Mona (I Need You Baby)

Bo Diddley

About Mona (I Need You Baby)

"Mona (I Need You Baby)" is a song written by Ellas McDaniel (Bo Diddley) and was the B-side to his 1957 single "Hey! Bo Diddley". According to Diddley's obituary in The New York Times, "Mona" was a song of praise he wrote for a 45-year-old exotic dancer who worked at the Flame Show Bar in Detroit. The song also became the template for Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away".


Year:
2005
2:21
88 

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Bo Diddley done had a farm (hey Bo Diddley)
On that farm he had some women (hey Bo Diddley) 
Women here, women there (hey Bo Diddley)
Women, women, women everywhere (hey Bo Diddley) 
But one little girl lived on a hill (hey Bo Diddley)
She rustled and tussled like Buffalo Bill (hey Bo Diddley) 

One day she decided she'd go for a ride (hey Bo Diddley)
With a pistol and a sword by her side (hey Bo Diddley)
She rolled right up to my front door (hey Bo Diddley)
Knocked an' knocked 'til her fist got sore (hey Bo Diddley)

When she turned and walked away (hey Bo Diddley)
All I could hear my baby say (hey Bo Diddley)
Hey Bo Diddley, oh Bo Diddley
Hey Bo Diddley, oh Bo Diddley
Hey Bo Diddley, oh Bo Diddley
Hey Bo Diddley, oh Bo Diddley

Saw my baby run across the field (hey Bo Diddley)
Slippin' and slidin' like an automobile (hey Bo Diddley)
Hollerin', my baby got towed away (hey Bo Diddley)
Slipped on from me like a Cadillac-8 (hey Bo Diddley)
Hey Bo Diddley, oh Bo Diddley
Hey Bo Diddley, oh Bo Diddley
Hey Bo Diddley, oh Bo Diddley

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Bo Diddley

Ellas Otha Bates (December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008), known by his stage name Bo Diddley, was an American rhythm and blues vocalist, guitarist, songwriter (usually as Ellas McDaniel), and rock and roll pioneer. He was also known as The Originator because of his key role in the transition from the blues to rock, influencing a host of acts, including Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, The Velvet Underground, The Who, The Yardbirds, Eric Clapton,Elvis Presley,The Beatles, and George Michael, among others. He introduced more insistent, driving rhythms and a hard-edged electric guitar sound on a wide-ranging catalog of songs, along with African rhythms and a signature beat (a simple, five-accent rhythm) that remains a cornerstone of rock and pop. Accord… more »

3 fans

Written by: Ellas McDaniel

Lyrics © O/B/O CAPASSO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Artist's Influence
"Mona (I Need You Baby)" was written and performed by American music legend Bo Diddley, who significantly influenced rock and roll music.
Release Year
The song was originally released in 1957 as a B-side single to "Hey! Bo Diddley." The original 45 rpm single was released on Checker Records.
Song Composition
"Mona (I Need You Baby)" is known for being a rhythm and blues song with elements of rock and roll.
Notable Covers
The song has been covered by many prominent artists, including The Rolling Stones in 1964 for their debut album. Other notable covers include those by Quicksilver Messenger Service, Tom Petty, and The Grateful Dead.
In-depth Song Meaning
Though the song appears to be about desire at first, "Mona (I Need You Baby)" can also be taken as a ode to Diddley's electric guitar, referencing the musician's unique model called "The Twang Machine."
Trusty Beat
The song is known for its use of the distinctive "Bo Diddley beat," a rhythm that is punctuated by a syncopated series of riffs.
Film Appearance
"Mona (I Need You Baby)" has been used in the soundtrack for the film "Dr. No", the first James Bond movie.
Recognition and Ranking
The song is included on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll."
Legacy
Bo Diddley's "Mona (I Need You Baby)" is revered as a classic blues tune that has left a lasting impact on the genres of R&B and rock and roll.
Album Appearance
Aside from being a successful single, the song also appears on several of Bo Diddley's albums, including Bo Diddley and Go Bo Diddley.
Live Performances
"Mona (I Need You Baby)" often featured in Diddley's live performances, and it continues to be a popular selection among the artists covering his work.

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