When Something Is Wrong With My Baby – English Lyrics

• By: Sam & Dave

Lyrics & Translation

Discover the soulful depths of Sam & Dave's "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby," a classic ballad that beautifully illustrates the profound empathy and connection shared between lovers. This song provides an excellent opportunity to explore themes of love, empathy, and commitment, enhancing your understanding of emotional expression in English through its heartfelt lyrics.

[English]

When something is wrong with my baby

...

Something is wrong with me

And if I know she is worried

...

Then I would feel that same misery

Baby we have so much together

We stand as one

And that's what makes it better

When something is wrong with my baby

Something is wrong with me

Now listen, just what, uh-huh, she means to me now

Oh you just wouldn't, you just wouldn't understand

People can say she's no good

But oh, she's my woman

And I know I'm her man

And if she's got a problem

Ooo-ooh I know, I know, I got to help her solve it

When something is wrong with my bab-ay (sho' nuff)

Something is wrong with me

Now, say it again

When something is wrong with my baby

...

Something is wrong with me

...

Oh hey, yeah

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
wrong /rɒŋ/ A2	adjective - not correct or true; incorrect noun - an unjust or immoral act
baby /ˈbeɪ.bi/ A1	noun - a very young child noun - a term of endearment
worried /ˈwʌr.id/ B1	adjective - anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems
feel /fiːl/ A1	verb - to experience an emotion or sensation
misery /ˈmɪz.ər.i/ B2	noun - great suffering or unhappiness
stand /stænd/ A2	verb - to be in or rise to an upright position verb - to tolerate or put up with
better /ˈbet.ər/ A2	adjective - more satisfactory, pleasing, or useful
listen /ˈlɪs.ən/ A1	verb - to give attention to someone or something in order to hear them
understand /ˌʌn.dəˈstænd/ B1	verb - to perceive the intended meaning of (words, a language, or a speaker)
good /ɡʊd/ A1	adjective - of high quality
woman /ˈwʊm.ən/ A1	noun - an adult female human being
man /mæn/ A1	noun - an adult male human being
problem /ˈprɒb.ləm/ A2	noun - a thing that is difficult to deal with or understand
help /help/ A1	verb - to give assistance or support to someone
solve /sɒlv/ B1	verb - to find an answer to, explanation for, or means of effectively dealing with (a problem or mystery)

Key Grammar Structures

• When something is wrong with my baby

  ➔ Subordinate clause with "when"

  ➔ The word "when" introduces a time clause, indicating that the main clause's action happens at the same time as the subordinate clause. "When" "something is wrong with my baby", something else happens.

• Something is wrong with me

  ➔ Use of "wrong with" to describe a problem.

  ➔ The phrase "wrong with" is used to describe that there is a problem with someone or something. It implies a state of being not right or functioning incorrectly. Something is "wrong with" "me" indicates that the speaker is experiencing a problem.

• And if I know she is worried, Then I would feel that same misery

  ➔ Conditional Sentence (Type 2) - Unreal Condition

  ➔ This sentence expresses an unreal or hypothetical situation in the present/future. The "if" clause uses the past simple ("if I know" - although it might sound like present, it's used here to express unreality) and the main clause uses "would + base form of the verb" ("I would feel"). It implies the speaker doesn't know for sure if she is worried.

• Baby we have so much together

  ➔ Use of "so much" to quantify an abstract concept.

  ➔ "So much" is used to express a large quantity of something that is difficult to measure precisely, such as shared experiences or emotional connection. It suggests a significant and abundant amount.

• We stand as one

  ➔ Use of "as" to indicate a role or function.

  ➔ The word "as" here means 'in the role of' or 'in the capacity of'. "We stand as one" means we act like one unified entity, demonstrating unity and solidarity.

• People can say she's no good

  ➔ Modal verb "can" for possibility or permission

  ➔ Here, "can" expresses possibility. "People can say" means that it is possible for people to say something. It doesn't mean that they are allowed to say it, but that they are capable of saying it.

• I know I'm her man

  ➔ Simple present tense to state a fact or truth.

  ➔ The simple present tense "I'm" (I am) expresses a current state of being or a fact that the speaker believes to be true. In this case, it is the speaker's assertion about their relationship.

• I got to help her solve it

  ➔ Use of "got to" as a semi-modal verb expressing obligation

  ➔ "Got to" is an informal way of saying "have to" or "must." It expresses a strong sense of obligation or necessity. "I got to help her" means the speaker feels compelled or obliged to help.