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Credits
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Aretha Franklin
Piano
Willie Bridges
Baritone Saxophone
TOMMY COGBILL
Bass Guitar
Melvin Lastie
Cornet
Roger Hawkins
Drums
Jimmy Johnson
Guitar
Spooner Oldham
Organ
Charlie Chalmers
Tenor Saxophone
King Curtis
Tenor Saxophone
Carolyn Franklin
Background Vocals
Erma Franklin
Background Vocals
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Aretha Franklin
Songwriter
Carolyn Franklin
Songwriter
Tom Dowd
Arranger
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Tom Dowd
Recording Engineer
Arif Mardin
Recording Engineer
Jerry Wexler
Producer
Lyrics
[Chorus]
Baby, baby, baby
This is just to say
How much I'm gonna miss ya
But believe while I'm away
That I didn't mean to hurt you
Don't you know that I'd rather hurt myself? (I'd hurt myself, I'd hurt myself)
[Verse 1]
Baby, baby, baby (Baby)
Think of me sometimes (Baby)
Because if loving you was so wrong (Baby)
Then I'm guilty of this crime (Guilty, I'm guilty, I'm guilty)
I'm bewildered, I'm lonely, and I'm loveless
Without you to hold my hand (Reach out for me, boy)
If you'd just understand (Reach out for me, right now)
[Verse 2]
Those that we love
We foolishly make cry
Then sometimes feel it's best
To say goodbye, goodbye
But what's inside
Can't be denied
The power, power of love is my only guide (Power of love, power of love)
Baby, baby, baby, baby (Oh, oh, oh)
[Chorus]
Baby, baby, baby, baby
This is just to say
But believe while I'm away (I need you, I need you, I need you, I need you, I need you)
That I really didn't mean, I didn't mean, I didn't mean to hurt you
Don't you know that, that I'd rather hurt myself? (I'd hurt myself)
[Outro]
Baby, I need you, I need you, I need you
If I did you wrong, if I did you wrong (I'd hurt myself)
I need you, I need you, I need you
If I did you wrong, oh, no (I'd hurt myself)
Written by: Carolyn Franklin