Jump to content

Babe (Sugarland song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Babe"
SinglebySugarlandfeaturingTaylor Swift
from the albumBigger
ReleasedApril 20, 2018(2018-04-20)
GenreCountry pop
Length3:35
LabelBig Machine
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Sugarlandsingles chronology
"Still the Same"
(2017) 		"Babe"
(2018)
Taylor Swiftsingles chronology
"Delicate"
(2018) 		"Babe"
(2018) 		"Getaway Car"
(2018)
Music video
"Babe"onYouTube

"Babe"is a song recorded by Americancountry musicduoSugarland,featuring guest vocals from American singer-songwriterTaylor Swift.It was released byBig Machine Recordson April 20, 2018, as the second single from Sugarland's sixth studio album,Bigger(2018). "Babe" is amidtempocountry pop[1]balladandbreakup song.It peaked at number 2 on theBillboardDigital Songschart, number 8 on theBillboardHot Country Songs,and at number 72 on theBillboardHot 100.

The song was originally written by Swift andPat Monahanof the American bandTrain,for Swift's fourth studio album,Red(2012); however, it did not make the final track-list. Swift re-recorded the song for her second re-recorded album,Red (Taylor's Version)(2021).

Background

[edit]
Taylor Swiftco-wrote "Babe" withTrain'sPatrick Monahan,for her 2012 albumRed.However, it did not make the final track list.

Patrick Monahan,the founding member of rock bandTrain,first spoke about the song during a 2013 interview withABC News Radio.He said that when he asked Swift about collaborating on a song for Train's next album, she asked him to co-write a song for her albumRed(2012). Ultimately, the song was not included on the album, but when Swift decided to put out a deluxe version ofRed,Monahan thought it would finally be released.[2][3][4]The song was not previously recorded.[5][6]

Bigger's track list, which was released on April 12, 2018, shows that "Babe" is the only song on the album not co-written byKristian BushandJennifer Nettlesof Sugarland. Nettles and Bush noted at the time that it was the first time they had recorded a song that neither of them were involved in writing.[7][8]It also marks the second song Swift has written for a country act since making her full transition to pop in 2014, followingLittle Big Town's "Better Man",as well as the first country song on which she is credited as an artist since that time.[9][10]

Sugarland told reporters backstage at the53rd Academy of Country Music Awardsthat the collaboration came about after Swift, who is a Sugarland fan, called the duo wanting to work with them.[11][12]"She was gracious enough to reach out to us when she heard we were coming back together and doing a record," Bush said. "She said, 'I have a song, would you like to do it?' And we said, 'Uh, yeah!' I was a little anxious. I didn't want to mess it up!" Nettles added: "But she loved it and wanted [us] to be a part of it, which is exciting. She said, 'I have a song,' and we said, 'Okay. Send it over.'"[13][14][15]The duo found it to be an unusual experience, since they have never featured anybody on their past albums. "So we weren't really used to sorting through that and we didn't want to mess it up. We didn't tell anybody about it until we got finished and she liked it, thank God."[16]In a video Swift posted on Instagram, she expressed that she is delighted that the song "gets its own life" and that "Sugarland wanted to record it and has done such a great job with it".[17][18][19]

Swift revealed in August 2021 that she would be recording a solo rendition of "Babe" for the2021 re-recordingofRed.[20]

Composition

[edit]

"Babe" is an acoustic, midtempocountryballad about breaking up.[21][22][23]According toRolling Stone's Brittney McKenna, the "foot-stomping" song bears a resemblance to Swift'sSpeak Nowera. Nettles handles the lead vocals while Swift contributes to the song's backing vocals, which can be heard echoing in the chorus and the bridge.[24][25]Lyrically, the song addresses an unfaithful lover.[26]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The song debuted at No. 27 on Country Airplay dated April 28, 2018,[27]The following week it was released for sale, and the song reached No. 8 on Hot Country Songs with 38,000 copies in the first sales week. The song peaked at number 72 on theBillboard Hot 100chart and at number two onDigital Song Saleschart.[28][29][30]It has sold 166,000 copies in the United States as of November 2018.[31]Additionally the song peaked at number 94 in Canada and number 64 in Scotland.

Music video

[edit]

The trailer for the music video aired during the 2018CMT Music Awardsand was uploaded to Sugarland'sYouTubechannel on June 6, 2018, while the official music video premiered on June 9. Swift had the original idea for the video's concept, and as stated per the Sugarland duo themselves, they all got together before the video shoot to collaborate on ideas.[32]To date the video has over 37 million views on YouTube.

