Babe, You've Been On My Mind
The Kingston Trio · Other Songs - The Kingston Trio
Perhaps it's the color of the sun cut flat uncovering
the cross roads I am standing at
Or maybe it's the weather or something like that but
babe, you've been on my mind.
I am not asking you to say words like "yes" and "no",
please understand me. I've got no place for you to go.
I'm just breathing to myself,
pretending not that I don't know. Babe, you've been on my mind.
Even though my mind is hazy and my thoughts, they might be narrow,
Where you been? Don't bother me or bring me down in sorrow
It don't even matter to me where you're waking up tomorrow.
Babe, you've been on my mind.
When you wake up in the morning,
baby, look inside your mirror,
you know I won't be next to you. You know I won't be near.
I'll just be curious to know if you can see yourself
as clear as someone who has had you on his mind. (Repeat 1st verse.)
Babe, you've been on my mind.
Babe, You've Been On My Mind
Recorded by The Kingston Trio, this folk standard exemplifies the group's signature harmonies and acoustic instrumentation. The song, often associated with the broader folk revival of the 1960s, features the trio's characteristic vocal blend that defined their approach to traditional American folk music. While the specific album placement varies across reissues, the track remains a staple of their discography, showcasing their ability to adapt older material into a fresh, engaging sound. The composition relies on simple, memorable melodies and lyrical themes of longing, delivered with the gentle, narrative style that made The Kingston Trio a pioneering force in the genre. It stands as a testament to their skill in preserving and performing the folk tradition while appealing to a wider audience.