Oh dear, what can I do?
Baby’s in black and I’m feeling blue
Tell me, oh what can I do?
She thinks of him and so she dresses in black
And though he’ll never come back, she’s dressed in black
Oh dear, what can I do?
Baby’s in black and I’m feeling blue
Tell me, oh what can I do?
I think of her, but she thinks only of him
And though it’s only a whim, she thinks of him
Oh how long will it take
Till she sees the mistake she has made?
Dear what can I do?
Baby’s in black and I’m feeling blue
Tell me, oh what can I do?
Oh how long it will take
Till she sees the mistake she has made?
Dear what can I do?
Baby’s in black and I’m feeling blue
Tell me, oh what can I do?
She thinks of him and so she dresses in black
And though he’ll never come back, she’s dressed in black
Oh dear, what can I do?
Baby’s in black and I’m feeling blue
Tell me, oh what can I do?
Love, Loss, and Lingering Longing
“Baby’s In Black” by The Beatles is a tender exploration of unrequited love and mourning. The narrator is torn between concern for a grieving woman—who dresses in black for a lost lover—and his own feelings of helplessness and longing. The repeated question, “Oh dear, what can I do?” emphasizes his emotional paralysis as he watches someone he cares for remain trapped in the past. The song’s melancholic melody pairs perfectly with lyrics that paint a picture of yearning and sorrow, making it a standout example of early Beatles artistry. The simplicity of the words belies the depth of emotion conveyed, capturing the universal pain of loving someone who cannot return your affection.
Song Credits
Songwriters: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Release Year: 1964
Label: Parlophone