In the world of people in a relationship, having to think of the best birthday present to their loved ones might be quite a difficult task. It is never enough just to tell the other person that you love him/her. As they say, Action speaks louder than words. Truly indeed, one cannot fathom one’s love with sweet, flowery words alone. How can then one’s lover know and believe the other? Show it with action!
What can be more important and happier than to celebrate your birthday with people close to your own heart? Some people give birthday cards filled with touching words, while others take their loved ones on vacation. For some, they become poetic and create a poem while others write and render a song for their lovers. Whatever present you may give your loved ones as long as your intention is sincere and heartfelt, then no words can ever describe how much you love that person.
Take for example the song “Babe” by the American band Styx. This is a birthday gift to the wife of the songwriter. As you dig into its lyrics, you will know how much love he has for her. Know more about the song and its story as you read the article.
About the Song
Released in September 1979, “Babe” was recorded by American rock band Styx. It was the first and only US no. 1 single of the band. In addition, the song was the lead single from the band’s 1979 album Cornerstone. To note, the album was awarded triple-platinum.
“Babe” stayed on the no. 1 spot for six weeks in the Canadian RPM national singles chart. Also, it went no. 9 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. In the UK, the song was the band’s only Top 40 hit reaching no. 6. On the other hand, in South Africa, “Babe” charted at no. 1.
Originally, the song was not intended to be included on the track. However, one of the band’s members, James “J.Y.” Young and Tommy Shaw persuaded DeYoung to add “Babe” on their Cornerstone album.
Consequently, DeYoung’s recording became a major hit. It placed no. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
A Gift for Suzanne, DeYoung’s Wife
‘Cause you know it’s you babe
Whenever I get weary
And I’ve had enough
Feel like giving up
You know it’s you babe
Giving me the courage
And the strength I need
Please believe that it’s true
Babe, I love you
Lead vocalist and keyboardist Dennis DeYoung wrote this song as a birthday gift for Suzanne DeYoung, his wife.
Initially, DeYoung did not envision the song to be a part of Cornerstone, the band’s 1979 album. He thought that the song was just something personal for Suzanne. However, when his record company heard it, they convinced DeYoung to include it on the album.Eventually, he agreed and even made it the lead single of the album.
Despite its massive success just after its release, “Babe” has not been performed live by the band. In spite of this, DeYoung still performs the song regularly on his solo tours.
Interestingly, DeYoung sang all the vocals and recorded himself to create the harmonies. He also played the keyboard for the track. Moreover, Styx members Chuck Panozzo and John Panozzo played the bass and the drums, respectively. The result was fantastic. It sounded so good that the demo recording was the one added on the album.
A lot of songwriters create a beautiful melody for their lover and have to sing it over and over for a long time until their relationship has ended, but DeYoung did not have any problem with his song “Babe.” He and his wife Suzanne are still happy together. They met in 1964 in high school, and eventually got married in 1970.
Watch American band Styx perform “Babe” live in 1980 below:
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Tags
Babe, Styx