About the song
The year was 1967, a time of musical revolution and cultural upheaval. Amidst the psychedelic soundscape and the British Invasion, a young, up-and-coming singer-songwriter named Cat Stevens penned a heartfelt ballad titled “Here Comes My Baby.” While the song was initially shelved by Stevens himself, it was destined to find its voice through the energetic lens of a beat group known as the Tremeloes.
The Tremeloes, who had recently experienced a lineup change with the departure of their original lead singer Brian Poole, were eager to make their mark on the music scene. They saw in “Here Comes My Baby” an opportunity to showcase their own unique style and revive their popularity. The group’s version, released as a single in January 1967, quickly became a top-ten hit in the UK and a top-twenty hit in the US.
While the Tremeloes’ rendition remained true to the core of Stevens’ original composition, they infused it with their signature upbeat energy. The opening lyrics were altered slightly, transforming the melancholy tone of Stevens’ version into a more hopeful and optimistic one. Additionally, the Tremeloes omitted the final verse, further accentuating the song’s energetic and catchy nature.
Stevens himself acknowledged the Tremeloes’ interpretation, referring to it as a “complete Xmas-party take on an originally sad song.” Despite the contrasting styles, the success of the Tremeloes’ version played a significant role in establishing Stevens as a talented songwriter. His own top-ten hit, “Matthew and Son,” followed shortly after, and another of his songs, “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” would later become a popular cover by P. P. Arnold.
“Here Comes My Baby” stands as a testament to the enduring power of music and the transformative nature of interpretation. The Tremeloes’ version, with its infectious energy and memorable melody, captured the hearts of listeners and solidified their place in music history. While Stevens may have initially shelved the song, it was through the Tremeloes’ dynamic performance that “Here Comes My Baby” truly came to life.
Video
Lyrics
In the midnight, moonlight hour
He’s walking along that lonely mile
And every time I do
I keep seeing this picture of you
Here comes my baby, here she comes now
And it comes as no surprise to me with another guy
Well, here comes my baby, here she comes now
Walking with her love, with her love, that’s oh so fine
Never to be mine, no matter how I try
You never walk alone
And you’re forever talking on the phone
I tried to call you names
But every time it comes out the same
Here comes my baby, here she comes now
And it comes as no surprise to me with another guy
Well, here comes my baby, here she comes now
Walking with her love, with her love, that’s oh so fine
Never to be mine, no matter how I try
Here comes my baby, here she comes now
And it comes as no surprise to me with another guy
Well, here comes my baby, here she comes now
Walking with her love, with her love, that’s oh so fine
Never to be mine, no matter how I try