About the song
Released in 1959, “Sweet Nothin’s” by Brenda Lee is a quintessential pop song that transcended its era and continues to hold a captivating presence in music history. Written by Ronnie Self, the song’s infectious melody and playful lyrics instantly captured the hearts of listeners worldwide.
“Sweet Nothin’s” charted an impressive course, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 12 on the Hot R&B Sides chart in 1960. It even made a significant splash across the Atlantic, peaking at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart, marking Lee’s first appearance on that prestigious list. This early success established Brenda Lee as a rising star and solidified the song’s place in pop music history.
Beyond its chart success, “Sweet Nothin’s” boasts a fascinating legacy. Its impact transcends genres, evident in the iconic use of Brenda Lee’s vocals by David Z to create the backing track for Prince’s smash hit “Kiss.” Furthermore, Kanye West sampled Lee’s voice from “Sweet Nothin’s” in his song “Bound 2,” a testament to the song’s enduring influence. This sampling was later re-used by Sigma in their 2014 song “Nobody to Love,” further highlighting the song’s cyclical influence in modern music.
The playful simplicity of “Sweet Nothin’s” lyrics, with their focus on the joy found in whispered secrets and quiet moments of intimacy, resonate with listeners across generations. Whether it’s the carefree stroll hand-in-hand or the secret smile exchanged, the song captures the essence of young love’s innocent joys.
“Sweet Nothin’s” isn’t just a catchy pop song; it’s a cultural touchstone. Its use in a 1985 Molson Canadian beer commercial demonstrates its versatility in connecting with audiences through various media. The song’s ability to evoke a sense of youthful love and carefree happiness has ensured its place in popular culture and continues to captivate listeners even decades after its release.
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Lyrics
Uh-huh, honey
Alright
My baby whispers in my ear
Mm, sweet nothin’s (yea)
He knows the things I like to hear
Mm, sweet nothin’s
Things he wouldn’t tell nobody else
Secret baby, I keep ’em to myself
Sweet nothin’s
Mm, sweet nothin’s
We walk along hand in hand
Mm, sweet nothin’s (yea)
Yeah, we both understand
Mm, sweet nothin’s
Sittin’ in classroom trying to read my book
My baby give me that special look
Sweet nothin’s
Mm, sweet nothing’s
Ah, sittin on my front porch
Mm, sweet nothin’s (yea)
Well, do I love you? Of course
Mm, sweet nothin’s (yea)
Mama turned on the front porch light sayin’
“Come in daughter, that’s enough for tonight”
Sweet nothin’s
Mm, sweet nothin’s
Sweet nothin’s
Mm, sweet nothin’s
Sweet nothin’s