with the popular mood of music at that time.
Cultural Impact
Over the years, "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" has been covered by several artists, demonstrating its lasting appeal. Notable covers include versions by Van Morrison & Linda Gail Lewis, Michael Buble & Sharon Jones, and Kevin Mahogany.
Distinctive Features
Unlike many duets, "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" features playful banter between Benton and Washington, a characteristic that made the song unique at the time of its release and remains one of its distinguishing features.
Songwriters
The song was written by Clyde Otis, Murray Stein, and Brook Benton himself.
Album Appearance
"Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" appears on the album "The Two of Us" which features a collection of duets between Brook Benton and Dinah Washington.
Recognition
In 1999, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying its status as a classic in the annals of popular music.

Discuss the Baby Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Baby Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/12162864/Brook+Benton/Baby>.

    Missing lyrics by Brook Benton?

    Know any other songs by Brook Benton? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Baby

    9,010
    97     1

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Roger Taylor is the drummer in which band?
    A AC/DC
    B The Rolling Stones
    C Queen
    D Pink Floyd

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Brook Benton tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!