Synopsis

[edit]

The video, directed byAnthony Mandler,featuresBrandon Routh,Jennifer NettlesandTaylor Swiftin primary roles.[33][34]Routh and Nettles are a married couple while Swift plays the role of a secretary who is having an affair with her married boss (Routh).[35]Routh is shown to be an unfaithful husband throughout the clip and is, ultimately, discovered by Nettles. However, it is later revealed that both women were victims, with Nettles being cheated on and Swift being told by Routh that he loves her and has written love letters to her, but later abandons her, breaking both women's hearts. The video ends with Routh leaving Swift's house to find his front doors locked and his belongings thrown out on the lawn. Nettles, now alone and free, lies down to go to bed, ready to enjoy her new life, and Routh leaves, asKristian Bush,playing their neighbor, witnesses the whole thing while walking his dog.[36]Swift's attire in the music video was compared to that of characterJoan Hollowayfrom the television seriesMad Men.[37][38]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Organization Award Result Ref.
2018 Country Music Association Awards Video of the Year Nominated [39][40]
2019 Academy of Country Music Awards Nominated [41]
CMT Music Awards Duo Video of the Year Nominated [42]
Collaborative Video of the Year Nominated
Golden Boot Awards Music Video of the Year Nominated [43]
Collaboration of the Year Won

Live performances

[edit]

Sugarland performed the song for the first time onLive with Kelly and Ryanon May 8, 2018.[44]On June 6, 2018, they performed it onThe Today Showlive fromBlake Shelton's bar, Ole Red.[45]The song is also included in the Still the Same Tour set list. Swift included the song on her pre-show playlist on herReputation Stadium Tourand sang it as the surprise song at her Cleveland show.[46]Sugarland joined Swift as the special guest at the second show in Arlington on the tour, where they performed the song together live for the first time.[47]Swift performed the song as a surprise song onthe Eras Tourin mashup with Death by a Thousand Cuts during the fourth show inSingapore.[48]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted fromTidal.[49]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "Babe"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[60] Gold 500,000‡

‡Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "Babe"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Various April 20, 2018
Big Machine [49]
United States Country radio
[61]

"Babe (Taylor's Version)"

[edit]
"Babe (Taylor's Version)"
SongbyTaylor Swift
from the albumRed (Taylor's Version)
ReleasedNovember 12, 2021(2021-11-12)
Genre
Length3:44
LabelRepublic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Lyric video
"Babe (Taylor's Version)"onYouTube

Swift re-recorded "Babe", subtitled "(Taylor's Version) (From the Vault)", for her second re-recorded album,Red (Taylor's Version),released on November 12, 2021, throughRepublic Records.[62]Swift posted a snippet of the re-recording onTumblra day before the album's release.[63]"Babe (Taylor's Version)" is aska-popsong[64]that featurestrumpets,saxophones,andflutesthat were absent from Sugarland's version. It includes additional, repetitive lyrics "What about your promises, promises, promises?" on the background.[65]

"Babe (Taylor's Version)"
A sample of thebreakdownin "Babe (Taylor's Version)", which is not present in the Sugarland version.
Problems playing this file? Seemedia help.

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted fromTidal.[66]

  • Taylor Swift– vocals, songwriting, production
  • Patrick Monahan– songwriting
  • Jack Antonoff– production, acoustic guitar, bass, electric guitar, keyboards,mellotron,percussion, programming, drums, engineering, recording
  • Mikey Freedom Hart – acoustic guitar,celesta,Hammond B3, electric guitar, slide guitar, synthesizer, engineering
  • Sean Hutchinson – drums, percussion, engineering
  • Evan Smith –flute,saxophone, engineering
  • Michael Riddleberger – percussion, engineering
  • Cole Kamen-Green – trumpet, engineering
  • Serban Ghenea–mixing
  • Bryce Bordone – mix engineering
  • David Hart – engineering
  • John Rooney – engineering, engineering assistance
  • Laura Sisk – engineering, recording
  • Jon Sher – engineering assistance
  • Lauren Marquez – engineering assistance

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for "Babe (Taylor's Version)"
Chart (2021) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[67] 56
Global 200(Billboard)[68] 71
USBillboardHot 100[69] 69
USHot Country Songs(Billboard)[70] 21

