About The Song
(Watch the video below)
"Cry Baby Cry" is a haunting and enigmatic track that finds its place on The Beatles' iconic White Album, released in 1968. Composed by John Lennon, the song takes the listener on a surreal journey, showcasing the band's experimental and diverse musical evolution during this period. Nestled within the album's eclectic mix of genres and styles, "Cry Baby Cry" stands out for its dreamlike atmosphere, intricate storytelling, and melodic complexity.
The song's opening chords, played on a harmonium, set a somber and mysterious tone. The lyrics, delivered in Lennon's distinctive voice, unfold a cryptic narrative that blends nursery rhymes with dark undertones. The haunting melody and the underlying simplicity of the arrangement create an eerie yet captivating atmosphere. The repeated refrain "Cry baby cry, make your mother sigh; she's old enough to know better, the king of Marigold was in the kitchen" adds to the enigmatic allure, inviting listeners to decipher the meaning behind the words.
As the song progresses, it undergoes a seamless transition into the whimsical and whimsically titled "Can You Take Me Back," a short coda that further contributes to the surreal nature of the track. The brevity of "Can You Take Me Back" contrasts with the depth and complexity of "Cry Baby Cry," leaving an indelible impression on the listener. The juxtaposition of these two segments demonstrates The Beatles' penchant for pushing musical boundaries and their ability to seamlessly blend disparate elements into a cohesive artistic statement.
"Cry Baby Cry" is a testament to The Beatles' willingness to experiment and evolve beyond their earlier, more straightforward pop sound. It serves as a poignant example of how the White Album encapsulates the band's creative exploration during a period of immense musical innovation. With its enigmatic lyrics, haunting melody, and seamless transitions, "Cry Baby Cry" remains a fascinating and enduring piece in The Beatles' extensive and influential discography, a sonic journey that continues to captivate and intrigue listeners across generations.
Video
Lyrics
Let's sing along with the lyrics!
Cry baby cry
Make your mother sigh
She's old enough to know better
The king of Marigold was in the kitchen
Cooking breakfast for the queen
The queen was in the parlour
Playing piano for the children of the king
Cry baby cry
Make your mother sigh
She's old enough to know better
So cry baby cry
The king was in the garden
Picking flowers for a friend who came to play
The queen was in the playroom
Painting pictures for the childrens holiday
Cry baby cry
Make your mother sigh
She's old enough to know better
So cry baby cry
The duchess of Kircaldy always smiling
And arriving late for tea
The duke was having problems
With a message at the local bird and bee
Cry baby cry
Make your mother sigh
She's old enough to know better
So cry baby cry
At twelve o'clock a meeting round the table
For a seance in the dark
With voices out of nowhere
Put on specially by the children for a lark
Cry baby cry
Make your mother sigh
She's old enough to know better
So cry baby cry cry cry cry baby
Make your mother sigh
She's old enough to know better
Cry baby cry
Cry cry cry
Make your mother sigh
She's old enough to know better
So cry baby cry