Take That

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I come to your door
To see you again
But where you once stood
Was an old man instead
I asked where you'd be
He said "she's moved on, you see
All I have is a number
You'd better ask her, not me"

[Pre-Chorus 1]
So I picked up the phone
And dialled your number
Not sure to put it down or speak
Then a voice I once knew answered
In a sweet voice
She said hello then paused
Before I began to speak

[Chorus 1]
Babe (babe) I'm here again (I'm here again)
I tell you I'm here again (babe)
Where have you been (where have you been)
Babe (babe) I'm back again
I tell you I'm back again (babe)
Where have you been
[Verse 2]
You held your voice well
There were tears I could tell
But where were you now
Was you gonna tell me in time
Just give me a town
And I'll be straight down
I've got so much to tell you
About where I have been

[Pre-Chorus 2]
As I walk down your road
Can't wait to be near you
(I) I can't keep (I) the feeling inside
(I can't keep it inside)
As I stand at your door
You answer in a sweet voice
You say hello then pause
Before I begin to speak

[Chorus 1]
Babe (babe) I'm here again (I'm here again)
I tell you I'm here again (babe)
Where have you been (where have you been)
Babe (babe) I'm back again
I tell you I'm back again (babe)
Where have you been
[Bridge]
As you looked away
I saw a face behind you
A little boy stood at your door
(boy stood at your door)
And when I looked again
I saw his face was shining
He had my eyes (my eyes)
He had my smile (my smile)

[Chorus 2]
Babe (babe) I'm back again (I'm here again)
I'm back again (babe)
Where have you been (where have you been)
Babe (babe) please take me back (I'm back again)
Take me back (babe)
Back home again

Babe (babe) I'm back again (I'm here again)
Can't you see that I'm back again (babe)
I'm here for you (where have you been)
Babe (babe) just me and you (I'm back again)
You and me (babe)Embed

If there's one song that epitomizes the rise of Take That and the talent within the band, it's undoubtedly "Babe". Released as their third consecutive chart-topping single in the UK, this track showcased Mark Owen's first lead vocal performance, leaving a lasting impression on fans and music critics alike. But "Babe" isn't just significant for Mark; it holds a special place in the band's history for another reason—it was the catalyst that sparked Jason's love for the guitar, a pivotal moment for the group's musical evolution. In this article, we'll delve deeper into the genesis of "Babe" and explore the heartwarming journey of collaboration and determination that brought this iconic song to life.

About Babe

In his revealing autobiography, "My Take," Gary Barlow sheds light on the origins of "Babe" and the pivotal role it played in Take That's career. Prior to embarking on their music journey in Japan, their manager Nigel Martin-Smith emphasized the importance of giving Mark a chance to showcase his vocal prowess. With Mark receiving the most fan mail yet never having a solo track, it was evident that "Babe" had to be born.

It was during their stay in Japan that Gary began crafting the foundations of what would become an unforgettable ballad. With Mark entrusted with the vocals and Jason eager to contribute musically, the trio embarked on an inspiring collaboration journey. Teaching Mark the mesmerizing lyrics and Jason the accompanying guitar chords, Gary witnessed the birth of a remarkable synergy that would define the sound of "Babe."

As they brought the song to life, the dedication and passion shown by Mark and Jason were truly remarkable. Jason, who had previously felt overshadowed in the band's musical contributions, saw the arrival of the guitar as his opportunity to shine. Despite his initial insecurities, Jason's unwavering commitment led to countless hours of practice, strumming the strings until his fingers bled.

The trio's commitment and unwavering determination began to pay off as they rehearsed "Babe" in Tokyo. With Jason expertly mastering the chords for the chorus and Mark's vocal range at its pinnacle, Gary realized that the song had to be carefully crafted around their accomplishments. Aware of Jason's limited chord knowledge, Gary ingeniously wrote the rest of the song using the chords he already possessed, a testament to his resourcefulness and commitment to the band's desires.

But the challenges didn't end there. Mark's incredible vocal range meant that they couldn't push the song any higher, which added an additional layer of complexity to the creative process. Yet, navigating these obstacles together only strengthened the bond between the band members and fueled their creative fire.

Ultimately, "Babe" emerged as a testament to teamwork, collaboration, and the unyielding pursuit of fulfilling each band member's potential. Along with Mark's soulful vocals, Jason's newfound guitar skills added a captivating layer of musicality to the track, showcasing the band's growth and evolution.

When "Babe" was released, it became an instant hit, climbing up the charts and earning Take That yet another number one single. The song resonated with fans across the world, touching hearts with its heartfelt lyrics and enchanting melody.

Today, "Babe" stands as a testament to Take That's musical prowess and the power of unity within a band. It showcases Mark's incredible talent as a vocalist and Jason's indomitable spirit as he conquered his fears to master the guitar. Together, they created a timeless piece of music that continues to captivate listeners, reminding us of the magic that can be born from collaboration, dedication, and the pursuit of musical excellence.

• Release Date: 1993
• Artist: Take That