Annie Mae
Natalie Cole · Anthology [2003]
(hoo, hoo, hoo) mmm (hoo, hoo, hoo)
Growing up wasn't easy for annie mae
(hoo, hoo, hoo)
A little girl in a great big world
Annie mae (hoo, hoo, hoo)
No one knew about her past
Some people swore she'd never last
She was (growing up much too fast)
Growing (hoo, hoo, hoo)
Just a little too fast (hoo, hoo, hoo)
Never had her a mama, no, no
Annie mae (hoo, hoo, hoo)
Rarely heard a kind spoken word
Annie mae (hoo, hoo, hoo)
Looking at life through an empty shell
And all the time she's catching hell
She was growing
(growing up much too fast) up much too fast
Does anybody know where is annie mae today
Where oh where is annie mae
All you got to do is look into the faces of
All the young girls
On the avenue--(young girls!)
Oh, well, (hoo, hoo, hoo) ha
In the night hear her cry, annie mae (hoo, hoo, hoo)
Hurt and pain keeps coming again
And again, and again, annie mae (hoo, hoo, hoo)
Trippin' and runnin' is blowin' her mind
Tryin' to decide if she'll make it this time
She was (growing up) oh, yeah (much too fast)
She was (growing up much too fast)
Somebody got to stop her, oh annie, annie
(ooh) (hoo, hoo, hoo) (where is annie mae)
Annie, annie
Somebody
(ooh) (hoo, hoo, hoo) (where is annie mae)
Got to stop her, oh, annie, annie,
(ooh) (hoo, hoo, hoo) (where is annie mae)
Annie, annie
She's runnin', she's runnin'
Growin' up too fast, oh, oh
(she's running') oh, oh
Growin' up too fast, oh, oh
(she's runnin') oh, oh
Growin' up too fast, oh, hey
(she's runnin') annie, annie mae, yeah
(she's running) where you goin' annie
(she's runnin') don't you think somebody aught to stop you
(she's runnin') somebody aught to stop you
(she's runnin') don't you think I'm gonna try to stop you
Annie Mae
Natalie Cole's "Annie Mae" stands as a poignant song in her extensive discography, showcasing her signature blend of soulful vocals and emotive storytelling. Released during a period where she was refining her approach to classic R&B and pop standards, the track highlights her ability to convey deep personal narratives through melody. As part of her celebrated body of work, the song reflects the artistic maturity that defined her career across multiple decades. Cole's interpretation brings a timeless quality to the recording, aligning with the sophisticated musical style that earned her widespread critical acclaim. This piece remains a testament to her enduring influence on the genre, offering listeners a glimpse into the emotional depth that characterizes her most memorable performances.