Hajji Baba
Nat King Cole · Other Songs - Nat King Cole
Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji Baba, Hajji Baba
Hajji Baba, Hajji Baba, Hajji Baba
He was always in love, in love, in love
Come to my tent, oh, my beloved
Bring me your lips, warm as the sun
Hear my lament, oh, my beloved
Come to my arms, oh, wonderful one
Enter my heart and stay there forever
Lost in the spell of stars up above
And we'll be like the man Hajji Baba
Always in love, always in love
Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji
Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji Baba, Hajji Baba
Hajji Baba, Hajji Baba, Hajji Baba
He was always in love, in love
Deep in each soul, carefully hidden
There's a desire to be indiscreet
Hajji has said when love is forbidden
Love is so sweet, love is so sweet
Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji Baba, Hajji Baba
Hajji Baba, Hajji Baba, Hajji Baba
He was always in love, in love, in love
Come to my arms, oh, my beloved
Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji, Hajji
Hajji Baba
Nat King Cole's 'Hajji Baba' stands as a quintessential example of his mastery over the traditional pop ballad. Recorded in the mid-1950s, the track showcases Cole's signature smooth vocal delivery and impeccable piano accompaniment, hallmarks of his work during the golden age of jazz and pop. The song draws from the rich tradition of the Middle Eastern folk song of the same name, which Cole popularized in the United States. His rendition transformed the material into a sophisticated romantic piece, blending Eastern melodic structures with American musical sensibilities. This recording exemplifies Cole's ability to evoke deep emotion through subtle phrasing and rhythmic precision, cementing his status as a leading figure in the genre. The song remains a staple of his discography, reflecting the era's cross-cultural musical exchange and his enduring influence on vocal performance.