Released in late 1977, **”Baby Come Back”** is a standout track by the British-American rock band Player. This song, which served as the lead single from their self-titled debut album, marked a significant breakthrough for the band, catapulting them into mainstream success. It quickly climbed the charts, reaching the coveted number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks in January 1978. Additionally, it earned a respectable position at number 10 on the R&B charts during the same year.
“Baby Come Back” is not only notable for its commercial success but also for its poignant backstory. The song was penned by Player’s founders, Peter Beckett and J.C. Crowley, who were inspired to write it after experiencing personal breakups with their respective girlfriends. This emotional resonance contributed to the song’s widespread appeal, as it captured the universal theme of longing and regret following a romantic split.
The song showcases the talents of the core members of Player. Peter Beckett delivers the lead vocals with an emotive performance, supported by his own electric guitar work. J.C. Crowley complements Beckett’s vocal performance with his contributions on acoustic and electric piano, adding depth to the track’s rich sound. The band is rounded out by Ronn Moss on bass and backing vocals, John Friesen on drums, maracas, and congas, and Wayne Cook, who enhances the track with synthesizers, clavinet, and electric piano.
“Baby Come Back” remains Player’s most significant hit, representing a high point in their musical career. Its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics have cemented it as a classic, continuing to resonate with audiences and featuring prominently in the annals of rock and pop history.
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Lyrics
Spending all my nights, all my money going out on the town
Doing anything just to get you off of my mind, yeah
But when the morning comes, I’m right back where I started again
And tryna forget you is just a waste of time
Baby come back, any kind of fool could see
There was something in everything about you
Baby come back, yeah, you can blame it all on me
‘Cause I was wrong, and I just can’t live without you
All day long, wearing a mask of false bravado (false bravado)
Tryna keep up a smile that hides a tear (hides a tear)
But as the sun goes down, I get that empty feeling again
How I wish to God that you were here
Baby come back, yeah, any kind of fool could see
There was something in everything about you
Baby come back, you can blame it all on me
I was wrong, and I just can’t live without you, no
Now that I put it all together, ooh
Give me the chance to make you see (make you see, baby)
Have you used up all the love in your heart? (Oh)
Nothing left for me? Ain’t there nothing left for me?
Baby come back, any kind of fool could see
There was something in everything about you
Baby come back, you can blame it all on me
‘Cause I was wrong, and I just can’t live without you
Baby I was wrong, and I just can’t live
Baby come back
