They say we’re young and we don’t know/
Won’t find out until we grow.
Duets are hard to pull off. For the most part I don’t find them enjoyable. But Sonny and Cher’s “I Got You Babe” is perfect for a duet. The message is about a couple singing about each other, to each other. Also, there is just the right amount of back and forth. Bono rightfully lets Cher have most of the song. His voice is average; and it comes off charming since we hear it in small doses.
The lyrics are simplistic but that is sort of the charm. Many young lovers can probably relate to hearing how they are too young for each other, they don’t have enough money, “your hair’s too long”, “love won’t pay the rent”, etc. Bono says that just having each other is enough, and that is a nice, uplifting message.
Though “I Got You Babe” sounds simple it has its nuances that makes it great. The bridge is not forced into the song because pop songs must have bridges (“And when your sad, you’re a clown..”), the bridge fits perfectly and makes the song better. Also, the last verse is a half-step higher than the rest of the verses to allow Cher to belt it out and end the song triumphantly.
I Got You Babe Lyrics
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
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
I got you babe
Songwriters: Sonny Bono