References

[edit]
  1. ^Pascual, Danielle; Weatherby, Taylor (2022-08-19)."Taylor Swift's Top Collaborations, Ranked: Critics' Picks".Billboard.Archivedfrom the original on 2022-08-22.Retrieved2023-05-24.
  2. ^"Train's Pat Monahan on Writing with Taylor Swift:" Her Perspective Is Very Fresh "".ABC News Radio.October 15, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on November 11, 2020.RetrievedApril 24,2018.
  3. ^Stone, Chelsea (April 20, 2018)."Taylor Swift Wrote and Is Featured on Sugarland's Newest Song" Babe "".Teen Vogue.Archivedfrom the original on October 20, 2020.RetrievedApril 24,2018.
  4. ^Chiu, Melody (April 20, 2018)."Sugarland and Taylor Swift Release Breakup Song 'Babe' — Find Out the Story Behind the Track".People.Archivedfrom the original on April 20, 2018.RetrievedMay 5,2018.
  5. ^Watts, Cindy (April 20, 2018)."Taylor Swift, Sugarland team for country duet 'Babe'".USA Today.Archivedfrom the original on April 24, 2018.RetrievedApril 24,2018.
  6. ^Watts, Cindy (April 12, 2018)."Sugarland, Taylor Swift team for country duet 'Babe'".The Tennessean.RetrievedApril 18,2018.
  7. ^Stephens, Samantha (April 13, 2018)."Taylor Swift Lends Vocals on Sugarland's Bigger".CMT.Archived fromthe originalon April 18, 2018.RetrievedApril 18,2018.
  8. ^Snider, Chase (April 15, 2018)."Sugarland dropping new track with Taylor Swift next week".10News.Archivedfrom the original on April 18, 2018.RetrievedApril 18,2018.
  9. ^Hudak, Joseph (April 12, 2018)."Sugarland Announce New Album 'Bigger,' Taylor Swift Collaboration".Rolling Stone.Archivedfrom the original on April 14, 2018.RetrievedApril 18,2018.
  10. ^White, Caitlin (April 20, 2018)."Hear Taylor Swift Sing On 'Babe,' Country Duo Sugarland's New Breakup Anthem That She Co-Wrote".Uproxx.Archivedfrom the original on April 25, 2018.RetrievedApril 24,2018.
  11. ^Schiller, Rebecca (April 15, 2018)."Sugarland Talks Taylor Swift Collaboration on ACM Awards Red Carpet: 'It's Fantastic'".Billboard.Archivedfrom the original on May 19, 2018.RetrievedApril 18,2018.
  12. ^Thompson, Gayle (April 16, 2018)."Sugarland Reveal How a Taylor Swift Song Landed on Their Upcoming 'Bigger' Album".PopCulture.Archivedfrom the original on April 18, 2018.RetrievedApril 18,2018.
  13. ^Tailor, Leena (April 15, 2018)."Sugarland Teases Lyric Details on New Song 'Babe' Written By Taylor Swift (Exclusive)".Entertainment Tonight.Archivedfrom the original on April 18, 2018.RetrievedApril 18,2018.
  14. ^Mastrogiannis, Nicole (April 18, 2018)."Sugarland Opens Up About New Taylor Swift-Penned Song" Babe "".iHeartRadio.Archivedfrom the original on April 18, 2018.RetrievedApril 18,2018.
  15. ^Runtagh, Jordan (April 15, 2018)."Taylor Swift's Upcoming Sugarland Single 'Just Might Be' Inspired by a Previous Relationship".People.Archivedfrom the original on April 19, 2018.RetrievedApril 18,2018.
  16. ^Freeman, Jon (April 16, 2018)."Sugarland on Recording Taylor Swift Song: 'We Didn't Want to Mess It Up'".Rolling Stone.Archivedfrom the original on April 18, 2018.RetrievedApril 18,2018.
  17. ^Calvario, Liz (April 20, 2018)."Taylor Swift Returns to Country Music With Sugarland Song 'Babe' — Listen".Entertainment Tonight.Archivedfrom the original on April 23, 2018.RetrievedApril 24,2018.
  18. ^Daramola, Israel (April 20, 2018)."Taylor Swift Is Featured on Sugarland's New Song" Babe "".Spin.Archivedfrom the original on April 25, 2018.RetrievedApril 24,2018.
  19. ^Darmon, Aynslee (April 20, 2018)."Taylor Swift Reacts To All The Love For Writing Sugarland's 'Babe'".Entertainment Tonight Canada.Archived fromthe originalon April 25, 2018.RetrievedApril 24,2018.
  20. ^Swift, Taylor [@taylorswift](August 6, 2021)."I know some of you thought that would be like trying to solve a crossword and realizing there's no right answer BUT...you played it good & right. Congrats pals, you guessed the correct titles and feature artists on Red (my version). The vault tracks will feature @chrisstapleton, @phoebebridgers, @markfoster and the first song @teddysphotos and I ever wrote together the first time we met in 2012❗️I can't express my gratitude enough to these artists for helping me bring these songs to life. I can't wait til we can dust off our highest hopes and relive these memories together. We'll also be making a bunch of new ones too, since Red (Taylor's Version) includes so many songs you haven't heard yet. Til then, I'll be counting down and picturing it all in my head. In burning red. Red (Taylor's Version) out November 19. Pre-order now".RetrievedAugust 6,2021– viaInstagram.
