The Babys were a British rock band that was active from 1975-1981. The band had 8 songs in the Billboard top 100. This song peaked at #13 in the Billboard 100, #8 in Canada, #1 in Australia, and #45 in the UK in 1977.
What I liked about The Baby’s was the voice of John Waite. He would later turn solo after the Babys broke up to have a few hits of his own. I never got to see them live but friends told me they were better live than on their records.
From Songfacts
This was the breakout hit for The Babys, a British rock group fronted by John Waite, which also includes Wally Stocker, Tony Brock, and Mike Corby. The song is about a man torn between the possibility of experiencing his great love and the fear of the consequences of its failure. It is known for its strong backup vocals performed by The Babettes, who are Lisa Freeman Roberts, Pat Henderson, Myrna Matthews, and Marti McCall
Isn’t It Time
Falling in love was the last thing I had on my mind
Holding you is a warmth that I thought I could never find
(Sitting here all alone)
Just trying to decide
(Whether to go all alone)
Or stay by your side
(Then I stop myself because)
I know I could cry
I just can’t find the answers
To the questions that keep going through my mind
Hey babe
Isn’t it time
(Isn’t it time it took time to wait)
(Falling in love could be your mistake)
Isn’t it time
(Isn’t it time you took time to wait)
(Falling in love could be your mistake)
I’ve seen visions of someone like you in my life
A love that’s strong reaching out
Holding me through the darkest night
(Sitting here all alone)
Just trying to decide
(Whether to go all alone)
Or stay by your side
(Then I stop myself because)
I don’t want to cry
I just can’t find the answers
To the questions that keep going through my mind
Hey babe
Isn’t it time
(Isn’t it time it took time to wait)
(Falling in love could be your mistake)
Isn’t it time
(Isn’t it time you took time to wait)
(Falling in love could be your mistake)
I feel a warmth in my heart
And my soul that I never knew
This love affair gives me strength
That I need just to get me through
(Sitting here all alone)
Just wondering why
(Then I stop myself because)
I know I could cry
(Then I think of you)
And everything seems alright
I’ve finally found the answers
To the questions that keep going through my mind
Hey babe
Isn’t it time
(Isn’t it time you don’t have to wait)
(Don’t have to wait)
I know it’s time
(Losing this love could be your mistake)
Ooh yeah
(Isn’t it time)
I know it’s time
(Isn’t it time you don’t have to wait)
It must be time
(Don’t have to wait)
(Losing this love could be your mistake)
(Isn’t it time)
It must be time
(Isn’t time you don’t have to wait)
(Don’t have to wait)
It oughta be time
(Losing this love could be your mistake)
(Isn’t it time)
(Isn’t it time you don’t have to wait)
(Don’t have to wait)
It must be time
(Losing this love could be your mistake)
(Isn’t it time)
(Repeat and fade)
When I think of The Baby’s- I think of my best friend in high school- predicting that they were going to be the next Beatles… I thought I saw somewhere where The Babys were touring recently- I wonder if Waite was with them?
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My friends told me how great they were live… not the next Beatles! I was wondering that myself and I looked it up the other night and Waite is not with them.
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If Waite isn’t with them–why would anyone go see them now?
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Unknowing… very good question… bands turn into a tribute band to themselves.
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I like the ones who tour under a name where no one from the original band is even with them -it’s like their brothers cousin’s uncle is the closest connection.
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There are ALOT of the old sixties groups doing that. Lynyrd Skynyrd only has one…and a brother singer.
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Those doo-wop groups are infamous for that too.. I think any act doing that should have to advertise to the people- The Babys–but No John Waite….or whatever…
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Yes you are right… I guess the doo-wop groups can get by with it more because hardly anyone know the real group now. The Temptations would be one of them…on tour now.
Yes I agree. If I went to see the Babys without Waite…uh no.
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The Baby’s…what a name. Cool track all the same
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I have The Baby’s Anthology. I originally bought it when I was a teenager and then later added to my husband’s and my collection. They had some great tunes. I love this song. I love all their hits–especially Head First. That was my introduction to the Babys. They were a victim of their hype. Anytime some stupid publicist touts you as the next Beatles you’re in trouble. I remember hearing the same thing about Duran Duran. Now I really like Duran Duran, but the next Beatles? I think not…Wasn’t Jonathan Cain (Journey) in the Babys?…
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Yes when Cain joined Journey and they changed into a more power ballad band. I will always liked the Gregg Rolie version of Journey much much better…right before Escape.
I liked the Baby’s also. When I heard Back On My Feet Again I really liked them. I didn’t really hear them until it was about over. They had a short career…I’ve read where it was the typical management problems. I ended up buying the Anthology also.
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My husband and I often argue about Jonathan Cain. Like you he prefers the Rolie Journey. Escape is my favorite Journey album, but I have nothing against Greg Rolie. Fantastic pianist/ keyboardist. I liked him best when he was in Santana. Treat, is epic Greg Rolie.
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Yes… Lights, Anyway You Want It, Wheel In The Sky…Cain changed them but I have to admit…their career shot into orbit.
I was lucky to see Rolie with Ringo a few years back…he sang Black Magic Woman I believe. I agree he was best when with Santana.
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Great song. That and “Isn’t It Time?” have been two faves of mine for, I guess around 40 years now!
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Back On My Feet Again is another one I really liked.
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I remember liking this Babys song a lot; although I didn’t know anything about the band other than the name John Waite. My sentimental fave of their songs is Silver Dreams.
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I like that one…it’s been a while since I heard it. The song that really made me like them upon hearing it was Back On My Feet Again.
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Isn’t It Time was epic – I was in my first year at Uni, and it topped my personal charts early in 1978 – adored it. Aaahh happy days. Actually, literally Happy Days as well, that was the cult student sitcom of the moment 🙂
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lol! Great comment!
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Isn’t it time you featured The Babys?! So glad you posted this. Waite is such a talented song writer, I thought they were underrated.
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Good reply!
Yea me also.
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My God I haven’t heard this song for ages, probably since it was number 1 in Australia. hehe. It’s fantastic. Thanks Bad.
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Forgot this song but agreed the guy has a great voice with power in the backup voices.
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John Waite is awesome… I was going to do Missing You from him solo but decided on this one.
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