Filipino Baby
Hank Locklin · Please Help Me I'm Falling [Bear Family] [1995]
When the warship left Manila sailing proudly o'er the sea
Many sailors hearts were filled with sad regret
Looking backward to this Island where they spent such happy hours
Making love to every pretty gal they've met.
Well up stopped a little sailor with his bright eyes all aglow
Saying take a look my gal's photograph
Then the sailors gathered round him just to look upon her face
And he said I love my Filipino baby.
She's my Filipino baby, she's my treasure and my pet
Her teeth are bright and pearly and her hair is black as jet
Her lips are sweet as honey and her heart is true I know
And I love my little Filipino baby.
--- Instrumental ---
In a little rustic cottage in the Port of Fillippines
Dwells a pretty little maiden all alone
And she's thinking of her true love though he's far off cross the sea
And her heart beats true for him and him alone.
Then one day he whispered darling I've come back from Caroline
I've come back to claim the only girl I love
And that night there was a wedding while the ships crew gathered round
And he wed his little Filipino baby.
She's my Filipino baby, she's my treasure and my pet
Her teeth are bright and pearly and her hair is black as jet
Her lips are sweet as honey and her heart is true I know
And I love my little Filipino baby...
Filipino Baby by Hank Locklin
Hank Locklin's 'Filipino Baby' stands as a poignant example of his ability to blend traditional country storytelling with cross-cultural themes. Recorded on the Please Help Me I'm Falling album, the track showcases Locklin's signature vocal style, characterized by a warm, resonant tone that draws listeners into the narrative. The song reflects the broader genre of country music's exploration of international romance and identity during the mid-1960s. By weaving together the emotional depth of a love story with the specific cultural backdrop of the Philippines, Locklin created a recording that resonated with audiences seeking both authenticity and novelty. The composition highlights his skill in crafting melodies that are both accessible and deeply personal, cementing his reputation as a versatile artist capable of addressing diverse subjects within the country music tradition.