  21. ^Rosa, Christopher (April 20, 2018)."Taylor Swift's Fans Are Living for Her New Country Song With Sugarland".Glamour.Archivedfrom the original on April 25, 2018.RetrievedApril 24,2018.
  22. ^Weatherby, Taylor (April 20, 2018)."Sugarland Teams Up With Taylor Swift For Acoustic Breakup Tune 'Babe'".Billboard.Archivedfrom the original on April 25, 2018.RetrievedApril 24,2018.
  23. ^Variety Staff (April 20, 2018)."Sugarland Drop 'Babe,' New Single Featuring and Co-Written by Taylor Swift".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on April 23, 2018.RetrievedApril 24,2018.
  24. ^McKenna, Brittney (April 20, 2018)."Hear Sugarland's New Song 'Babe' With Taylor Swift".Rolling Stone.Archivedfrom the original on April 25, 2018.RetrievedApril 24,2018.
  25. ^Chiu, Melody (April 20, 2018)."Sugarland and Taylor Swift Release Breakup Song 'Babe' — Find Out the Story Behind the Track".People.Archivedfrom the original on April 20, 2018.RetrievedApril 24,2018.
  26. ^Whittaker, Alexandra (April 20, 2018)."Taylor Swift Returns to Country with a Breakup Song Alongside Sugarland".InStyle.Archivedfrom the original on April 24, 2018.RetrievedApril 24,2018.
  27. ^"Country Airplay".Billboard.April 28, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on 2018-07-14.Retrieved2018-07-06.
  28. ^"Hot Country Songs".Billboard.May 5, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on 2018-07-14.Retrieved2018-07-06.
  29. ^"Digital Song Sales".Billboard.May 5, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on February 7, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 7,2020.
  30. ^Bjorke, Matt (April 30, 2018)."Top 30 Digital Country Singles: April 30, 2018".Roughstock.Archivedfrom the original on May 4, 2018.RetrievedJuly 6,2018.
  31. ^Bjorke, Matt (November 13, 2018)."Top 30 Digital Country Singles Chart: November 13, 2018".RoughStock.Archivedfrom the original on November 28, 2018.RetrievedNovember 28,2018.
  32. ^"Sugarland's Steamy 'Babe' Video Treatment Was Taylor Swift's Idea: 'She Reached Out to Us'".PEOPLE.com.Archivedfrom the original on 2019-05-02.Retrieved2018-06-11.
  33. ^Honeycutt, Shanté (June 11, 2018)."Sugarland & Taylor Swift's Glamorous 'Babe' Video Depicts a Retro Love Triangle".Rolling Stone.Archivedfrom the original on July 13, 2019.RetrievedJune 12,2018.
  34. ^Gage, Jeff (June 6, 2018)."See Sugarland, Taylor Swift Tease 'Mad Men' Video for Collaboration 'Babe'".Rolling Stone.Archivedfrom the original on June 12, 2018.RetrievedJune 7,2018.
  35. ^Variety Staff (2018-06-11)."Taylor Swift Plays a Homewrecking Redhead in Sugarland's 'Mad Men'-Inspired 'Babe' Video".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on 2018-06-12.Retrieved2018-06-11.
  36. ^"Watch Taylor Swift Wreck a Marriage in Sugarland's 'Babe' Video".Rolling Stone.Archivedfrom the original on June 12, 2018.RetrievedJune 11,2018.
  37. ^Kiefer, Halle."Taylor Swift Is Here to Ruin Your Life in Sugarland's 'Babe' Music Video".Vulture.Archivedfrom the original on June 12, 2018.RetrievedJune 11,2018.
  38. ^"Yes, Taylor Swift is giving us Mad Men vibes in Sugarland's" Babe "music video — but she's also serving serious Red vibes".HelloGiggles.Archivedfrom the original on June 12, 2018.RetrievedJune 11,2018.
  39. ^"CMA Awards announces 2018 hosts, will reveal nominees on August 28".The Tennessean.
  40. ^"2018 CMA Awards nominations announced".The Tennessean.
  41. ^"2019 ACM Awards nominations".Forbes.Archivedfrom the original on 2019-03-29.Retrieved2019-02-21.
  42. ^"CMT Music Awards 2019: Complete list of winners".The Tennessean.June 5, 2019.RetrievedNovember 15,2019.
  43. ^Stefano, Angela (28 January 2019)."2018 Golden Boot Awards: See the Full List of Winners".The Boot.Archivedfrom the original on 2 November 2020.Retrieved30 November2020.
