Babies
by Pulp

Album: His 'n' Hers (1994)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The 'Stanhope Road' mentioned in the lyrics are likely referencing a real-life Stanhope Road in the Intake district of Sheffield, where Jarvis Cocker was born and raised.
  • In 2009 on the Sky Arts show Jarvis Cocker: Songbook, Cocker discussed the song's genesis with Will Hodgkinson, noting that it came from drummer Nick Banks messing up some chords on the guitar, and Cocker overhearing this and running with the sounds these gaffed chords had generated to create the song.
  • Like a few other singles in the early 1990s for the band, "Babies" was released in several versions - originally as a 12" single for Gift Records in 1992, before a remixed version was put out on the Sisters EP in 1994 and made it onto their breakthrough album His 'N' Hers in the same year.
  • This tale of voyeurism, with Cocker singing about spying on two sisters, spawned a sequel in the Pulp song "Your Sister's Clothes," which takes place four years later.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."