Peak
1
Weeks
19
Score
4,275
Chart Year
1979
Dennis DeYoung wrote this as a birthday present for his wife Suzanne. He didn't envision it as a Styx song - just something personal for Suzanne - but when his record company heard it, they pegged it as a hit and insisted it be on the album. DeYoung recorded this song as a demo to play for his wife with bass player Chuck Panozzo and drummer John Panozzo. It sounded so good that when they decided to put it on the album, that demo recording was what they used, with just a Tommy Shaw guitar solo added on. All of the vocals are DeYoung, who recorded himself to create the harmonies. This is the only #1 US hit for Styx, and by far their biggest hit in the UK, where it was their only song to make the Top 40. Dennis DeYoung sang lead on this track and also played keyboards on the track. The opening bit was done on a Fender Rhodes electric piano, a very popular instrument in the '70s that can be heard on Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years" and many Steely Dan songs. Many songwriters compose a beautiful tune for a girl and have to sing it over and over long after the relationship has dissolved, but DeYoung didn't have that problem with "Babe" - he and his wife Suzanne stayed together. The couple met in 1964 when they were both in high school; they married in 1970. In 1999, Styx moved on without Dennis DeYoung, who was having health problems. "Babe" was immediately jettisoned from their setlists along with most of his other tracks. "Mr. Roboto" was eventually reintroduced, but not "Babe." DeYoung though, made it a staple of his solo shows.
Babe I'm leaving I must be on my way The time is drawing near My train is going I see it in your eyes The love, the need, your tears But I'll be lonely without you And I'll need your love to see me through So please believe me My heart is in your hands And I'll be missing you 'Cause you know it's you babe Whenever I get weary And I've had enough Feel like giving up You know it's you babe Giving me the courage And the strength I need Please believe that it's true Babe, I love you You know it's you babe Whenever I get weary And I've had enough Feel like giving up You know it's you babe Giving me the courage And the strength I need Please believe that it's true Babe, I love you Babe, I'm leaving I'll say it once again And somehow try to smile I know the feeling we're trying to forget If only for a while 'Cause I'll be lonely without you And I'll need your love to see me through Please believe me My heart is in your hands 'Cause I'll be missing you Babe, I love you Babe, I love you Oh, babe
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oct 6, 1979 | 72 | 54 |
| 2 | Oct 13, 1979 | 42 | 84 |
| 3 | Oct 20, 1979 | 26 | 100 |
| 4 | Oct 27, 1979 | 14 | 112 |
| 5 | Nov 3, 1979 | 7 | 119 |
| 6 | Nov 10, 1979 | 6 | 120 |
| 7 | Nov 17, 1979 | 4 | 122 |
| 8 | Nov 24, 1979 | 2 | 124 |
| 9 | Dec 1, 1979 | 2 | 124 |
| 10 | Dec 8, 1979 | 1 | 125 |
| 11 | Dec 15, 1979 | 1 | 125 |
| 12 | Dec 22, 1979 | 3 | 123 |
| 13 | Dec 29, 1979 | 3 | 123 |
| 14 | Jan 5, 1980 | 6 | 120 |
| 15 | Jan 12, 1980 | 10 | 116 |
| 16 | Jan 19, 1980 | 23 | 103 |
| 17 | Jan 26, 1980 | 50 | 76 |
| 18 | Feb 2, 1980 | 79 | 47 |
| 19 | Feb 9, 1980 | 96 | 30 |