  44. ^Hermanson, Wendy (May 8, 2018)."Watch Sugarland Perform 'Babe' on 'Kelly and Ryan'".Taste of Country.Archivedfrom the original on June 12, 2018.RetrievedJune 9,2018.
  45. ^"Watch Sugarland perform their new song 'Babe' live on Today".The Today Show.June 6, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on June 12, 2018.RetrievedJune 9,2018.
  46. ^Iasimone, Ashley."All the Surprise Songs Taylor Swift Has Performed on Her Reputation Stadium Tour B-Stage (So Far)".Billboard.Archivedfrom the original on 27 May 2018.Retrieved25 September2018.
  47. ^Hudak, Joseph (7 October 2018)."See Sugarland, Taylor Swift's First Ever Live Performance of 'Babe'".Rolling Stone.Archivedfrom the original on 8 October 2018.Retrieved10 October2018.
  48. ^Shafer, Ellise (2024-03-08)."Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: Every Surprise Song She's Played So Far".Variety.Retrieved2024-03-09.
  49. ^ab"Babe / Sugarland TIDAL".Tidal.Archivedfrom the original on April 25, 2019.RetrievedApril 20,2018.
  50. ^"Sugarland Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)".Billboard.Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  51. ^"Sugarland Chart History (Canada Country)".Billboard.Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  52. ^"NZ Heatseeker Singles Chart".Recorded Music NZ.April 30, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on April 22, 2018.RetrievedApril 27,2018.
  53. ^"Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100".Official Charts Company.Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  54. ^"Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100".Official Charts Company.Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  55. ^"Sugarland Chart History (Hot 100)".Billboard.Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  56. ^"Sugarland Chart History (Country Airplay)".Billboard.Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  57. ^"Sugarland Chart History (Hot Country Songs)".Billboard.Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  58. ^"Country Airplay – Year-End 2018".Billboard.13 December 2013.Archivedfrom the original on December 5, 2018.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
  59. ^"Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2018".Billboard.Archivedfrom the original on December 5, 2018.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
  60. ^"American single certifications – Sugarland – Babe".Recording Industry Association of America.RetrievedFebruary 22,2023.
  61. ^Cantor, Brian (April 18, 2018)."Sugarland & Taylor Swift's New Single" Babe "Arrives At 6AM ET On April 20".Headline Planet.Archivedfrom the original on September 26, 2020.RetrievedApril 18,2018.
  62. ^Al-Heeti, Abrar (November 11, 2021)."Red (Taylor's Version):Release date, tracklist, why Taylor Swift is rerecording her albums ".CNET.Archivedfrom the original on November 20, 2021.RetrievedNovember 13,2021.
  63. ^Lynch, Joe (November 11, 2021)."Taylor Swift Teases 'Babe' Solo Version on Tumblr".Billboard.RetrievedNovember 29,2021.
  64. ^Snapes, Laura (November 12, 2021)."Taylor Swift:Red (Taylor's Version)review – getting back together with a classic ".The Guardian.Archivedfrom the original on November 12, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 19,2021.
  65. ^Willman, Chris (November 12, 2021)."OnRed (Taylor's Version),Taylor Swift's Vault Tracks Are All Too Swell: Album Review ".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on November 13, 2021.RetrievedNovember 12,2021.
  66. ^"Babe / Taylor Swift TIDAL".Tidal.Archivedfrom the original on November 13, 2021.RetrievedNovember 19,2021.
  67. ^"Taylor Swift Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)".Billboard.Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  68. ^"Taylor Swift Chart History (Global 200)".Billboard.Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  69. ^"Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)".Billboard.Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  70. ^"Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot Country Songs)".Billboard.Retrieved November 23, 2021.
[edit]


Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Babe_(Sugarland_song)&oldid=1235514936"