Styx – Babe

About the Song

Emerging from the progressive rock scene of the 1970s, Styx carved a unique path in the landscape of American music. Their sound, a blend of rock, pop, and classical elements, resonated with audiences worldwide, earning them a devoted fan base and a string of hit singles. Among their most enduring and beloved tracks is the power ballad “Babe”.

Released in 1979 as the lead single from their album Cornerstone, “Babe” quickly ascended to the top of the charts, becoming Styx’s first and only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success propelled Cornerstone to triple-platinum status, cementing Styx’s status as rock and roll icons.

“Babe” is a masterclass in songwriting, crafted with a blend of emotional depth and musical brilliance. The song opens with a delicate piano melody, setting the stage for Tommy Shaw’s soaring vocals. Shaw’s voice, imbued with both tenderness and power, perfectly conveys the song’s heartfelt lyrics, which explore themes of love, loss, and longing.

The instrumental sections of “Babe” are equally captivating, showcasing the band’s virtuosity and versatility. The interplay between guitars, keyboards, and drums builds a crescendo of emotion, culminating in the song’s unforgettable chorus. The chorus, with its anthemic melody and soaring harmonies, has become a staple of classic rock radio and live performances.

“Babe”‘s enduring popularity lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. The song’s themes of love, loss, and longing are universal, resonating with people from all walks of life. Shaw’s vocals and the song’s instrumentation evoke a range of emotions, from tender longing to soaring joy, making “Babe” a timeless classic that continues to touch hearts and inspire generations of music lovers.

Styx’s “Babe” is a true power ballad, a testament to the band’s songwriting prowess and musical virtuosity. The song’s enduring popularity and emotional resonance have solidified its place among the greatest rock anthems of all time.

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Lyrics: Babe

Babe, I’m leaving, I must be on my way
The time is drawing near
My train is going, I see it in your eyes
The love, the need, your tears
But I’ll be lonely without you
And I’ll need your love to see me through
Please believe me, my heart is in your hands
And I’ll be missing you

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

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

Babe, I’m leaving, I’ll say it once again
Somehow try to smile
I know the feeling we’re trying to forget
If only for a while
Cause I’ll be lonely without you
And I’ll need your love to see me through
Please believe me, my heart is in your hands
Cause I’ll be missing you
Babe, I love you
Babe, I love you
Oh, Babe